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Ask our Doctors

Skin Renewal Doctors all have a broad knowledge, background and passion for aesthetic medicine. Please feel free to ask them your questions and concerns.

Conditions
Conditions

Acne Scarring

Acne scars are a common concern for many individuals, often resulting from severe or prolonged acne. While the exact reasons for the development and severity of acne scars vary from person to person, certain factors can increase the likelihood of scarring. These factors include the type of acne, the extent of inflammation, and how early the acne is treated.
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Skin Needling Options for Acne Scars

What Causes Acne Scars?

Acne scars form when inflamed acne lesions penetrate the skin deeply, damaging the tissue beneath. The body's natural response to this damage is to produce collagen, a protein that helps heal the skin. However, scars may form if the body produces the wrong type of collagen (as is the case in keloid scars) or too much or too little collagen. Early acne treatment prevents these scars from developing, as reducing inflammation can minimise tissue damage.

Types of Acne Scars: Identifying the Different Forms

Understanding the type of acne scars you have is essential for choosing the most effective treatment. Here are the most common types:

Acne Scar Treatments: Options to Consider

At Skin Renewal, our approach to treating acne scars focuses on combination treatments for more effective and lasting results. Acne scars often involve multiple layers of the skin, and a single treatment may not be enough to address the problem entirely. By combining advanced therapies like laser resurfacing, microneedling, and chemical peels, we can target different aspects of scar tissue, including texture, pigmentation, and skin regeneration. This comprehensive approach promotes deeper healing and improved skin texture, delivering results that single treatments cannot achieve independently.

Skin Renewal's Holistic, Doctor-Led Approach to Acne Scars

At Skin Renewal, we believe in a holistic, doctor-led approach to treating acne scars. Our comprehensive consultation process is designed to identify any underlying medical conditions contributing to your acne. Our experienced medical doctors take a detailed medical history to ensure that all factors contributing to your skin condition are addressed. By treating the root causes of acne and focusing on overall skin health, we increase the chances of successfully reducing existing scars and preventing new ones.

During your consultation, we may recommend tests such as a Betaine HCl acid test to check for low stomach acid, which can affect nutrient absorption and overall skin health. Proper stomach acid levels are essential for absorbing key nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and vitamins to maintain healthy skin. By addressing any underlying health issues, we can optimise your treatment plan and enhance the results of your acne scar treatments.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Preventing acne scars begins with effective acne management. The earlier acne is treated, the less likely it is to result in scarring. Skin Renewal is committed to providing personalised treatment plans that address existing scars and prevent new ones from forming.

Proper treatment and care can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars and achieve smoother, healthier skin. Whether you're dealing with mild scarring or more severe forms, our team at Skin Renewal is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your treatment is tailored to your unique needs.

frequently asked
questions

Are acne scar treatments available at all Skin Renewal clinics?
What do acne scars look like?

Acne scars can vary in appearance depending on the type. They can appear as depressions (atrophic scars), such as icepicks, boxcars, or rolling scars, which give the skin an uneven texture. In contrast, hypertrophic scars appear raised and thickened. Some wounds may be pigmented, leaving dark spots (hyperpigmentation) or red marks (post-inflammatory erythema) after the acne has healed.

Can retinol remove acne scars?

Retinol can help improve the appearance of acne scars, but it may not altogether remove them. As a potent form of Vitamin A, retinol promotes skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen production, which can help smooth out the skin's surface and reduce the visibility of shallow scars over time. For deeper scars, more advanced treatments like microneedling or laser therapy may be needed.

How do you stop your acne from scarring?

To prevent acne from scarring, it's essential to avoid picking or squeezing pimples, as this can damage the skin and worsen inflammation. Using acne treatments early, such as salicylic acid or retinoids, can help reduce the severity of breakouts. Keeping your skin moisturised and using sunscreen daily can also help protect healing acne from further damage, reducing the risk of scarring.

Are acne scars permanent?

Acne scars can be permanent, especially if they are not treated. However, many treatments, such as microneedling, laser therapy, and chemical peels, can significantly reduce their appearance. Early intervention and consistent skincare can also help prevent permanent scarring.

Do acne scars get worse with age?

Yes, acne scars may become more pronounced with age as the skin naturally loses collagen and elasticity. The skin's ability to heal diminishes over time, making atrophic scars, such as rolling or boxcar scars, appear more visible. Early treatment of acne scars can help prevent them from worsening as you age.

Are acne scar treatments painful?

