Do Acne Scars Go Away With Time?

side view of young woman's cheek with depressed acne scars

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, much more.

But can acne scars actually go away completely? And is there something you can do to speed up the process? Read on to find out.

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.

Need Help With Acne Scars?

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.