Pimples that develop during puberty are common enough, but for a certain percentage of people, those pimples can develop into acne where the lesions are bigger, pustules may form, and it leaves behind a deep scar after healing. Those affected by acne often search for acne scar removal treatment options and the most common results are usually divided into over-the-counter/home treatment remedies, or treatment options that require a licensed dermatologist like laser scar removals.
Over-the-counter/home treatment remedies for acne scars often include things like topical applications such as benzoyl peroxide creams, salicylic acid serums, or mild peeling lotions with ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids. Most of these remedies focus on discouraging growth of the acne-causing bacteria on skin or to encourage skin cell turnover. However, not all home remedy treatments may be suitable for your skin as acne can be persistent due to how it is formed and how scarring occurs, which will be discussed below.
What is an ‘Acne Scar’?
In short, acne scars are the result of irregular collagen fibres deposited in the skin after a lesion. Across the surface of our skin, there are many hair follicles. The hair follicles often extend downwards deep into the skin layer. Inside those hair follicles, or pores as they are sometimes known as, there are small sebaceous glands that produce an oily and waxy substance called ‘sebum’. Although a mixture of sebum, sweat, and skin cells can help to protect our skin from the environment, too much sebum production due to hormonal changes or environmental changes (such as humid weather and pollution) can clog the pore.
As the pores become blocked with the oil and dead skin cells, bacteria begin to grow underneath and create painful pus-filled acne lesions. These lesions can cause damage to the follicle wall and the body responds to the inflammation by continuing the wound healing process to replace damaged skin tissue with new collagen fibres. The problem with this, and basically how acne scars form, is when the collagen deposited is too little (resulting in depressed or atrophic scars), or too much (resulting in raised or hypertrophic scars).
Acne Scar Removal Treatment Available in Singapore
Acne treatments should always be personalised to the individual person as acne scars can be complicated to treat. In answering the question, “What is THE best acne scar treatment in Singapore?” the answer is that there is simply no ONE treatment that is the best for resolving scarring. Acne scar removal treatments are varied and depend on whether scarring is atrophic (depressed scars) or hypertrophic (raised scars).
Atrophic scarring, which looks like indentations or pitting in the skin, may be treated with a combination of treatments for optimal results. Fractional CO2 Laser is best suited for rolling or shallow boxcar scars, while Fractional Er:YAG is best for all types of rolling scars, and shallow or deep boxcar scars. The application of laser to the skin helps to remodel the collagen web in the scar. Fractional Erbium Laser is a skin-correcting laser treatment that treats acne scars and smoothes skin with minimal downtime. Subcision is a minor procedure requiring needles to break up collagen chains in the scar to help level the skin, and is often preferred in rolling scars. TCA Cross is recommended in icepick scarring, requiring no needles as it utilises a high concentration of acid to regenerate collagen fibres in the scar tissue.
Hypertrophic scarring, which looks like raised bumps on the skin, can be treated with emollients which help to create optimal moisture environments in the skin for healing. In scarring that is beyond the boundaries of the original lesion, called keloid scars, steroid injections may be recommended.
How Much Does Acne Scar Removal Treatment in Singapore Cost?
Acne scar removal treatments in Singapore range from $188 to $800, and also depends on the number of treatment sessions you will require based on the type and severity of your scarring. In this table below, we’ll break down in more detail what types of treatment are available in SL Aesthetic Clinic, whether it is more effective for certain types of scarring, and how much each treatment may cost.
Which Treatment is More Suitable for Your Scarring Type?
Type of treatment |
Icepick Scars |
Rolling Scars |
Shallow Boxcar Scars |
Deep Boxcar Scars |
Offered at Our Clinics (Y/N) |
Laser (Fractional Er:YAG) |
? |
? |
? |
? |
N |
? |
? |
? |
? |
Y (From $500) |
|
Dermabrasion |
? |
☹️ |
? |
? |
N |
☹️ |
? |
? |
? |
Y (From $749) |
|
? |
? |
? |
? |
Y (From $350) |
|
Punch Excision |
? |
☹️ |
? |
? |
Y (Price TBA) |
? |
☹️ |
? |
☹️ |
Y (From $188) |
|
? |
☹️ |
? |
☹️ |
Y (From $300) |
|
Skin Needling |
☹️ |
? |
? |
? |
N |
Microdermabrasion |
? |
☹️ |
? |
☹️ |
N |
Fractional Radiofrequency |
? |
? |
? |
? |
N |
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) |
☹️ |
? |
? |
? |
Unapproved by HSA |
Cost of Acne Scar Removal in Singapore
Procedure |
Price (May vary by individual) |
Availability |
Fractional CO2 Laser (rolling and superficial boxcar scars) |
$400-$800 |
All Clinics |
Subcision (Rolling scars, bound-down and tethered scars, chickenpox scars, and stretchable scars from injury or surgery) |
$350-$400 |
All Clinics |
TCA Cross (boxcar, rolling, and icepick scars) |
$250-$300 |
• Causeway Point • Jurong Point • Plaza Singapura • Waterway Point • Westgate • Wheelock Place |
It is important to remember that every person’s acne condition is highly dependent on your own personal history, lifestyle, and even genetic factors. More severe forms of scarring may require more than one treatment option (combining a mix of treatments), and even those which are not as severe may need more than just a single session.
Contact Us Today to Begin Your Acne Scar Removal Journey in Singapore
What is best for your skin may not be the same for another person due to the fact that not all scarring is equal, and that your response to a treatment maybe different than others! This is why we always advise that you consult a professional that has been trained to assess your skin condition along with your medical history thoroughly and lifestyle habits. Only then can an individualised treatment plan specific to your skin condition be provided. If you are ready to begin your acne scar removal journey today, contact us to book an appointment with one of our trusted professionals!