Acne Scars

Many people live with visible scars that are serious enough to affect their happiness and self-esteem. Scars can be the result (and reminder) of a serious accident, illness or years of acne. Whatever the reason, scars can have a profound impact on your life, but you don’t necessarily have to live with them. Scars aren’t just a cosmetic concern Most medical experts agree that certain types of scars can have a negative impact on your mental and physical health. Since our appearance can play such a major role in how others relate to us, scarring that alters that appearance can definitely affect […]

Acne scars that result from severe cystic or nodular lesions can be improved using skin resurfacing procedures, dermal fillers or a combination of both. Skin resurfacing techniques are most effective in treating a global scarring pattern that affects multiple areas of the facial skin. Dermal fillers soften both superficial and deep, ice-pick scars. Dermal fillers are best suited for patients with mild scarring that affects only specific areas of the facial skin. The most important step in treating acne scars is to control any active acne. Skin resurfacing, dermal fillers, and skin bleaching medicines can all lead to outbreaks if the […]

ABC News recently published an article addressing a frustration of many women. Adult onset of acne affects even those that did not experience acne during adolescence or their teenage years. For many women, hormonal fluctuations are the culprit leading to large cystic acne eruptions. The typical age of onset is between 20-29 years old. The good news is that there are a variety of safe and effective treatments. In my practice in La Jolla, I see many women with both active cystic acne and acne scars. The key is to treat the skin before deep “ice pick” scars develop. Cystic acne can […]

DERMAL FILLERSDepressed acne scars can be raised using injectable fillers. The goal is to elevate the surface of the scar to the level of the skin so a shadow is not cast in the depressed area. Any HA (hyaluronic acid) filler will work. HA products currently available include Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane. Radiesse and Sculptra products are not acceptable acne scar treatments. Dr. Kolstad prefers to use Juvederm. Juvederm typically lasts about 8-12 months and can be repeated as necessary. Dr. Kolstad typically recommends Juvederm as a first line therapy for patients in his La Jolla (San Diego) plastic surgery practice. […]

POST-INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION (PIH)PIH may also result from acne, leaving behind a flat area of discoloration on the skin ranging from pink to red, purple, brown or black depending on your skin tone and depth of the discoloration. While often mistaken as acne scarring, many of Dr. Kolstad’s patients are relieved to learn that these marks are not true acne scars and will fade over time. Unfortunately, it can take a year or longer for PIH to fully fade on its own. Acid chemical peels will improve the discoloration but are not for everyone. Medical grade peels are only performed by highly […]

DO ACNE SCARS GO AWAY? Acne scars, especially pitting ‘ice-pick’ scars tend to be permanent. The good news is that there are a variety of treatments depending on the size of the scars. Resurfacing peels / microdermabrasion are very superficial in nature and consequently will only slightly improve deep, pitted scars. A good resurfacing tool is dermabrasion, but this technique typically requires sedation / anesthesia. A good place to start is with injectable fillers such a Juvederm, Restylane, or Perlane. A visit with a Dermatologist or Facial Plastic Surgeon should provide more information about which option best suits your needs. If you would like […]