Acne scar treatment is in high demand in cosmetic medicine. Since their causes and symptoms vary from patient to patient, it is necessary to choose the best treatment for each individual. This article details the types of acne scars, typical treatments, and the latest technologies and their effects.
- INDEX
Types and Characteristics of Acne Scars (00:31-)
Acne scars are mainly classified into the following three types:
- Ice pick type: Characterized by deep, narrow indentations shaped like a needle prick.
- Rolling type: Characterized by uneven skin with a rippled appearance.
- Box (scar)type: Characterized by shallow indentations with clear boundaries.
Many patients have a mixture of these types, with a wide range of treatment options.
Typical Treatment Method (00:58-)
Chemical Peel
Chemical Peel uses highly concentrated acidic solutions to promote skin regeneration. Mainly trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, and Jessner’s solution are used. This method promotes the generation of new skin by damaging the skin surface once.
TCA is particularly effective for improving deep acne scars when used at high concentrations, but sufficient knowledge and experience of its use is essential.
Lasor Peel
Laser Peels promotes skin regeneration by causing microscopic injuries to the skin surface using a laser. It is effective for improving skin unevenness as well as pigmentation and redness.
Among them, fractional laser makes tiny holes in the skin at regular intervals, and the skin around them promotes healing. However, treatment requires caution for Asian skin, as there is a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Physical Method of Acne Scar Removal
Physical methods of scar removal use needles or small blades to remove acne scars. Punch excision is one common method, which removes small scars then stitches them to improve their appearance. As it is invasive and painful, cosmetic clinics only perform it in limited cases.
Use of Collagen Booster(05:44-)
Collagen boosters are substances that cause a foreign body reaction in the dermis and promote collagen production. Typical products include the following:
- PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid): Long-lasting effects and high efficacy are expected.
- PDLLA (poly-DL-lactic acid): Compared to PLLA, it is expected to cause less inflammation and have fewer side effects.
- CaHA (calcium hydroxyapatite): In some cases, faster effects have been seen.
In particular, MacCoom7 has attracted attention as an excellent PLLA product. It is characterized by small, uniform particles and minimal side effects. Another major advantage is that it is easy for the practitioner to handle. It takes only 15 minutes to fully hydrate before the procedure, so patients do not have to wait.
POTENZA’s Potential (13:47-)
POTENZA is a treatment that combines needling and radiofrequency. It promotes collagen production and remodeling by making microscopic holes in the skin and introducing drugs at the same time.
POTENZA tips are available with 16 or 25needle arrays and efficiently penetrate the medication with positive pressure. The treatment is highly flexible and effective because the depth and power can be adjusted for each patient.
In some cases, anesthetic cream or nerve block is used to reduce pain during the procedure. In addition, intensive treatment for deep scars can further improve the effect.
Optimum Treatment Options and Prospects for the Future
Acne scar treatment requires a tailored approach, depending on the skin type and scar condition of each patient. In addition to chemical peels, laser peels, and physical scar removal, combining the latest technologies such as collagen boosters and POTENZA can make treatment more effective.
Hopefully the information provided so far helps you to choose treatments and make suggestions to your patients. By incorporating the latest techniques, you can further increase patient satisfaction.
