Acne scarring can have a huge negative psychological impact on its sufferers and is the result of acne, which can appear at the same time or months after the acne has settled and treated. There are various types of acne scarring which can be easily divided into atrophic (loss of tissue) or hypertrophic/keloid (excessive thickened tissue).
The majority of acne scars on the face are atrophic which can be further subdivided into: rolling, icepick, and boxcar scars.
ICEPICK
Icepick scars tend to be narrow and deep and are best treated with punch excision. This is a technique where the individual scar is completely removed surgically and the resultant shallow scar is much more amenable to laser treatment afterwards.
BOXCAR
Boxcar scars tend to be less deep with shoulders and often rectangular or round shaped. These scars often respond well to laser resurfacing with CO2.
ROLLING
Rolling scars tend to have the appearance of hills and valleys and can appear with shadows and can vary in severity. Treatment often includes an initial procedure called subcision where the scarred tissue underneath is cut, allowing for release of the tethered scarring. Subsequently laser resurfacing is used for optimal results. At times, injection with dermal fillers can help too.
HYPERTROPHIC
In terms of looks, the hypertrophic scar is usually red in colour and slightly elevated. They can become quite itchy or, in some instances, even painful. Hypertrophic scars are caused by injury, as with most scars. Common injuries or occurrences that may result in hypertrophic scars are body piercings, burns, cuts or after severe acne.
At 152 Harley Street, our Consultant Dermatologists offer a comprehensive tailor-made individual treatment which can constitute of any (or combination) of the aforementioned treatments. For example if you suffer from both rolling and icepick scars you will be treated with subcision for your rolling scars, followed by punch excision for your icepick scars and finally for the ultimate results with the CO 2 laser.