Acne Scarring

Acne Scarring

With over 14 years’ experience providing clients with the most effective acne scar treatment The Laser and Skin Clinic use only the latest, advanced and most effective treatment for acne scars.

Acne scarring occurs in the dermis and refers to a process where collagen within the skin is damaged from inflammation, leading to permanent skin textural changes. When people suffer from acne the dermis becomes inflamed and the body attempts to repair the wound created when pimples or blackheads are burst or otherwise removed. However, some people can refer to scarring when they see colour changes that remain for months after an acne lesion has healed. Acne scarring can range from red blemishes to indented scarring.

At our award winning skin clinics in Dublin, Athlone and Mullingar we have an entire team of dedicated professionals who have been trained to perform a wide range of Acne Scar Treatments.

Acne Scar Treatment Options

Laser Resurfacing
REJUVAPEN Microneedling
ICON MAXG IPL
Affirm Laser Rejuvenation
Platelet Rich Plasma
Chemical Peels

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Scars are areas of fibrous tissue (fibrosis) that replace normal skin after injury. A scar results from the biological process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues of the body. With the exception of very minor lesions, every wound (e.g. after accident, disease, surgery) results in some degree of scarring.

Acne scars can form from a reaction to the inflammation and infection in the skin caused by acne. During the inflammatory process, tissue is destroyed and in an attempt to heal the skin, a reaction called fibrosis occurs. Fibrosis leads to changes in the texture of the skin that can be thinner (called atrophic) or thicker (called hypertrophic) than normal skin.

Ice Pick Scarring – This common type of scarring is usually deep, very narrow and extends into the dermis. The skin surface looks as though it has been pierced by an ice pick hence the name ‘Ice pick’ scar. Some ice pick scars are large in size and others look similar to an open pore.

Boxcar Scarring – Boxcar scars are usually rounded or oval shaped depressions in the skin with steep vertical sides. Much wider than an Ice pick scar, they resemble the scars left by chicken pox and usually found on the cheek area.

Rolling Scarring – Scars that give the skin a wave-like appearance across otherwise normal appearing skin is caused by damage under the skins surface. These scars tend to be wide and shallow in appearance.

Hypertrophic Scarring (Keloid Scarring) – A Hypertrophic scar is raised from the skins surface and is firm in texture. These types of scars are commonly found on the back or chest area of the body but can also appear and on the face and neck and usually reduce in size over time. Keloid scarring is a form of Hypertrophic scarring.

Inflammation caused by acne leads to redness of the skin. Redness usually starts when the acne lesion is active. Even after the acne lesion has improved, however, inflammation may continue deep in the skin, causing persistent redness of the skin.

Inflammation also stimulates the production of the pigment molecule called melanin, leading to brown or black discoloration. Thus, in those who tan easily or with darker skin tones, melanin production is stimulated by the inflammation leading to brown discoloration around the acne lesion. Although the discoloration lasts longer than the acne lesion itself, the discoloration can fade with time – sometimes several months. This can be treated effectively with Chemical Peels, ActiveFX DeepFX Laser Resurfacing or Lightening Products.

At The Laser and Skin Clinic we offer the latest technology for the treatment of acne scarring. Our team of nurses and therapists are highly experienced in treating acne scarring with a wide range of clinically proven acne revision treatments to choose from including:

  • Laser Resurfacing (Ablative Fractional Laser)
  • Affirm Laser Rejuvenation (Non- Ablative Fractional Laser)
  • Dermapen (Micro needling skin treatment)
  • Chemical Peels
  • PRP Platelet Rich Plasma

Ablative and non-ablative fractional lasers such as ActiveFX Laser Resurfacing and Affirm Laser Rejuvenation are an extremely effective acne scar treatment. Fractional laser works by treating a “fraction” of the skin, creating thousands of tiny perforations, whilst leaving undamaged skin intact. These undamaged cells move into the “damaged area”, and heal the wounded area. The injury to the damaged skin causes collagen stimulation.

