Acne scarring

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Acne scarring treatments

Acne scarring can sometimes develop as a complication of acne. Any type of acne spot can lead to scarring, but it’s more common when the most serious types of spots (nodules and cysts) burst and damage nearby skin. Scarring can also occur if you pick or squeeze your spots, so it’s important not to do this. Most serious scarring is caused by the more severe forms of acne, with nodules more likely to leave permanent scars than other types of acne. The best approach is to get treatment for acne soon after it appears to prevent further severe acne and more scarring.

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What are the symptoms?

Acne scars range in appearance from shallow, mottled depressions, sometimes called rolling scars, to deep and narrow depressions. At Harley Street Injectables, your practitioner will examine your scars thoroughly to determine the best course of treatment

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), also known as hyperpigmentation caused by inflammation, is a type of hyperpigmentation that often appears after injury to the skin or following an inflammatory skin condition such as dermatitis or acne.It is usually a flat area of discoloration on the skin. It can range in colour from white, pink, red, purple, brown, or black, depending on your skin tone and depth of the discoloration.

Ice pick scars are deep narrow impressions and are more severe than boxcar, atrophic, or other types of acne scars.Their severity also makes them difficult to treat at home. Ice pick scars are usually caused by severe acne, such as cysts and papules that occur deep in your pores.Although professional treatments may not completely get rid of the scar, you should notice marked improvements in appearance and texture.

Boxcar scars are a common type of scarring that can occur as a result of the acne healing process. They appear as indents in the skin and tend to measure a few millimetres wide. They are defined by their sharp edges that move straight down into theskin and aren’t always the same size as the original acne lesion that caused them, as the size depends on how the skin heals.Boxcar scars are more common in areas of the face where the skin is thicker, such as the lower cheeks and jaw.

Rolling scars are pits or indentations in the skin, and they often have sloped sides. Each of these pits may be wider than 4-5 millimeters. They give the skin an uneven appearance and can be difficult to conceal.People with rolling scars may also have other types of acne scars, including discoloured or raised marks.

keloid and hypertrophic scars are common types of scarring that can occur as a result of the acne healing process. They appear as raised lesions of scar tissue on the skin and are a result of the overgrowth of fibrous tissue in the region where the acne lesion had developed.They are more common on the chest, back and shoulders, where the skin is thicker, although they can occur around the jaw line. They are also more common in people with darker skin types.The difference between keloid and hypertrophic scars is their size in relation to the acne lesions that caused them. A keloid scar is larger than the acne lesion that caused it. A hypertrophic scar is the same size as the acne lesion that caused it.

Who it can affect?

About 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 will have acne, and one out of five of that population will have scarring. Nearly 90% of teenagers will get acne. You might also have a genetic predisposition to acne.

Causes

Acne Scars happen because your body is trying to repair the acne. How your unique body responds to a wound determines if and how much scarring you’ll have. The process of repair includes the creation of collagen. If there’s too much collagen then the raised scars appear. Other scarring is caused by the loss of tissue, which creates pits or indentations in the skin.

Expert Tips

It’s best not to attempt to treat your acne without first establishing how severe it is, and what type of acne you may have. Here are a few expert tips on how to help heal your acne scarring and prevent acne scarring from forming

DON’T SQUEEZE YOUR SPOTS
Avoid squeezing your spots, as this can trigger an inflammatory response and cause potential scarring. In some cases, you could visit a dermatologist to apply a shot of cortisone to reduce the inflammation. Additionally, it would help if you ideally waited for a whitehead to appear before attempting professional extraction.

USE PRESCRIPTION STRENGTH SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Topical medications and topical treatments that can greatly improve PIH and discoloration of acne scarring include Hydroquinone and Tretanoin. This is a skin lightening medication. It will need to be prescribed by one of our doctors or nurses in clinic and can be used in combination with our scarring treatments.

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE
Hormonal acne can often appear on places like the chin which is relatively prone to infection due to spreading the bacteria and turning the acne cystic.

MAKE SURE YOUR TREAT YOUR ACNE
Cystic acne is a severe type of acne and is often recurrent, very red and inflamed. It’s essential to treat this type of acne as soon as possible to avoid infection, scarring or disfigurement.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Boosting your skin’s strength and resilience involves restoring your collagen and elastin levels. To effectively increase this production, we can utilise a range of non-surgical treatments that trigger fibroblast activity for skin tightening.

This is where a special tool is used to remove the top layers of skin through friction, not unlike a sanding machine. As the layers of skin are removed the discolouration caused by scarring can become reduced.

