Acne Scar Treatment

An acne scar is a pit or an uneven patch of tissue left in the skin as an inflamed spot heals. Fractional laser, radiofrequency gold needle, microneedling and chemical peels are used in treatment. The aim is to reduce how the scar looks. At the practice in Muratpaşa, Antalya, Dr. Oya Oylum Argun decides at the consultation which method suits.

Why do acne scars form? An acne scar forms when inflammation damages the deeper layers of the skin. If the skin cannot make enough collagen while repairing this damage, a pit is left on the surface. The deeper and longer the inflammation, the more likely it is to leave a scar. Squeezing a spot can also push the inflammation deeper.

Is every mark after a spot a scar? No. Red or brown marks are mostly a temporary colour change left by inflammation and may fade with time. A lasting scar shows as a pit or unevenness in the texture of the skin. The two are treated differently, so the distinction is made at the consultation.

The methods used for acne scars share one aim: to start a controlled repair response in the deeper layers of the skin. Which one is chosen depends on the depth of the scar, how your skin responds to sun and the area treated:

• Fractional laser makes many tiny channels in the skin, causing controlled damage; the skin increases collagen production as it repairs this. Redness and crusting can last 3 to 10 days after the treatment. It is done only in the winter months.
• Radiofrequency gold needle delivers energy through the needle tip to a set depth. The surface is largely protected while repair starts in the deeper layer. On average, three to four sessions about four weeks apart are planned.
• Microneedling makes many small channels in the skin and increases collagen production as it heals. The needle depth is adjusted to the site of the scar.
• Chemical peel works mostly on surface texture and differences in tone. Four sessions are planned, four to six weeks apart, and it is not done in the summer months.

Is scar treatment done while acne is still active? While acne is active, the priority is to prevent new scars. If new inflamed spots keep appearing, new scars can form in the treated area. So the acne is brought under control first and scar treatment is planned afterwards.

How many sessions does acne scar treatment take? It is not finished in one session. The number of sessions varies with the depth of the scar and the method chosen; time is left between sessions for the skin to heal. Treatments such as fractional laser are planned for autumn and winter because renewing skin is sensitive to the sun.

Acne scar treatment is planned at the practice in Muratpaşa, Antalya. Dr. Oya Oylum Argun determines the type of scar and the method at the consultation.