Acne Scar Treatment
Effective and Safe Customized Treatments
New York City's Best Acne Scar Removal
Acne scars can be a frustrating and persistent reminder of past breakouts, affecting one’s self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, there are a variety of effective acne scar treatment options available to help you achieve clearer, smoother skin.
Dr. Arash Akhavan is a world renowned expert on non-invasive aesthetic procedures and an educator and consultant for many cosmetic device companies. We have the advantage of being at the forefront of the field with access to the most advanced equipment. With over 15 years of experience acne scar treatment in NYC we have the level of experience that guarantees the safest and most effective experience in New York treating acne scars.
PAIN LEVEL
Minimal with numbing cream
PROCEDURE TYPE
Laser and other
HOW PERFORMED
With lasers and other devices
INDICATIONS
Improvement of acne scars
RESULTS DURATION
Permanent
RECOVERY TIME
Varies. 1-10 days
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Personalized Treatments
Treatment plans to treat acne scars can be customized to fit each patient’s needs and skin type. By taking into account an individual’s skin type, skin tone, and the extent and types of acne scars present, Dr. Arash Akhavan can select the most suitable acne scar treatments for optimal results. -
Safe and Reliable
Choosing Dr. Akhavan means entrusting your skin to a renowned expert who is committed to delivering the highest level of care. His vast knowledge and innovative techniques make him a trusted choice for those seeking to enhance their skin's appearance and restore their confidence. -
Cutting Edge Technology
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.
Understanding Acne Scars
What is Acne Scarring?
Acne scarring is an unfortunate inflammatory response to acne lesions that leads most commonly to degraded collagen, but also at times the production of excessive collagen in an atypical morphology. So many of our patients in NYC suffer emotionally from their acne scarring making its treatment one of our most important areas of focus.
There are a variety of different types of acne scarring.
Hypertrohic Acne Scarring
Some acne scarring can be raised. This is called hypertrophic acne scarring. The worst form of this is keloidal scarring. The treatment of this type of acne scarring would involve therapy to break down excessive collagen combined with treatments that remodel the overlying skin.
Atrophic Acne Scarring
Most acne scarring that distresses patients is indented. This originates from a destructive inflammatory process that degrades collagen in the dermis causing the skin to contract and indent inwards. There are three types of atrophic acne scars:
- Ice Pick Scars: Ice pick scars are narrow sharply bordered scars less that 2mm in diameter that taper as they go all the way to the deep dermis.
- Box Car Scars: Acne scars that are wider at the top than ice pick scars and do not taper as they go deeper. These are typically round to oval based dimples
- Rolling Scars: Shallow but wider (>4mm) scars that give an undulating appearance to the surface of the skin.
Additionally, both atrophic and hypertrophic scarring can cause both erythema (overlying redness) or hyperpigmentation (overlying darkening) in the skin.
No matter the type of acne scarring, The Dermatology and Laser Group has a variety of options for our patients visiting our NYC office that can be used either on their own or in combination for the treatment of acne scars.
Acne Scar Removal Basics
Top Treatment Options for Acne Scars
The Dermatology and Laser Group, located in the heart of New York City, offers a variety of treatments targeting different types of acne scars, including:
- Laser therapy
- Chemical peels
- Microneedling
- Subcision
Each treatment is designed to target specific types of acne scars, such as ice pick scars, rolling scars, and boxcar scars, which require unique approaches to achieve the best results.
The best treatment plan for each individual’s acne scarring will be determined together with the patient at the consultation. We will discuss the history of your acne, the scarring, your general internal and skin health, and your goals. Some of our best acne scar improvements are achieved by combining two or more treatments together. Treatments we use to treat acne scar include:
Fractional Laser Treatment
Fractional Laser Resurfacing improves acne scarring by creating tiny channels in the skin with laser energy. This activates the body’s wound healing pathway producing new collagen to support the elevation of the depressions, and resurfaces the skin to make the skin texture and tone more uniform. We have a variety of ablative and non-ablative fractional resurfacing lasers in our office. The most powerful Acupulse CO2 laser for Laser Skin Resurfacing in NYC has the benefit of fewer treatments needed to achieve results because of its high energy, but can cause up to 2 weeks of downtime. Our fractionated application of a picosecond laser, the PicoWay Resolve will only cause mild redness for a few hours, but would require many more treatments to achieve the same results. A non-ablative fractional resurfacing laser such as ResurFX is a powerful option with 2-4 days of redness following treatment.