This treatment is sometimes known as collagen induction therapy. It works by using a special tool to create several, tiny injuries within a scar. These injuries usually heal within two days and new collagen is formed inside of the scar. Collagen is a protein that help gives our skin strength and elasticity. Through this process microneedling can reduce the discolouration associated with scarring by encouraging old skin cells to shed, including skin cells that have been discoloured by excess pigment. Multiple treatments tend to be required every four-six weeks to gain maximum benefits. It is important to note that reducing skin discolouration is not microneedling’s main purpose and targeted treatments designed for treating skin discolouration may work better.

This treatment works by removing the outer layers of skin using high concentrations of TCA, glycolic or salicylic acid. In doing so, it can reduce the discolouring that is associated with scarring. This treatment should only be carried out by a qualified practitioner.

laser therapy uses high energy light to remove the outer layers of skin, which can reduce the discolouration that is associated with scarring. There are multiple laser therapies that are available for the treatment of acne scarring. Your practitioner will be able to determine which treatment is right for you based on your skin colour and the nature of your scarring.

Clear & Brilliant

The clear & brilliant Laser is a fractional non-ablative laser that targets acne scars by inducing controlled microthermal damage. The surrounding areas replace the treated tissue and promote collagen growth to plump scars and improve skin texture. This treatment is suitable for textural scarring or uneven skin texture and is suitable for all skin types including Fitzpatrick 5 and 6 skin types. darker skin types as it can cause further hyperpigmentation.

Your consultation will determine your suitability for treatment.

The nurse will apply a numbing cream to minimise discomfort during treatment. We will configure the depth depending on the area and concern, and the device will make a few passes over your skin, delivering bursts of energy.

After the clear & brilliant treatment, you may noticetiny pinprick dots on the skin. The practitioner will apply a topical serum to minimise these marks.

This non-ablative laser treatment delivers precise beams of energy in a pixel-size formation to target specific cells. The surrounding cells remain intact, which speeds up healing. The heat from the energy destroys the injured or damaged cells and stimulates collagen production to remodel and fill in the area with new healthy cells.

Most patients require a course of 6 sessions. One session every 2 weeks.

The actual treatment time is 10-15 minutes;however we book 45 minutes to allow time to apply hydrating serum and a protective cream afterwards. A session with the Celluma LED light can be added to the treatment for further calming and to kick start the healing process.

CLEAR & BRILLIANT

Etherea IPL Photorejuvenation

The ETHEREA IPL-Sq® System uses the latest advances in light treatment technology to offer reliable and predictable skin improvement treatments. It promotes collagen production, helps to remove unsightly blemishes and restore a smooth, even complexion. It can be used on a range of skin types1, and is ideal for treating problems such as skin laxity and wrinkling, sun damage, acne and some types of pigmented and vascular lesions.

ETHEREA IPL-Sq® uses light energy in the form of intense, ‘broad-spectrum’ light bursts that penetrate the skin. It employs various filters to refine the light energy, depending on the target. In this way, it is capable of treating a range of conditions.

ETHEREA IPL-Sq® Photo Rejuvenation can make a dramatic difference to the appearance of your skin. It can help restore a blotchy, ageing appearance to a more even, youthful and creamy complexion.

If you have sun damaged skin, acne vulgaris, pigmented or vascular lesions, it is likely that Etherea IPL-Sq® photorejuvenation will help you significantly. However, your practitioner will confirm the best treatment for you after a thorough examination of your skin.

ETHEREA IPL-Sq® treatment is non-invasive, so most people can experience cosmetic improvements quickly, with minimal risk and downtime. Laser skin resurfacing is used for more serious skin problems, such as significant sun damage or acne scarring. It is invasive, due to the fact that the surface of the skin is removed during the treatment, so it requires significant recovery time, and there is a greater risk of complications. Your practitioner will advise you regarding the best treatment option for you.

ETHEREA IPL-Sq® uses state of the art SQUARE-WAVE PULSE® technology, which, unlike other IPL systems, delivers completely even bursts of controlled, micro-processed energy. This minimises unwanted effects from variations in the energy impulse, and provides a more reliable outcome.

Etherea IPL-Sq® uses advanced technology that automatically determines the correct wavelength. The pulse of light passes through the surface of the skin (without damaging it) and is delivered precisely to the target, promoting a wound-healing process in which the skin rapidly produces new, undamaged skin cells.
Etherea IPL-Sq® uses advanced technology that automatically determines the correct wavelength. The pulse of light passes through the surface of the skin (without damaging it) and is delivered precisely to the target, promoting a wound-healing process in which the skin rapidly produces new, undamaged skin cells.

For best results, most people need a series of 3 – 5 treatments, each spaced about a month apart. The exact number of treatments will depend on the nature and extent of the problem being treated. You will be able to see some improvement after each treatment, until you achieve the desired result*.

The actual treatment time is 10-15 minutes; however we book 45 minutes to allow time to apply hydrating serum and a protective cream afterwards. A session with the Celluma LED light can be added to the treatment for further calming and to kick start the healing process.

