What Are Acne Scars?
Acne scars are marks left on the skin after an acne breakout has healed. The appearance of these scars can vary based on the type of acne, the treatment approach, and how the skin heals. Generally, there are two main categories of acne scars:
- Atrophic Scars (Depressed Scars)
These are the most common types of acne scars, appearing as depressions or indentations in the skin. Atrophic scars develop when the skin loses tissue during the healing process. The main types include:
Ice Pick Scars: Deep, narrow scars resembling tiny holes.
Boxcar Scars: Broad, angular depressions with sharp, defined edges.
Rolling Scars: Shallow, wave-like depressions that create an uneven texture on the skin’s surface.
- Hypertrophic or Keloid Scars
These raised scars form when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process, often leading to thick, raised areas of skin. Hypertrophic and keloid scars are more common in people with darker skin tones and are less frequent than atrophic scars.
Dr. Friedman’s Treatment Approach to Acne Scar Removal
Dr. Friedman is at the forefront of acne scar treatment, offering a first-in-the-world groundbreaking approach that has shown remarkable results for patients. His treatment program is unique, combining a series of in-office procedures and home care protocols to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of scars. The great majority of patients see a recognizable improvement after just a single treatment session, and the treatment is known for its safety, with minimal downtime (a few days at most).
In-Office Treatment Options:
Subcision: A minor, minimally invasive surgical procedure where a needle is used to break up fibrous tissue beneath the scar, helping to lift and smooth out deep, depressed scars.
Biostimulators: These are used to promote long-lasting collagen production, effectively raising and filling depressed scars for a smoother skin texture.
Cold Ablative Resurfacing Laser: This advanced laser treatment resurfaces the skin and stimulates collagen production to improve skin texture and reduce the visibility of scars.
Home Maintenance Program: Dr. Friedman also recommends a comprehensive home care regimen to support the in-office treatments and promote continued healing. This includes:
Sun Protection: Sunscreen is critical to prevent further pigmentation of scars. UV exposure can darken existing scars, making them more noticeable. Dr. Friedman emphasizes the importance of daily sun protection, especially when treating acne scars.
Retinoids (Tretinoin): These help accelerate cell turnover, improving the texture of scars over time and preventing the formation of new blemishes.
Is Dr. Friedman’s Treatment Right for You?
Dr. Friedman has successfully treated patients between the ages of 18 and 60, addressing a range of acne scar types and severities. If you’re struggling with persistent or severe acne scars, Dr. Friedman can assess your skin and provide an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
