What are Acne Scars?

What are Acne Scars?

Our patients often ask us, "what are acne scars?" and "why do they develop?"  Dr. Schweiger explains that, "Inflammatory acne lesions can cause damage to the skin.  If this occurs, the skin's natural healing process stimulates the production of new collagen fibers in the damaged area.  However, the new collagen fibers don't form in exactly the same way as the healthy skin, which causes the appearance of an acne scar." The best method of preventing acne scars is to prevent acne itself.  It is important for even mild acne to be treated, before it leaves behind scarring or pigmentation.  There are many prescription medications available to use at home, though many of our patients opt to try laser and light-based acne treatments.  These in-office treatments help to eliminate acne faster and reduce the risk of scar formation.  We often recommend treatment with a combination of Photodynamic Therapy and the Isolaz Acne Treatment. Acne scars are not dangerous, but they are certainly undesirable to most people.  One of the most common treatments that  the Clear Clinic performs is the removal of acne scars.  There are two treatments available at the Clear Clinic to decrease the appearance of acne scars:  The Fractional CO2 Laser and the Fraxel Laser. Click here to read more about acne scars.