Further collagen remodelling takes place for 3-6 months and the number of acne scar treatments will depend on the severity of the acne scars, but usually 3-6 treatments are required with the Laser Skin Resurfacing and 4-6 treatments with the Affirm Laser Rejuvenation. Laser treatment for acne scars results will depend on the severity of the scars and how your skin reacts to the treatment.

Both treatments are extremely effective when improving the appearance of acne scars. Active Deep FX penetrates the skin deeper and requires more recovery time while the Affirm laser requires very little down time and more treatments are recommended to achieve optimal results.

For anyone who wants little to no downtime the Dermapen micro needling treatment or Affirm Laser Rejuvenation may be the best option. Dermapen Micro needling treatment can provide dramatic results improving the appearance of all types of scars including acne scars. The micro needles of the Dermapen create new collagen and elastin to be generated and deposited called collagenesis. The physical nature of skin-needling breaks up this fibrous and uneven scar tissue and stimulates the growth of new tissue thus improving the appearance and texture of the skin surface. A combination of both treatments may be recommended as both have minimal recovery time.

While each client is different and conditions will vary, the typical recommended treatment course will consist of 6 treatments to achieve the best result.

A chemical peel is a great all around treatment that not only improves superficial scarring, but treats a multitude of skin conditions in one treatment. Active DeepFX and Dermapen Micro needling are preferred for more indented type scarring but chemical peels are excellent for shallow scars and discoloration associated with acne scarring.

MyCells Platelet Rich Plasma treatment also known as the ‘Vampire Facial’ uses a purified and concentrated portion of your own blood to rejuvenate your facial skin and the tissue underneath. PRP injections are capable of naturally accelerating normal healing and tissue repair and therefore treatment of scars and skin tone.

Platelet Rich Plasma involves is a total of 3 treatments performed 6-12 weeks apart. The results have shown rejuvenated skin with effects lasting over 18 months and when combined with Affirm Laser Rejuvenation can further boost collagen production.

The effect of Vitamin A is superficial, and the changes that are seen are primarily epidermal. Therefore, the only scars that can be improved would be those that are extremely shallow. Pure Vitamin A works by stimulating cell turnover and collagen production in the skin. It increases the skin’s own exfoliation process to remove dead cells while stimulating new skin cells faster, resulting in better skin texture and appearance.

Pure Vitamin A can therefore help remove the pigment associated with acne scars by causing these coloured cells to flake off more quickly than without it. It can work as a treatment for acne and can help minimise the appearance of mild acne scars however the scar revision benefits of topical retinoid for significant acne scarring is quite modest.

When treating acne scars, a topical retinoid is best used in combination with other treatments.

Acne Scar Treatment using Dermapen

Results

Results

BeforeAfter

The Laser and Skin Clinic IconThe Laser and Skin Clinic

7 Pembroke Street Lower, Dublin 2

4.8 350 reviews

  • Avatar Clare Gorman ★★★★★ 2 months ago
    I have noticed a huge improvement in my skin since completing a course of skin peels before lockdown, I have been using my products religiously and have just re-ordered! I am just so happy with how my skin is looking and feeling I will … More never go back to mainstream skincare. Thanks Laser and Skin Clinic!!
  • Avatar Karen Brady ★★★★★ 2 months ago
    Have been attending the Laser and Skin clinic for over 2 years. The nurses are always so friendly and knowledgeable, make you feel in safe hands. Even over lockdown my skin is improving, I use the recommended products daily and am seeing … More a huge difference. Can’t wait to get back into the clinic for my next skin peel!
  • Avatar Bronwynpugh Pugh ★★★★★ 2 months ago
    Started a course of laser hair removal last year and I’m delighted with the results so far. Have hardly shaved at all during lockdown 🙌🏻 The staff are always so lovely and full of advice. Can’t wait to get back and finish my course when … More they’re open. Would highly recommend

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*Results and benefits can vary and are different for each individual. Therefore The Laser and Skin Clinic cannot guarantee specific results.