Hypertrophic Acne Scars | Keloid Acne Scars | Atrophic Acne Scars
Types of Acne Scars and How to Treat Them
What’s worse than breaking out in the first place? When that pimple you had last week leaves behind a forever reminder on your face in the form of an acne scar. Whether it’s a pockmarked indentation or a lumpy, bumpy mass, here’s what causes Hypertrophic Acne Scars, Keloid Acne Scars and Atrophic Acne Scars and what treatments are effective at diminishing their appearance:
Different Acne Scars: What are the Different Kinds of Acne Scars?
Acne scars are broken down into two types of scarring, Depressed Acne Scars (Atrophic) and Raised Acne Scars (Hypertrophic and Keloid). They both represent a permanent textural change to the skin that occurs following an acne lesion. How the body responds to the acne during the healing process will determine the type of acne scar that develops.
Depressed Acne Scars (Atrophic Acne Scars)
This type of acne scarring is the most common. Atrophic Scars occur when the body does not produce enough collagen to repair the damage caused by inflamed acne lesions. Thus, while the acne mark does heal, it also leaves behind an indentation in the skin. Depressed Acne Scarring is broken down further by its appearance after it heals:
Ice Pick Acne Scar:
Distinguished by its narrow, deeply pitted appearance.
What Causes Ice Pick Scars:
When an infection in a cyst or blemish makes its way to the surface of the skin, it destroys skin tissue along the way, leaving an ice pick scar in its wake.
Boxcar Acne Scars:
Broader than Ice Pick Scarring, Boxcar Scars are typically round or oval in shape.
What Causes Boxcar Scars:
When inflammation from a breakout destroys collagen, the area is left without supportive skin tissue. This creates a crater-like indentation in the form of a Boxcar Scar.
Rolling Acne Scars:
Broader than Boxcar Scarring, these types of scars appear to ripple across the surface of the skin. Rolling Acne Scars often occur as the result of protracted bouts of acne.
What Causes Rolling Scars:
Fibrous bands of tissue develop between the epidermis and subcutaneous layers of skin. These thick bands actually pull on the epidermis, creating a rolling effect on the skin.
Raised Acne Scars (Hypertrophic Acne Scars or Keloid Acne Scars)
Less common than Atrophic Scarring, Raised Acne Scars occur when the body produces too much collagen when healing an acne lesion, As a result, the acne lesion is replaced with too much tissue, which creates a bumpy texture on the skin. Hypertrophic and Keloid Scarring are generally more common in people with darker skin tones. It’s often even difficult for a doctor to distinguish between Hypertrophic and Keloid Scarring, although differences include:
Hypertrophic Acne Scarring:
- Raised no more than 4mm above the surface of the skin
- Appear red or pink in color
Keloid Acne Scarring;
- Raised more than 4mm above the surface of the skin
- Can outgrow the original acne lesion boundary
- Appear pink or purple in color
- Can continue to grow
What is the Best Salon Treatment for Acne? How to Remove Scars Caused by Pimples?
In general, scarring is by definition a permanent textural change to the skin, which means that acne scarring cannot be reversed completely. Because of this challenge, It is recommended that you seek professional help, in order to see real improvement to the skin. Additionally over-the-counter or DIY at-home acne remedies for scarring typically do not have the strength to diminish acne scarring or can lead to discoloration of the skin (hyperpigmentation or dark marks), if not handled properly.
Smooth Synergy Medical Spa offers many treatments designed for both effective and safe acne aftercare:
Dermal Fillers for Acne Scars
This category includes Juvederm, Restylane and Belotero, which are highly effective at filling in depressions caused by acne scars.
Microdermabrasion for Acne Scars
Resurfaces the skin to create a smooth surface and even out skin tone.
Microneedling for Acne Scars
Triggers the body’s natural ability to heal, which leads to collagen production and cellular turnover to encourage skin tissue regeneration.
Chemical Peels / Facial Peels for Acne Scars
A chemical solution peels the top layer of dead skin cells, resurfacing the skin. Works to even out skin texture and tone.
Hypertrophic Acne Scars, Keloid Acne Scars, Atrophic Acne Scars: Treatment at Smooth Synergy, NYC
If you have acneic or congested skin, Smooth Synergy Medical Spa offers a comprehensive menu of treatments designed to bring back balance to your skin and deal with the aftereffects of acne breakouts Call us at 212-397-0111 to speak with an Expert in Beauty who is here to create an individualized treatment plan that’s right for you.
