If you have acne, it might feel like you’ve been searching for the cure forever. Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting up to 50 million people. Despite often being associated with adolescence, it can persist well into adulthood. Beyond the discomfort and self-esteem issues it can bring, acne can also give us stubborn scars that are difficult to treat. At Ava MD, we understand the profound impact that acne can have on your life, especially when you have lasting reminders in the form of scars.
What is Acne and Acne Scarring?
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This can lead to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads—and in more severe cases, cysts or nodules.
Acne scarring, on the other hand, is caused by severe acne left in the skin after the lesions have healed. This leaves the skin uneven and pitted.. The severity and type of scarring varies greatly from person to person.
Types of Acne and Acne Scarring
Acne typically affects the areas where there is a higher concentration of oil glands, most notably the face, neck, back, and shoulders.. These include hormonal changes, genetics, diet, and skincare habits.
Types of Acne
- Whiteheads (Closed Comedones): These are small, flesh-colored bumps that occur when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. They appear as tiny white or flesh-colored bumps on the skin’s surface.
- Blackheads (Open Comedones): Blackheads are similar to whiteheads but have an open pore. They appear as small, dark spots on the skin’s surface due to the oxidation of sebum and dead skin cells.
- Papules: Papules are small, red, inflamed bumps without a visible center. They can be tender to the touch and often signal the early stages of acne.
- Pustules: Pustules are similar to papules but contain pus at their centers. They appear as red bumps with a white or yellowish head.
Nodules: Nodules are large, painful, solid lumps beneath the surface of the skin. They can be deep-seated and often require medical treatment to resolve.
- Cysts: Cysts are large, pus-filled lumps beneath the skin’s surface that can be painful and lead to severe scarring if not properly treated.
Types of Acne Scarring
Because there are many types of acne, each characterized by the appearance of the acne lesions, there are just as many types of scarring.
- Atrophic Scars: Atrophic scars are depressions or pits in the skin and are the most common type of acne scars. They can be further categorized into:
- Icepick Scars: Narrow, deep, V-shaped scars that resemble small ice pick holes.
- Boxcar Scars: Broad, shallow depressions with well-defined edges, often resembling a box-like shape.
- Rolling Scars: Wavy or undulating depressions that give the skin a rolling, uneven appearance.
- Hypertrophic Scars: Hypertrophic scars are raised and can be red or pink. They form when there is an overproduction of collagen during the healing process. Keloid scars are a severe form of hypertrophic scarring, extending beyond the boundaries of the original acne lesion.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Although not true scars, PIH results from an overproduction of melanin in response to inflammation. It appears as dark patches or discoloration on the skin and can persist long after the acne has healed.
Treatments for Acne and Acne Scarring
Safe and effective treatments for acne and acne scarring include topical medications, oral medications, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermal fillers, and laser therapy. Our acne treatments include:
Dynamis Pro: Acne
The Dynamis Pro is an Er: YAG laser with a multitude of treatment capabilities. Patients of various age groups and skin types are taking advantage of this incredible system to fight their acne. This treatment has the power to provide the desired results, while simultaneously maintaining a gentle approach for the most delicate of skin.
PDT
PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) has a proven ability to kill microbial cells, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. PDT is popularly used in treating acne. It also is used clinically to treat malignant cancers.
Intracel
Intracel is a Radio Frequency Microneedling used to treat acne scarring. With ultra-thin needles, Intracel creates tiny punctures in your skin to trigger the production of elastin and collagen. With radio frequency pulses focused safely underneath your epidermis, the collagen fibers are targeted to begin the regeneration process.
Tixel
Tixel uses controlled heat to treat acne and improve skin texture. It works by creating microthermal zones on the skin’s surface, stimulating collagen production, and promoting skin rejuvenation.
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 uses a minimally invasive fractional radiofrequency (RF) microneedling to stimulate collagen and elastin production, tightening the skin and improving its texture. As the micro-injuries heal, the body’s natural response helps remodel acne scars and improve overall skin health.
Contact Us
Our Acne Treatment Center is the premiere center to help patients solve both acute pimple issues and deal with scarring.
With advanced technologies and highly trained professionals, Ava MD can surely help pave the way to clear skin and prevent future breakouts.
We can customize a multi-modal approach that will lead to real short-term relief as well as permanent results. To learn more about acne scar treatment, call us at 310-843-9915 (Beverly Hills) or 310-828-2282 (Santa Monica).