Acne Scarring
How to get rid of Acne Scars?
Once your acne has cleared, you may find you have some pigmentation and scarring, which occurs in around one in five people. At The Skin Investment Clinic we offer personalised treatment options to help you regain your confidence and help minimise any marks or scarring.
What is the best treatment for acne scars?
Not all scarring is the same. At The Skin Investment Clinic we offer a range of treatments to combat all different types of acne scars. You will need a consultation with one of our skincare experts so they can assess your scars and develop a treatment plan tailored to you. Options include:
✔ Micro-needling with or without ACP (starting from £250)
✔ Chemical skin peels (from £145)
✔ TCA Cross (from £200 – £350)
✔ ACP injections (from £300)
✔ Laser and Laser Resurfacing (dependent on severity of scarring as different laser modalities offered. Surrey clinic only)
Permanently reduce or remove acne scarring to reveal smooth, healthy skin.
Acne scarring can be treated effectively with a range of innovative treatments which drastically reduce or remove scars completely. Our qualified skin experts will give you expert advice and support throughout your journey with us.
If you would firstly like to discuss our recommended treatment option for your scarring, please call your nearest clinic.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT CAUSES ACNE SCARRING?
Acne scarring can develop as a complication of acne. Any type of acne spot can lead to scarring and scarring is more common when nodules and cysts are present. It is caused when the body works extremely hard to heal the wounds caused by acne which leads to an excess of collagen build-up in the skin. This collagen can stay in place permanently which causes acne scarring.
WILL ACNE SCARS HEAL?
There are different types of scarring,
- ice pick scars (small deep holes),
- rolling scars (uneven skin) and
- boxcar scars (craters in the skin)
Some scars may improve slightly on their own depending on the severity and some scarring will be more stubborn than others.
Dark spots on the skin (usually red, brown or purple) are very common and aren’t true acne scars. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and will be much easier to treat than deeper scars and might heal over time.
Other acne scars can be permanent if left untreated. Scarring can also be increased if spots are picked, so it is very important to avoid this.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR ACNE SCARS TO HEAL?
Before we know the answer, it is important to determine the type of scar which we will do in your initial consultation. It is essential we wait until your skin is almost cleat of acne to begin treatment. As an example, many of our clients see great results from micro-needling where a course of 6 is required, so you may be looking for a minimum of 6 weeks to see a substantial results.
With laser resurfacing many clients experience amazing results after just one treatment.
IS ACNE SCAR TREATMENT PAINFUL?
- In micro-needling treatments, there may be some very mild discomfort but anaesthetic cream can be used before the treatment if necessary.
- Chemical skin peels are usually pain free – you may feel some tingling or warmth but it is only temporary
- The Cosmelan peel is a more intense peel used for hyper pigmentation. This can also cause a few weeks of discomfort as the skin resurfaces.
- TCA Cross can cause mild to moderate stinging when the acid is applied but the sensation is short lived
- Laser and Laser Resurfacing can cause a bit more downtime and the sensation of the treatment has been likened to a quick flick of an elastic band.
WILL THIS ACNE SCAR TREATMENT BE RIGHT FOR ME?
The treatments we offer to combat acne scarring are effective for most people. If there are any issues with your suitability for treatment, your skin expert will discuss these with you at your initial consultation.
HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS LAST?
In most cases, the results will be permanent, however, if you suffer from acne again after having acne scarring treatment, there is a risk that new scars will form and you will require further acne scarring treatment.
IF I STILL HAVE ACTIVE ACNE CAN I START MY ACNE SCAR TREATMENT?
No. you will have to wait to begin your acne scarring treatment until your skin is relatively clear. Any treatment can irritate your skin which can often be painful and sensitive.
Micro-Needling
Micro-needling (also known as skin needling or collagen induction therapy) is a type of treatment that uses small needles that cause tiny punctures in the skin. As your skin repairs, the production of collagen and elastin is triggered to give an almost immediate plumping effect. It can also help tackle skin damage such as scarring, dark marks, sun damage and ageing.
Depending on the severity of the scarring, we recommended starting with a course of 3 micro-needling sessions
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a pharmaceutical or medical grade peel. It provokes accelerated skin regeneration in a controlled manner through application of chemo-exfoliation agents that are used to act on different layers of the skin. There are different strengths of peels from mild to advanced medical skin peels.
The peeling action causes the elimination of the external layers of the skin with the objective of stimulating collagen, elastin and skin regeneration.
Find out more about skin peels here
tca cross
TCA Cross is the chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) using trichloroacetic acid (TCA). It is most often used as an outpatient clinic procedure to treat atrophic acne scars. TCA is inexpensive, safe, and efficient.
The TCA CROSS procedure involves depositing small amounts of TCA concentration onto the surface of the atrophic scar. The TCA causes a local inflammatory reaction leading to the formation of new collagen fibres
Resurfacing laser
Deep Resurfacing with Contour TRL safely removes a layer of skin to a depth determined by our physicians. The depth of treatment will depend on the skin condition, your desired outcome, and expectation for downtime. Because Contour TRL can affect tissue with precision, your physician can treat your skin with the exact amount of energy needed – no more, no less. Treating skin with a laser stimulates the growth of new collagen, which improves the skin’s thickness and resilience. The skin surface will also re-grow with fresh, healthy cells, which will give your skin a younger rejuvenated appearance.
Before Treatment
After Treatment
Proven Secrets: Eliminating Acne and Scarring eBook
Take a look at clinic founder, Holly Mason’s, recently published book about proven secrets in eliminating acne and scarring.
Free Download: Acne Top Tips
Acne can be controlled but not cured. Seeking and following professional advice and having the right treatment plan are key to managing and keeping it under control.