Acne Scar Management

True acne scars never completely disappear, although their appearance can be greatly improved with medical-grade treatments over time. The following types of scars occur in acne:

• Ice-pick scars – these are deep, narrow, pitted scars.

• Rolling scars – broad depressions with a sloping edge.

• Boxcar scars – broad depressions with sharply defined edges.

• Atrophic scars – flat, thin scars or depressed scars.

• Hypertrophic or keloid scars – thick lumpy scars.

Ice pick and boxcar scars may improve with combination treatments, including LASER resurfacing, and punch grafting for deep scars. TCA CROSS 50-100% uses precisely placed trichloracetic acid peel solution, subcision which is a surgical technique in which the fibrous band under the scar is released, allowing the skin to return to its normal position. Atrophic and rolling scars may improve with soft tissue hyaluronic acid augmentation, PCIT medical-grade microneedling, LASER rejuvenation or resurfacing.

Hypertrophic scars may improve with topical steroids, intralesional steroid injections, silicone gel dressings PCIT medical-grade microneedling, and surgical revision.

Unfortunately, hypertrophic or keloid scars are particularly prone to recur even after apparently successful treatment.