Deep Acne Scars

Since the scar has already occurred, it is best to get treated at dermatologist clinic for better outcome. Effective treatment of deep acne scars often requires a combination of approaches tailored to the severity and the specific type of scar. At-home treatments can help in the prevention of the scar formation in future. 

At-Home Treatments

• Topical Retinoids: They are derivatives of Vitamin A which promote cell turnover and collagen production, helping to improve skin texture and reduce scarring. Application of a pea sized amount of retinoid cream or gel once daily at night, will help in improvement of scars over a period of time.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Chemical exfoliants usually help in removing dead skin cells and stimulate new cell growth. Glycolic acid (AHA), should be added into your skincare routine 2-3 times a week to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of scars.

• Vitamin C Serums: An antioxidant, which helps in brightening the skin, reduce hyperpigmentation and it also helps in boosting collagen production. Application of Vitamin C serum, helps to lighten PIH and improves overall skin tone.

At Clinic Professional Treatments

1. Chemical Peels: Chemical solution is applied to exfoliate the top layers and promote the growth of new, smoother skin. Most common used Chemical Peels is the TCA CROSS, Glycolic acid peels etc. They help in re-surfacing scars and improving overall skin texture. 
2. Laser Therapy: Usage of laser beam light to produced control damage in the deeper scar which helps in resurfacing of the skin and stimulation of collagen. Fractional laser like Erbium YaG laser, CO2 laser etc are used. Multiple sessions are often required.
3. Subcision: This procedure involves inserting a 26G needle under the skin to break up fibrous bands causing the scar.  More used in rolling scars. Often combined with other treatments like fractional lasers or dermal fillers to fill up the gap for enhanced results. There might be mild bruising and swelling.
4. Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments: Uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and skin tightening. Microneedling RF (MNRF), fractional RF reaches deeper layers.  Effective for resurfacing of the acne scars, texture improvement as well as helps in reducing pigmentation. Downtime is 1-3 days of redness and mild swelling.
5. Punch Excision and Elevation: Surgical techniques to treat deep ice pick and boxcar scars. Punch excision removes the scar, and the wound is closed with sutures, while punch elevation lifts the base of the scar to the level of the surrounding skin. Highly effective for specific types of deep scars with very good result. Recovery involves a short period of redness and swelling.
6. Fillers: Injectable substances which fill in deep and depressed scars. Most commonly used hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen stimulators etc. Results are almost immediate but they are temporary lasting from several months-year, depending on the filler used. Minimal downtime, with mild swelling or bruising.

Selecting the appropriate treatment for deep acne scars depends on several factors, including the type, severity, skin type, and individual preferences.  A consultation with a dermatologist is essential to develop a personalized treatment plan.  Different treatments target specific types of scars. Deep and extensive scars may require more intensive treatments, such as TCA CROSS, subcision, laser therapy etc. Deep acne scars can be a persistent reminder of past breakouts, but with the wide range of treatments available today, significant improvement is possible. Hence a combination approach is advised to achieve better results.