Even if you don’t pick or squeeze at your spots, acne can leave scars that last long after the spot is a distant memory. Whether treating patients that are still suffering from active acne or those that have been left with scarring from past acne breakouts, Dr Maria Gonzalez of The Specialist Skin Clinic, Cardiff, has a number of treatments that aim to greatly improve the appearance of scarring.
Types of Acne Scarring
Icepick-shaped; these are narrow and deeper scars that look like the skin was punctured
Boxcar-shaped; these are shallow, round or oval depressions in the skin
Atrophic or rolling scars; scar tissue forms under the skin making the surface of the skin appear rolling and uneven
Keloid scars; these occur when the scar ‘grows’ beyond its original size
People with darker skin tones may also see hyperpigmentation changes to the skin in the area of the scar. Dr Maria Gonzalez is very experienced in treating patients with dark or black skin.
Acne Scarring Treatments Offered by The Specialist Skin Clinic in Cardiff and London
The choice of acne scarring treatments depends on the nature and extent of the acne scarring. As with acne treatments, it is rarely the case that one particular treatment will ‘cure’ acne scarring. Dr Maria Gonzalez has a number of potential treatment options and she will work with you to develop a programme that will aim to significantly improve the appearance of your acne scarring.
Chemical peels; Dr Gonzalez will apply a chemical solution to the skin which removes the top layer of skin, revealing a new, less damaged layer of skin. This can be effective for treating small depressed scars and some larger scars. Icepick scars don’t respond to chemical peels.
eTwo Sublative treatment; radiofrequency energy is applied to the skin in a fractional pattern meaning that there is much less downtime while at the same time causing healthy skin cells to be produced as well as stimulating collagen production. Suitable for mild to moderate acne.
Microneedling; Dr Maria Gonzalez applies the dermaroller to the skin in a rolling pattern, causing the many micro needles to penetrate the upper layer of skin. This stimulates collagen production and it can be effective in treating mild acne scarring.
Fractional CO2; laser skin resurfacing works, firstly, by removing the damaged top layer of skin and then by stimulating collagen production. With fractional laser skin resurfacing the skin is targeted in a pattern of many miniscule microdots meaning that downtime is much reduced without compromising on the results.
Surgical removal; suitable for large, difficult to treat scars, this method aims to trade a deep, depressed, discoloured scar for a thin, flat scar that will hopefully fade well.
Subcision; this is best suited for those with deep rolling scars. Performed under local anaesthetic, Dr Maria Gonzalez will insert a needle into the scar area to break up the scar tissue. Not suited for icepick scars.
Treatment of any type of scar is best carried out when it is newly formed, so don’t hesitate to seek treatment from Dr Maria Gonzalez at her Acne Clinic in Cardiff as soon as possible.
Laser Scarring Before & Afters