Laser therapy has shown to diminish discoloration and promote collagen remodeling, making it a potential acne scar treatment permanent solution for some patients.
There are a varitety of other lasers we use for the redness and hyperpigmentation seen in acne as well. Each acne scar laser treatment targets specific issues related to acne scarring.
Chemical Peels
Chemical Peels involve the application of an acid to the surface of the skin. This acid denatures proteins in the skin, starting an inflammatory cascade that leads to collagen remodeling and superficial resurfacing of the skin. This can not only help with hyperpigmentation on the surface of the skin but it can also help generate collagen to help with atrophic scarring. One particular application of chemical peels is called TCA CROSS (chemical reconstruction of skin scars), where a very high concentration of acid is placed in the center of ice-pick scars to induce the remodeling of collagen in the walls of the scar. TCA CROSS has become less popular in recent years as advancements in other techniques have developed.
We also use chemical peels for ongoing mild to severe acne treatment.
Microneedling Treatment
Similar to fractional laser resurfacing, medical microneedling is used to create tiny pokes in the skin to activate the body’s wound-healing pathway to generate new collagen and resurface the skin. With microneedling thousands of tiny wounds are safely created with stainless steel needles that are thinner than a human hair in diameter. Microneedling has the advantage that it can be used in darker skin tones where laser is not desirable, and it can also be used to microinject into the skin any fluid that can boost results.
To treat acne scars in our NYC office we often combine microneedling with either PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or AnteAGE Growth Factor Serum. Both of these substances introduce growth factors into the skin, further signaling to the body to activate the process of generating collagen.
Plasma Pen Treatment
Plasma pens use very high heat to create a wound in deeper acne scars to induce remodeling of collagen from the inside out. This technology can be useful for isolated deeper scars when used in conjunction with other procedures such as fractional laser resurfacing or medical microneedling.
Punch Microsurgery
Punch microsurgery can be combined with the procedures above to tackle the deepest of acne scars that are unlikely to have satisfactory improvement from collagen remodeling alone. A small device is used to remove the scar surgically and sutures are placed to close the skin. Once healed the removal sites can be resurfaced along with the rest of the skin.
Subcision
For certain types of scars we insert a needle under the skin with the purpose of releasing the fibrous tissue tethering the skin down. As new collagen develops some will develop under the acne scars without reforming a depression.
Fillers
Dermal Fillers can be injected under scars to elevate them and add a temporary benefit as we wait for more permanent benefits from other treatments.
Biostimulator Treatment
Certain fillers can be diluted and injected under acne scars with the purpose of stimulating collagen synthesis. Used this way the benefits of fillers are more long lasting or permanent. In early 2023 we are expected to have new biostimulating agents FDA cleared with the purpose of stimulating collagen synthesis without adding volume, giving us more options to boost our results for acne scarring treatment.
Treatment of Erythema
Redness, or erythema in acne scars is another complicating factor that can make the appearance of acne scars worse. We have lasers that specifically deal with redness and eliminating the dilated blood vessels associated with some acne scars.
Treatment of Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation, or darkening of skin, is another complication of acne scarring that can be very distressing for patients. Hyperpigmentation is typically more common in darker skin tones. Lasers, microneedling, and chemical peels can all help reverse hyperpigmentation.
Special Considerations for Hypertrophic (raised) Scars:
For raised scars, in addition to the above treatments to improve skin texture we would also inject the scar with triamcinolone to reduce the size and thickness of the lesions.
Treating Acne Scars on Darker Skin Tones
Treating acne scars on darker skin tones can be challenging, as not all treatments are suitable for every skin type. However, microneedling, chemical peels, and certain lasers are all viable options for reversing hyperpigmentation and improving acne scars in darker skin tones. These treatments can be carefully tailored to each individual’s unique skin tone and needs by a skilled dermatologist. For example in darker skin tones we may favor using medical microneedling with Growth Factor infusions.
In addition to the treatments mentioned above, other topical options, such as azelaic acid and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), can also be effective in reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. By working with a board-certified dermatologist experienced in treating acne scars on darker skin tones, patients can achieve a significant improvement in their skin’s appearance and overall health.
Who Is a Candidate for Acne Scar Treatment?
