Acne scars

Acne scars are permanent and sometimes severe consequences of an inflammatory acne disease. Whether acne heals with scarring depends on various factors. Early and stage-appropriate treatment is important. Acne scars can manifest themselves as depressions in the skin or as a thickening of the skin. It is possible to improve the condition of the skin using fractional laser procedures.

Read on to find out more about the treatment and removal of acne scars.

C. Bettina Rümmelein, M.D., Specialist in Dermatology & Venereology
C. Bettina Rümmelein, M.D., Specialist in Dermatology & Venereology
Symptoms

Acne scars symptoms

Acne scars that appear after a Acne disease can occur at any age, appear as small depressions, bulges or growths on the surface of the skin. To prevent the development of acne scars, early and adequate treatment of the skin disease is crucial.

There are three different types of acne scars:

  • Atrophic scars (ice pick scars) lie below the adjacent tissue and look like small depressions. They occur when too little connective tissue is produced during scar formation and the wound cannot heal properly.
  • Hypertrophic scars overhang the adjacent skin and look like a bulge in the skin. They occur because too much connective tissue is produced during scar formation. These scars may hurt or itch.
  • Keloids are hypertrophic scars that continue to grow uncontrollably and can affect other areas of the skin. They occur after acne disorders, but are relatively rare.
Causes

Acne scars causes

The development of acne scars is due to injuries to both the epidermis and the deeper layers of the skin, such as the dermis. Although the skin has the ability to regenerate, the scar tissue may have limited functionality and look different than before. Sebaceous and sweat glands cannot form and hair cannot grow in the scar tissue. Blood circulation and hydration are lower than in normal tissue.

Acne scars can be caused by serious illnesses or unprofessional treatment of acne. Squeezing out pimples yourself and without care increases the chance of acne scars in particular, as this can destroy tissue and reduce the chance of normal regeneration. In contrast to acne, which usually disappears sooner or later, the resulting scars may remain for life. They can therefore be even more psychologically stressful, as there is little hope of independent improvement.

Treatment

Acne scars treatment

There are several methods to remove acne scars and improve skin appearance:

Laser treatment

  • Acne scars can be treated efficiently with a laser. The eCO2 Laser is a recognized, low-complication, tissue-sparing laser that involves few risks. It is used to make numerous deep, but only 1/10mm diameter "stab holes" in the skin, which activate the skin's self-healing powers.

Injections

  • Acne scars can be treated with injections. Deep scars are treated with Hyaluronic acid "injected" so that they match the level of healthy skin. Injections should be repeated about every 6 months. Thickened scar tissue breaks down when injected with cortisone. For light scars, we recommend skin booster injections.

Cosmetics

  • Fruit acid peeling can also help with acne scars. Natural fruit acids in high concentration, e.g. glycolic acid, are used for a well-tolerated peeling treatment of the skin. During peeling, the upper dead skin cell layer is removed so that fresh, intact skin tissue appears underneath. This exfoliation (peeling) of the dead upper skin cells stimulates the skin cells underneath to regenerate.

Other therapy methods to improve skin appearance and acne scar removal include:

Tixel treatment

  • This method uses controlled short-term heat to create punctiform openings in the skin. This allows serums and active ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin and improve acne scars.

Radiofrequency therapy

  • Our therapy works with frequencies that stimulate the production of collagen and healthy skin cells, which makes the skin look fresher and more even.

Infini method

  • Infini is a radiofrequency therapy that stimulates collagen formation thanks to microneedling. It is the latest technology to fulfill the desire for smooth and younger-looking skin. INFINI enables precise 3D treatment to reduce wrinkles and scars and to tighten the skin. Targeted intradermal radiofrequency delivery through the finest gold-plated needles allows the stimulation of collagen deep in the dermis, protecting the epidermis from thermal damage. This is therefore a safe and highly effective technology for patients of all skin types. The treatment can also be carried out in summer. The downtime is very short, so you can go back out with make-up on the very next day.

Operational measures

  • In the case of large acne scars, surgical measures may also be necessary. The advantages and disadvantages of such procedures are carefully weighed with the doctor.

Regardless of the origin of acne scars and the changes in the skin surface, it is important that you consult a dermatologist to find a suitable scar correction method. Remember to protect your skin from UV radiation to avoid inflammation and further skin damage.

Frequently asked questions

Acne Scars Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to prevent acne scars?

The most important measure is the timely treatment of acne according to the skin type. There are forms of acne that lead to scars very quickly, and there are skin types that develop particularly dramatic scars. Acne is not a banal puberty disease. It is now also increasingly affecting young adults. According to the latest figures, 40% of 25 to 40-year-old patients suffer from acne. The only important tip for those affected is not to squeeze inflamed pimples, as this is where the risk of scarring is highest.

How long does it take to see results from acne scar treatments?

You can usually see initial results after one treatment, but please allow 3 to 6 treatments.

Can acne scars be completely removed, or will some degree of scarring always remain?

In most cases, remnants of the scars remain visible. Especially deep sunken scars leave dents that can only be flattened. It is best to ask the doctor during a consultation what to expect in your personal case.
Further information

Further information

Publications
Acne scars - New hope for unsightly puberty memories.
Rümmelein, B. / Aesthetic Dermatology, Issue 1-2013: 24-25 (second publication).
Article
What really helps with acne scars?
Stefanie Sand
Article
Unsightly scars
Dr. med. (I) Ikonija Koceva

Further information

Publications
Acne scars - New hope for unsightly puberty memories.
Rümmelein, B. / Aesthetic Dermatology, Issue 1-2013: 24-25 (second publication).
Article
What really helps with acne scars?
Stefanie Sand
Article
Unsightly scars
Dr. med. (I) Ikonija Koceva