Acne scars develop when collagen production is disrupted while acne is healing. Acne scars are notoriously stubborn and they can be a source of embarrassment for men and women. While not effective for all types of scars, dermal fillers can be a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of facial scars with no downtime.
There are five broad types of acne scars:
Hypertonic scars. Hypertrophic scars create a raised area on the skin. The appearance may diminish over time.
Keloid scars. These raised scars are firm and rubbery, and they may grow larger over time.
Ice pick scars. Ice pick acne scars are the most common and they form pits in the skin.
Boxcar scars. These scars may resemble chicken pox scars with well-defined box-like edges. Boxcar acne scars are most common on the cheeks and temples.
Rolling scars. These scars create an indention that resembles a wave.
Dermal fillers can be effective at treating and possibly erasing some types of acne scars. Fillers are most effective at treating rolling and boxcar acne scars and some ice pick scars by filling the space, softening the scar, and blending them with your surrounding skin.
Acne scars are very tiny depressions in the skin that require a thin, gel-type filler to fill the depression and smooth it with the rest of your skin. Robert M. Schwarcz, M.D., FACS typically recommends Juvederm or Restylane to treat facial scars. These fillers produce excellent and immediate results that improve over a period of months as the filler encourages the production of new collagen in the treatment area.
Before your procedure, a topical numbing cream will be applied to your skin. Dr. Schwarcz will focus on scars you find especially troubling. After your skin is prepared, the dermal filler will be injected with a very fine needle.
Afterward, you will be able to see the results in a mirror and point out any additional scars that need treatment. The entire procedure can usually be completed in a 30-minute visit at Dr. Schwarcz’s New York City office.
Dermal fillers require no downtime, but the treated areas may be swollen, red, or bruised for up to one week. Applying a cold compress or ice pack can reduce swelling. Avoid facials and massages for up to two weeks to avoid redistributing the filler.
Fillers are not a permanent solution with results that can last for a few months to more than one year depending on the type of filler. Despite the temporary effect, facial fillers are a safe, cost-effective, and non-invasive way to improve the appearance of depressed acne scars.
The results of facial fillers can be enhanced with other popular treatments like laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels, both of which can be used before fillers to dramatically reduce the appearance of scars and reduce the need for fillers.
Are you troubled by facial acne scarring? Call us today to schedule an appointment with Robert M. Schwarcz, M.D., FACS to discuss your options and find out if you are a good candidate for facial fillers.