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for every type of acne scar treatment. At The Dermatology and Laser Group, your safety and results are our top priorities. During your consultation, we carefully assess your skin type, scar characteristics, overall health, and treatment goals to recommend the safest and most effective options for you.
You may be a good candidate if:
- You have visible acne scars (such as ice pick, boxcar, rolling, or hypertrophic scars)
- Your skin is free of active acne breakouts or infections
- You are in good general health and have realistic expectations about results
- You are willing to follow pre- and post-treatment instructions for optimal healing
- Your skin has not been recently tanned or exposed to excessive sun
You may need to postpone or avoid certain treatments if:
- You have active acne, skin infections, or open wounds in the treatment area
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (for some procedures)
- You have a history of keloid scarring or certain medical conditions
- You are taking medications that increase bleeding risk or affect healing (such as isotretinoin)
- You have had recent significant sun exposure or sunburn
What to Expect: Effectiveness, Recovery, and Results from Acne Scar Treatment in NYC
How Effective Are Acne Scar Treatments?
It’s important to understand that results vary from person to person. Factors such as scar type, skin tone, age of scars, and adherence to aftercare all play a role in the final outcome. Early intervention often leads to better results, but even long-standing scars can be improved with the right approach.
How Long Do Results Last? Will I Need Maintenance?
While the improvements from procedures like subcision, laser resurfacing, and microneedling are long-term, some treatments may require periodic touch-ups to maintain optimal results.
To prolong your results, follow a consistent skincare routine, protect your skin from the sun, and schedule maintenance treatments as recommended by your dermatologist.
Preventing Future Acne Breakouts
Along with addressing existing acne scars, preventing future acne breakouts is equally significant in maintaining clear, healthy skin. Dr. Arash Akhavan is an expert in the treatment of acne and other skin conditions. Acne can be treated with skin care recommendations, prescription medications, chemical peels, and lasers. We provide clearer, smoother skin by addressing dead skin cells, bacteria, oil production, and other factors contributing to acne.
By incorporating these acne treatments into a comprehensive skincare regimen, patients can effectively manage their acne and maintain a clear, smooth complexion.
Acne Scar Treatment in New York City Costs
The cost of acne scar treatments in NYC depends on the treatment type and the required number of sessions. Almost all acne scar treatment plans will require multiple sessions over at least several months time. Often different modalities are combined for the best treatment. The average cost of laser acne scar removal in NYC is approximately several thousand dollars for a packages of 3-5 sessions.
It’s important to note that multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results, and the total cost of treatment will depend on the specific needs of each patient. Consulting with an expert dermatologist can help you gain a better understanding of the costs associated with various treatment options and develop a treatment plan that fits your budget and goals.
Preparing for Your Acne Scar Treatment Consultation in Our Manhattan Office
Prior to your acne scar treatment consultation, be ready to discuss your acne scar history, skin type, and treatment goals with your dermatologist. This information will help your dermatologist develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and ensures the best possible outcome.
During the consultation, feel free to voice any concerns or questions about the recommended treatments. Your dermatologist will be able to provide valuable insight into the various treatment options available, their potential risks and benefits, and the expected results.
With sufficient information and close collaboration with your dermatologist, you can confidently seek the most effective acne scar treatments to meet your unique needs.
Patient Testimonials and Reviews
Very kind staff too in beautiful offices!!
Acne Scar Treatment Frequently Asked Questions
There is no one single best acne scar treatment for all patients. Different patients will respond better to specific treatments that are better suited to their skin and type and severity of scarring. Laser treatments, chemical peels, microneedling with growth factors, surgery, and injectables are all great treatment options. These can help to reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, fill in depressions, and boost collagen production.
It is possible to permanently reduce or remove acne scars through various aesthetic treatments such as chemical peels, dermal fillers, minor skin surgery, laser treatment and more. You can definitely improve acne scarring with modern treatments.
Acne scar treatment cost is very difficult to predict without a thorough consultation It’s important to understand that multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results, and the cost of treatment may vary depending on the type and severity of acne scars. Also, different treatment modalities may need to be combined for the desired results. In general, you should expect that most acne scar removal packages will be at least several thousands of dollars.
Yes, microneedling is an excellent option to treat acne scars on darker skin tones and may be combined with additional treatments for enhanced results.
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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.