Acne scar treatments vary in discomfort depending on the method used. Microneedling and laser treatments may cause mild to moderate discomfort during the procedure, but numbing creams are typically applied to minimise pain. Chemical peels may result in some stinging or burning, usually temporary. Most acne scar treatments are well-tolerated, and any discomfort is manageable with appropriate aftercare.

Frequently asked questions

Are acne scar treatments available at all Skin Renewal clinics?
What do acne scars look like?

Acne scars can vary in appearance depending on the type. They can appear as depressions (atrophic scars), such as icepicks, boxcars, or rolling scars, which give the skin an uneven texture. In contrast, hypertrophic scars appear raised and thickened. Some wounds may be pigmented, leaving dark spots (hyperpigmentation) or red marks (post-inflammatory erythema) after the acne has healed.

Can retinol remove acne scars?

Retinol can help improve the appearance of acne scars, but it may not altogether remove them. As a potent form of Vitamin A, retinol promotes skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen production, which can help smooth out the skin's surface and reduce the visibility of shallow scars over time. For deeper scars, more advanced treatments like microneedling or laser therapy may be needed.

How do you stop your acne from scarring?

To prevent acne from scarring, it's essential to avoid picking or squeezing pimples, as this can damage the skin and worsen inflammation. Using acne treatments early, such as salicylic acid or retinoids, can help reduce the severity of breakouts. Keeping your skin moisturised and using sunscreen daily can also help protect healing acne from further damage, reducing the risk of scarring.

Are acne scars permanent?

Acne scars can be permanent, especially if they are not treated. However, many treatments, such as microneedling, laser therapy, and chemical peels, can significantly reduce their appearance. Early intervention and consistent skincare can also help prevent permanent scarring.

Do acne scars get worse with age?

Yes, acne scars may become more pronounced with age as the skin naturally loses collagen and elasticity. The skin's ability to heal diminishes over time, making atrophic scars, such as rolling or boxcar scars, appear more visible. Early treatment of acne scars can help prevent them from worsening as you age.

Are acne scar treatments painful?

Acne scar treatments vary in discomfort depending on the method used. Microneedling and laser treatments may cause mild to moderate discomfort during the procedure, but numbing creams are typically applied to minimise pain. Chemical peels may result in some stinging or burning, usually temporary. Most acne scar treatments are well-tolerated, and any discomfort is manageable with appropriate aftercare.

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I am very satisfied with the service at the Fourways branch. The doctors and the therapists are professional and competent and the support staff are brilliant. The friendly and professional way you are treated truly is to be commended. Even the one problem i did have was handled so well by the manager and smoothed over effortlessly. Thank you very much to everyone at Fourways!

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Second treatment, since assessment and I can see visible improvement in my skin. It's brighter and the pigmentation around my mouth and the pigmentation from acne scaring has improved. Can't wait to finish course of treatment to see full results.

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Very professional- fully explained the process and what to expect. I felt as through I was in very capable hands ~Thanks Bianca

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Nicole has been absolutely professional. I am starting to see positive results with my skin. I am thrilled. Thank you!

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I have been a long time clients at Skin Renewal and to date am very pleased with the service. I see Liezel as my therapist and Dr Cecile Baard for other treatments. The environment is always relaxed and friendly and I always enjoy my visits, even the ones that are somewhat painful.

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Beautiful institution and has friendly staff!

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Good Service, Good working Skills, Very helpful staff and great therapists!

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Great experience and treatment, with amazing results!

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I would just like to send a quick thanks to all the ladies (and gents) who do such a brilliant job!The good experiences started in April when I met with Dr Graham for a consultation about my acne scarring. Since, I have been for three treatments in DermaPen Needling (one with Dr Toni and the other two with Dr Dominique) and most recently, enjoyed my Birthday facial.A special thank you to the therapist who looked after me so brilliantly yesterday and made myself (and my face!) feel like a million bucks- it was the perfect ending to my drawn-out birthday celebrations :)I would also like to thank the therapists; Kerry and Dourina, who always looked after me so well before, during and after each treatment.Your whole team, from the Doctors who do such a brilliant job (and have given me the exact results I was looking for!) and the therapists who are fantastic; thank you to everyone for making my visits at the Skin Renewal clinic so enjoyable. My skin looks and feels fantastic!Thank you :)

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I have a lovely experience with my therapist Crai-dean. She is well informed and caters to my specific skin condition, I have seen drastic improvements with my sun damage and adult acne. The staff is lovely and I recommend Crai-dean, she is highly skilled and also gives tips on how to manage your skin post treatment!

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