Are Acne Scars Permanent? The Truth About Acne Scars

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting up to 85% of people in their lifetime. It can lead to various skin problems such as red spots, cysts, and acne scars. People with acne scars may be concerned about how permanent their scars are.

One thing’s for sure is that acne scars are not permanent. There are several treatments available for acne scar removal in Singapore, especially for people who want to get rid of their acne scars and improve their skin’s appearance.

If you have been suffering from acne and have developed acne scars, there is hope for you! So, read on to learn the truth about acne scars and whether acne scars are permanent.

What are Acne Scars?

Acne scars result from the skin’s healing process during a severe acne inflammation that has reached the deeper dermis layer.

Acne scars form in two ways. Either a scar develops as a raised mark on the skin surface or it develops as indentation on the skin surface after a loss of tissue. Let’s take a look at specific types of scars.

Types of Acne Scars

Although acne isn’t a life-threatening skin condition, severe breakouts can cause unsightly scars to develop on your skin. The scars caused by acne are formed when the breakout penetrates deep into your skin and damages the tissues beneath it.

Luckily, each type of acne scar is treatable with the right acne scar treatment. Here are the different types of acne scars.

Atrophic or Depressed Acne Scars

Typically appearing on the face, depressed acne scars sit below the skin. They form when collagen production is insufficient while the skin is healing from inflammation. There are three types of atrophic scars:

• Ice pick – Narrow, V-shaped scar that goes deep into the skin. It typically forms on the forehead and upper cheeks, where the skin is thinner.
• Rolling – A scar characterised by wide depressions,  rounded edges and an irregular, rolling appearance. Itis typically found on the lower cheeks and jaw, where the skin is thicker.
• Boxcar – Wide, U-shaped scar with sharp edges. It can be deep or shallow. This type of acne scar is common on the lower cheeks and jaw.

Hypertrophic or Raised Acne Scars

Hypertrophic or raised acne scars are commonly found on the chest and back. Raised acne scars stand above the surface of the surrounding skin and are caused by an overproduction of collagen while the skin is healing from inflammation.

Dark spots

Any discolouration left behind after a spot has cleared isn’t a scar. The purple, red, or brown marks will fade on their own.

Are Acne Scars Permanent?

Acne scars are a common side effect of having acne. They can be caused by picking at the skin, using abrasive material on the skin or shaving.

Acne scars can be permanent if they are severe and not treated early. If your scars have settled on your face, you can try various treatments to minimise their appearance.

If your acne scar is caused by mild acne and if you have healthy skin, there is a higher chance of acne scar removal treatment being effective and long-lasting.

Can Acne Scars be Removed?

While acne scars cannot be removed entirely, you can minimise their appearance to improve your overall skin condition. Treatment for acne scars will vary depending on the severity of your acne scars. This means no one treatment is the best for resolving acne scars.

Acne Scar Removal Treatment in Singapore

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for acne scars  because people have different types of scars and react differently to scar removal treatments.

Individuals with atrophic acne scars may be treated with a combination of treatments for optimal results. For instance, laser treatments such as Fractional CO2 Laser are best suited for rolling or shallow boxcar acne scars, whereas Fractional Er: YAG is best for all types of rolling scars and shallow or deep boxcar scars.

Meanwhile, surgical subcision is a minor procedure best suited for treating rolling acne scars. It involves using needles to break up collagen chains in the scars to help level the skin. TCA Cross is recommended for treating ice pick scars as it uses a high concentration of acid to regenerate collagen fibres in scar tissue.

Hypertrophic acne scars can be treated with emollients that help create optimal moisture environments in the skin for healing. Steroid injections may be recommended for keloid scars, which are lesions that develop beyond the boundaries of the orginal area of scarring.

How Much Does Acne Scar Removal Treatment Cost?

The treatment for acne scar removal in Singapore can range from $188 to $800, depending on the number of treatment sessions you require based on the type and severity of your acne scars.

Final Thoughts

If you are considering acne scar removal treatment in Singapore, you should consult a medical professional to provide the proper guidance and treatment you need. Here at SL Aesthetic Clinic, we can o provide said guidance and address any further questions or concerns you have, so contact us today for more information.