ETHEREA IPL PHOTOREJUVENATION

Dermapen & PRP

At Harley Street Injectables we often combine both Dermapen and PRP together to treat acne scarring due to their healing properties and ability to improve a multitude of acne scars and all skin types by improving overall skin tone and texture. Dermapen uses a small hand-held device with varying needle depths ranging from 0.5mm and 3mm that create a minor trauma to the dermal layers. The process breaks down stubborn scar tissue and triggers the formation of new collagen, making it suitable for many types of acne scarring. Additionally, platelet-rich plasma therapy improves the appearance of acne scars by re-training the patient’s platelet-rich fibrin matrix. When your Practitioner re-injects the platelet-rich plasma, back into the skin, it encourages wound healing and promotes the growth of new collagen.

The Dermapen treatment usually begins with the application of a topical numbing cream. Using a hand-held pen-like device, the Practitioner will then make several passes over the entire face.

The collagen inducing Dermapen creates virtually invisible micro-injuries in the skin that ignite the body’s healing and regenerative processes. This influx of collagen, elastin and release of growth factors results in an overall improvement in the skin’s smoothness, suppleness, and strength.

Additionally, the micro-channels allow for optimal absorption of active ingredients to enhance their results and increase their efficacy.

Immediately after the treatment, you may notice tiny pinpricks of blood. The Practitioner will usually pat the face down after which point; the skin will no longer draw blood.

Your skin may be red for up to 24 hours and will gradually resolve throughout the following week. It may also feel a little rough, warm and dry for the first couple of days after your treatment and may begin to flake.

We recommend 6 treatment sessions. Every four weeks.

DERMAPEN & PRP

Chemical Skin Peels

A chemical skin peel varies in strengths, depths, and ingredients to help fight acne scarring, and to stimulate collagen and elastin production, promoting the growth of new cells. Some ingredients within the peels will also remove excess oil from the skin and kill acne-creating bacteria, making it suitable for ongoing acne management. We offer several types of skin peels at Harley Street Injectables. that are suitable for post-inflammatory pigmentation, or superficial acne scars.

The treatment begins with a consultation where your practitioner will assess your skin to decipher your skin conditions and the best course of treatment.

Certain peels like Cosmelan may require skin preparation with the use of at-home products in the lead up to your appointment. Your practitioner will prescribe a list of recommended products that will be suitable for you or provide you with the appropriate preparation kit.

If we’re treating you with a Cosmelan peel, we’ll require you to use a prepping de-pigmentation kit before your initial treatment to prepare your skin for the peel.

During your treatment, your practitioner will double cleanse and prepare the skin by applying a barrier cream around sensitive areas and remove all sebum to aid penetration of the acids.

Following this, we will apply the peel of choice and leave it on for a few minutes before neutralising or removing the peel. A neutraliser will prevent the acid from working on the skin, whereas a removal wipe will leave the acid active on the skin to continue improving the complexion following treatment.

Chemical skin peels are suitable for anyone who is looking for overall skin rejuvenation and an improvement in skin tone and texture. Or, those who have:
  • Acne
  • Acne scars
  • Pigmentation and sun-spots
  • Moderate wrinkles or fine lines
  • Rosacea
  • Large or open pores
  • Crepey skin

The duration of the treatment will depend on your custom needs. Some peels may be left on for longer, depending on your needs and tolerance to treatment. Typically, it’ll take around 30 minutes.

Chemical skin peels vary in strength and substance and are either superficial, medium or deep depending on your skin concerns and skin type.

The acids and other active compounds react with the skin and dissolve the outermost layers of the skin to reveal a fresher, clearer and brighter complexion. Chemical skin peels also promote collagen and elastin growth that will encourage healthier skin.

CHEMICAL SKIN PEELS

Microneedling and Mesotherapy

Microneeding & Mesotherapy are a rejuvenating injectable treatment that is suitable for those who suffer from acne scars but also may not be suitable for laser treatments. This blend of skin-enhancing ingredients can improve post-inflammatory pigmentation and enhance collagen levels to help repair pitted scars.

Mesotherapy is an injectable treatment that delivers a custom combination of skin-enhancing ingredients to your complexion.

During your consultation, we will discuss your skin concerns to determine which formulation the nurse will administer through your Mesotherapy treatment. It will usually contain a blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamins and amino acids.

Before your treatment, we may apply a topical numbing cream to your skin.

Through a series of fine injections, a bespoke blend of peptides, growth factors and antioxidants are delivered into the mesoderm (the middle layer of the skin) from between 1-4mm beneath your skin to improve skin quality and function.

This treatment takes approximately 30 minutes – 1 hour.

The skin’s barrier function plays a vital role in protecting your skin from environmental aggressors such as pollutants, UV damage and irritants. When working optimally, your skin counteracts the harmful free radical damage that scavenges your healthy skin cells. However, with natural ageing, sun damage and other external forces, your skin cell barrier function weakens.

