How to Get Rid of Acne Scars Permanently | Your Complete Guide

by Andy Cheng Director

Permanent acne scars can form if acne is not well-managed during the infection. When unsightly acne scars form, it can have far-reaching devastating effects on your self-confidence and self-esteem. While there isn't a miracle treatment to completely transform skin plagued by acne scars to becoming flawless and smooth, there are certainly ways you can manage the Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) left behind by acne.

What’s the difference between PIH and acne scars?

Before we discuss the different treatment options available for acne scars, it is important to tell the difference between PIH and acne scars.

PIH is identified by the red, purple marks that linger after the pimple has disappeared. If left untreated, PIH can take about 3 to 6 months to lighten.

Some common topical medicine doctors may prescribe are retinoids and vitamin C serum to expedite the healing process.

On the other hand, acne scars are permanent indentation from collagen damage and can come in different forms. These scars will not go away even if you choose to leave them alone. Some scars are thick, raised hypertrophic scars and some are atrophic ones that appear as depressions in the skin. The 3 main types of atrophic scars are:

ICE PICK SCARS These are scars that are deep and narrow. They resemble an enlarged pore.
BOXCAR SCARS These scars are broad and have regular shapes with defined edges.
ROLLING SCARS These scars are characterised as rounded with sloping edges. They take on an orange-peel appearance.

What causes acne scars and PIH?

The healing process of the skin after an inflammation may cause the skin to create abnormal pigmentation that is different from the surrounding skin tissue. Sometimes, a broken blood vessels that heals after wound heals may also result in a permanent dark mark on the skin.

The colour of the skin also makes a difference in the shade of the pigment. Generally people with lighter skin tone will leave a darker pigmentation that will take a longer time to go away.

Genetics also play a part in determining whether you get scars. Some people are more susceptible to getting scarring. If you know that you are more prone to scarring, you should resist picking your pimples and let them heal naturally.

Acne scars occur when normal tissue in the skin is destroyed and the body attempts to repair the wound by producing fibrous tissue. The fibrous tissue is often not the same as the surrounding skin. Scarring occurs when the body responds by creating too much or too little tissue. When too much tissue is produced, a keloid forms. On the other hand, too little tissue leads to formation of depressed scars.

How to treat acne scars?

Acne scar treatments can be slightly tricky. It takes a lot of patience and special care from your doctor since they need more intense procedures.

STEROID INJECTIONS A steroid shot can effectively bring down the fibrous tissue and thick scars such as keloids.

DERMAL FILLERS Certain scars that are too deep can be challenging to treat with just laser treatments. Dermal fillers are great to elevate the depressed areas so that the skin appears more even and smoother.

LASERS Collagen remodeling can be achieved with fractional laser such as the CO2 laser treatment. Micro-channels are created in the skin to stimulate collagen production so that the new skin growth will become more uniform and smooth.

SUBCISION TREATMENTWhile CO2 laser is excellent for treating some acne scars, subcision acne scar treatment is beneficial for people with rolling scars and boxcar scars. A needle is used to break down the stubborn scar tissue, releasing the acne scars so as to restore the smooth contour of the skin.

RADIOFREQUENCY MICRONEEDLING INFINI treatment is a unique technology that creates thousands of coagulation zones in the skin and deliver radiofrequency energy to targeted areas of the skin to stimulate collagen production. At the same time, it releases the acne scars so that it reduces the appearance of depressed scars. Treatment depth can be controlled for a multi-layered approached for customized treatments.

You should always arrange for a consultation with your doctor to determine which option is best to treat acne scars. While there are several advanced treatments to reduce acne scarring, preventive measures are best and often the cheapest options to avoid acne scars.