Do Acne Scars Go Away With Time?
Acne is something every person has to deal with, especially during puberty. Though it is usually small and goes away pretty quickly, some acne causes scarring and affects the skin and, by extension, your appearance.
But can acne scars actually go away completely? And is there something you can do to speed up the process?
How Do Acne Scars Form?
Not every acne outbreak can and will cause scarring. For scars to appear, the acne needs to penetrate your tissue deeply. As the acne clears after some time, it leaves damage to your skin. Your body then tries to repair the damage by producing collagen where the acne had been. That collagen is the resulting scar you see on your face.
Types of Acne Scars
Depending on their cause, there are different types of scars.
Depressed (Atrophic) Scars
Depressed scars appear when your body does not produce enough collagen after acne clears. As their name suggests, these scars look like tiny holes or depressions on your cheeks, chin, or forehead. Their depth depends on the severity of the acne that caused them.
These scars are also called cystic scars because they are caused by tiny infected cysts that form and make their way to the surface of your face. Once they get to the surface, they leave a scar in the form of a small hole on your skin.
Raised (Hypertrophic) Scars
Raised scars appear when your skin cells produce an excessive amount of collagen. These scars rarely pop up on your face. They are reserved for the back and chest, probably because of the slightly different skin cell arrangements there. Raised scars are always puckered out and might be painful to the touch.
Can These Scars Go Away On Their Own?
Unfortunately, acne scars won’t go away on their own entirely. Of course, they will fade in color and become less noticeable, but they will still remain. That is especially the case with raised scars. Luckily, there are certain remedies and procedures that can help you get rid of them completely and get your confidence back.
Resurfacing Treatments
These procedures are best for scars that are nearly flat. Resurfacing involves removing the scar tissue and allowing the skin to breathe. That, in turn, encourages new cell generation.
Fillers
For somewhat deeper scars, your dermatologist may suggest fillers. The fillers can be temporary or permanent, depending on your needs and preferences. The dermatologist will fill the hole in your skin with collagen, hyaluronic acid, as well as your own fat tissue.
Injections
Your doctor may also inject certain medicine, such as corticosteroids, into your skin. These meds will then help fatten and soften your raised scars and allow for other therapy options to follow.
Surgery
In certain cases when the scars are too deep and severe, surgery is the only option. The surgery involves cutting and raising the scar tissue to reduce the depression, which gives your skin a flat and healthy look.
Looking for Acne Scar Treatment?
If you’re struggling with acne scars and need professional help, it is pivotal that you find a reliable skin care clinic to assist you. You should only put your face and health in the hands of experienced dermatologists who have worked with all sorts of acne scar issues. Give The Dermatology and Laser Group a call at (212) 444-8204, and let us help you get your confidence back.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.