Syracuse Residents Ask: How to Get Rid of Acne Scarring

Acne scars form when the body generates collagen fibers to heal damage to the dermis caused by inflammation and bacteria. Collagen restructuring is a technique for camouflaging scar tissue.

Acne Scar Formation

Human skin is exquisitely designed to protect against environmental damage. The immune system includes millions of pilosebaceous units, more commonly referred to as pores, that keep the surface of the skin lubricated. In a healthy pore, oil in a sebaceous gland is released onto the hair shaft, and the arrector pili muscle contracts to make the hair stand. Under ideal circumstances, this process within the body is effective, yet the microscopic design is susceptible to external factors that disrupt healthy operation. Specifically, impurities and dead skin cells may penetrate and clog the pore. Oil and bacteria are trapped inside the pore, and the skin develops a blemish. If the pore is engorged, the wall of the follicle may break open, leaking infected material into the dermis and causing damage. The body repairs the damage with new collagen fibers. In some cases, the volume of new collagen fibers is reduced, causing an inward scar. In other cases, the body may produce too many collagen fibers, resulting in an elevated scar on the skin surface.

Collagen Restructuring for Acne Scars

Collagen restructuring is best suited for hypertrophic scars. Laser skin resurfacing with fractionated ablative laser technologies removes the scar tissue and initiates the development of new collagen fibers. Because the damage to the skin is not as extensive as the original infection, the new collagen fibers are formed in a manner that makes the scar less visible. Tissues take seven to 10 days to heal after laser skin resurfacing treatment.

Dermal Fillers for Acne Scars

Dermal fillers that contain hyaluronic acid may be used for treating atrophic scars. The hyaluronic acid and other ingredients in these products add volume to the dermis to fill in the scar void. Downtime is not required, and the procedures produce an immediate improvement to the appearance of the acne scars.

Schedule a Consultation for Acne Scar Treatment. Contact Natural Face Clinics.

Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Sang W. Kim, offers advanced treatments for atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars. To learn more, contact us to schedule a consultation.