Schweiger Dermatology Group

Acne Scars Overview

Why does acne cause scarring?

These are two major types of acne lesions, inflammatory (such as a “pimple” or a cyst) and non-inflammatory (such as a “blackhead”or “whitehead”.) Inflammatory acne is more likely to cause scarring on the skin. Inflammatory acne lesions may cause damage to the skin; after this occurs, the skin naturally produces new collagen fibers to repair the area. However, the new collagen fibers do not always produce a skin surface that looks perfectly smooth, and this is how many types of acne scars occur.

What are the different types of acne scarring?

The most common types of acne scars are atrophic, ice pick and hypertrophic scars. Atrophic scars are shallow pitted scars with smooth borders. Ice pick scars are a specific type of atrophic scars; ice pick scars are deep, pitted scars with very sharp borders. Hypertrophic scars are less common on the face that atrophic scars, we often see them on the back and chest. Hypertrophic scars are raised scars that are palpable above the skin’s surface.

Are the dark spots left behind after acne permanent scars or just temporary?

Inflammatory acne lesions (“pimples” and cysts) do not always leave behind acne scars. Sometimes instead (or sometimes in addition to acne scars), they leave behind something called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation” (brown spots) or post-inflammatory erythema (redness.) Usually these conditions improve over time, especially with the use of topical medications, such as retinoids or hydroquinone. However, often times these conditions need to be treated similarly to textural acne scars.

How are acne scars treated?

There are many ways to treat acne scars; the choice of treatment depends on the type of acne scarring. Fractional CO2 Laser and the Fraxel Laser are the best treatment options for most types of acne scarring. The KTP laser is very effective for the treatment of post-inflammatory erythema (redness) and chemical peels can be helpful when treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown spots.)

How can acne scarring be avoided?

It is important to treat inflammatory acne lesions with the proper medications or in-office treatment. Often this means using prescription medications and procedures, such as PDT or Isolaz, to treat the inflammatory acne effectively. Once an inflammatory acne lesion (a “pimple” or a cyst) occurs, it is important not to pick at the lesion or try to squeeze it out. In addition to the physical trauma that picking at the skin causes anyhow, this can force debris deeper into the skin and actually make the acne lesion worse.

Custom Clear Kit Questionnaire
×
Everything You Need to Know About Acne!

Fill out the form below to receive your FREE copy of the Clear Clinic Acne Information Guide! Get tips on what causes acne and how to prevent it. Could your diet be causing your break outs? Find out in our comprehensive guide!

×
Everything You Need to Know About Acne Scars!

Fill out the form below to receive your FREE copy of the Clear Clinic Acne Scar Information Guide! Learn about acne scar classifications and how to treat them in our comprehensive guide!

Oops! We could not locate your form.

×
ClearClinic Personal Acne Coach™
×
Custom Clear Kit Questionnaire
×
Custom Clear Kit Questionnaire
×
Custom Clear Kit Questionnaire
×
Custom Clear Kit Questionnaire
×
Custom Clear Kit Questionnaire
×
Virtual Acne Consultation: Questions
×
Virtual Acne Consultation: Questions
×
Enter to Win!

Complete the form for your chance to win a free Clear Kit and a two month membership to Clear Clinic @Home!

×
30 Second Acne Quiz: Your First Step Towards Clear Skin

In order to customize your acne regimen, please answer the questions below:

×
Virtual Acne Consultation: Questions
×
Custom Clear Kit: Questions
×
Questions about our program?

We have a Clear Clinic @Home representative standing by! Complete the form and we will get back to you shortly!

×
Free Initial Consult!

Let us determine your best treatment path!

×
Free Acne Photo Consultation

Setup your free photo consult by completing the form below.

  • Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif.
×
Online Acne Scar Photo Consultation

Setup your free photo consult by completing the form below.

  • Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif.
×
Free Photo Consultation!


Setup your free initial photo consult by completing the form below.

  • Max. file size: 200 MB.
×
FREE Acne & Acne Scar Guides!


When you’re finished completing the form, you’ll be able to download your FREE Acne Guide, Acne Scar Guide or both!

×
Acne & Acne Scar Treatments at Clear Clinic

Clear Clinic Menu of Services

×
Translate »