Lipids made up of cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acid form the barrier to prevent micro-organisms and irritants entering the skin and protect it from Trans-epidermal water loss. When the skin barrier is weak, the skin can become dry, irritated and inflamed.

Mesotherapy is one way to encourage the restoration of your skin cell barrier function and restore your natural moisturising factors, to help bring your skin back to optimal health.

With over 60 different ingredient combinations, we can adapt the Mesotherapy to your skin’s needs. With an efficient transportation system and a surge in skin-loving ingredients, skin cell function improves, and the skin repair barrier becomes more resilient to environmental aggressors and other ageing factors.

Generallya patient will need around ten sessions to see optimal results. The number of treatments required will vary from patient to patient, depending on the patient’s skin concerns.

These sessions are usually weekly for the first month, every two weeks over the second month, and sporadically from then onwards depending on how your skin responds to treatment.

DERMAPEN & PRP

Celluma Led Light

This gentle facial is most suitable for mild scarring that may be hypertrophic. The low-light therapy can improve tissue oxygenation and encourage healing. With red, blue and near-infrared wavelengths, the facial can reduce inflammation and decrease the redness associated with acne scarring. Its ability to restore and optimise skin cell functions with no downtime makes it suitable for all skin types, and we encourage the facial as part of any skin maintenance programme.

  • Acne scarring and other types of wounds
  • Dry and dull skin
  • Wrinkles and fine lines
  • Rough texture
  • Inflammation and skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis
  • Hyperpigmentation and age spots
  • Sun damage
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Acne
  • Stimulates collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
  • Combats dullness
  • Increases hydration
  • Improves hyperpigmentation, age spots and sun damage
  • Reduces inflammation and symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions
  • Improves tone and texture of the skin
  • Improves acne scarring and accelerates wound healing
  • Boosts skin health
  • Eases muscle and joint pains and spasms
  • Reduces bacteria associated with acne

Celluma LED light therapy works to calm redness and inflammation by triggering the body’s natural repair mechanisms. The treatment promotes overall skin health by improving circulation and boosts your skincare regime by allowing greater absorption of skincare ingredients.

Phototherapy can alter biological activity to encourage skin cells to improve their performance and efficiency- this process can promote the body’s healing mechanisms to speed up tissue repair and fortify the skin’s epidermal barrier. In turn, this can improve inflammatory skin conditions (and their symptoms) like psoriasis and dermatitis.

LED light therapy can also kill acne bacteria to help reduce acne, while fibroblast activity synthesises collagen production to improve acne scars (and other wounds) and skin texture.

Approximately 30 minutes.

Morpheus 8

As we begin to age, the body loses the ability to produce collagen and elastin as it once did, resulting in a loss of skin volume and firmness. Morpheus8 is a revolutionary method of skin tightening which rebuilds and reinforces the underlying structure of your skin through microneedling combined with radiofrequency (RF) technology.

The Morpheus8 by InMode applicator features 24 coated pins, which will penetrate the subdermal tissue to trigger a healing response that ‘rebuilds’ your skin. At the same time, the radiofrequency energy will heat up the surface of skin to promote collagen production. Together, the two help to contour, smooth and renew your complexion.

Before your treatment, a numbing cream or local anaesthetic is used to ensure you’ll only experience minimal discomfort throughout.

Downtime is minimal. You should avoid applying makeup or touching your face for up to 24 hours post-treatments. Minor redness may be visible for up to one week.

You will notice immediate as well as longer term improvements in your skin. Optimal results will take around 3 months to appear as your skin continues to improve. Results may last about a year, so annual follow-up sessions may be requires in order to maintain the results.

For the first 3 days after Morpheus8 keep your face as dry and clean as possible. Wash only with lukewarm water, gently pat dry treated skin until it heals. Make sure your hands are clean when touching the treated area.

Protect your skin with broad spectrum physical SPF (at least SPF 30, better SPF 50) at all times from 3 days after the procedure.

From 3 days after Morpheus8 treatment.

We recommend taking Arnica 3x daily orally for 7 days before your Morpheus8 treatment, it will help to reduce the risk of bruising.

A week before treatment, discontinue any irritant topical products like Acids, Retinol, Vita C or scrubs as well as any NSAID medicines (if your medical condition allows) such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen that interfere with normal blood clotting a week before treatment.

We also don’t recommend any abrasive treatments like laser/microneedling or harsh facials as well as prolonged sun exposure, fake tan or sun-beds (any active tan) 4 weeks before.
Numbing cream will be applied in the clinic 45 minutes before the treatment.

Please arrive to your appointment with clean skin, no lotion, make-up or oil.

MORPHEUS 8
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