Acne scars can be extremely difficult to cover up and pitted scars can be a painful reminder of past acne breakouts. What can you do to smooth away, fill in, and get rid of deep acne scars?

Read on for information from acne treatment expert and doctor Aeria Chang, MD. Catch her beauty blogs twice monthly for the best tips on skin care and cosmetic treatments.

What Causes Acne Scars?

There are several types of acne scars, and each type calls for a different treatment approach.

1. Atrophic acne scars are sometimes referred to as “pitting,” and cause an indentation in the skin. The reason why this occurs is that the healing process did not produce enough new tissue to fill in the area where the acne blemish was. The depth of the indentation will depend on the size and depth of the acne blemish and how it was dealt with. Popping pimples, for example, makes scarring worse.
2. Keloid acne scars are raised and discolored scars that develop when the body creates too much tissue in response to an injury (such as a pimple). People who are prone to these types of scars usually also develop keloids after a deep cut, piercing, or surgery.
3. Hypertrophic acne scars are similar to keloids because they are raised scars that occur when too much tissue is created after an acne blemish. However, with hypertrophic scarring, the raised areas are much smaller and they do not itch or hurt.

Solutions to Get Rid of Deep Acne Scars

Mild scars: Topical solutions containing retinoid, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acids, and lactic acid can help reduce the appearance of minor acne scars. Hyperpigmentation can be improved with skin care products and facials that contain these effective ingredients. In many cases, these ingredients are also used to help prevent future breakouts. Ask Dr. Chang about which products would work best for your individual situation.

Moderate scars: Chemical peels are effective treatments that we offer in the office. They are designed to encourage the shedding of old skin cells, which can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and rough skin texture in patients with mild-to-moderate scarring. Microneedling treatments are also effective because they release the microscopic bands of scar tissue that contribute to a “pitted” appearance. Once microneedling has been performed, new collagen is produced in the area, giving the skin a smoother texture. Other treatments that can work well for moderate scarring include dermal fillers, Lutronic Genius, Agnes RF, and certain laser skin resurfacing devices.

Severe scars: Laser skin resurfacing, sublative RF treatments, Fraxel DUAL (mild-to-severe scarring), Venus VIVA, and photodynamic therapy are treatments that Dr. Chang uses to reduce the appearance of severe acne scars. Many of these treatments are also ideal for minor-to-moderate scarring. Dr. Chang will help you decide which treatment would work best. In many cases, Bellafill^® is injected into the scars to help boost collagen and fill in indentations.

Please note that most treatments for acne scars will require a series of treatments over time to see optimal results. There is no perfect, singular treatment solution for acne scars.

Get Acne Scar Treatments in San Diego – Beatitude Aesthetic Medicine

Since 2008, Dr. Aeria Chang has been treating and preventing acne for patients in San Diego. Her years of experience and medical expertise allow her to provide patients like you with safe and effective treatments.

Get in touch today to book your consultation by calling us at (619) 280-1609.

*Bellafill^® is a registered trademark of Suneva Medical, Inc.

*All images are of models.