Atrophic scars after acne

Problematic facial skin is a problem for many people. Pimples and blackheads form spontaneously and often before important events. They can be easily disguised using foundation or a special corrector. Anyone who has encountered such a problem knows what acne scars are. This is quite unpleasant and unsightly, so many are looking for ways to eliminate them. It is impossible to completely eliminate scars, but everyone can make them less noticeable. How to get rid of acne scars?

Causes of scars

Acne marks may remain due to the following reasons:

1. Squeezing out blackheads is the main cause of scar formation. Most people with pimples try to get rid of them as quickly as possible and start squeezing them out. This is not the best solution to the problem, since the resulting ulcer can become infected and damage healthy skin;
2. advanced stage of acne - untimely measures taken to treat acne lead to scars and scars appearing at the site of acne;
3. fungal microorganisms – with weak immunity, fungi begin to develop, which subsequently cause acne marks.

Types of scars after acne

If the epidermis is damaged at the location of acne and it does not have the opportunity to recover, then scars or scars appear, which are divided into three types:

1. keloids - have a smooth convex surface of a red hue. These types of scars are the most difficult to remove;
2. hypertrophic - occur if, during the healing of an ulcer after acne, connective tissue is not sufficiently formed. They are rollers covered with skin that protrude above the skin;
3. atrophic - mobile scars that have a soft and smooth surface, their color is paler than the skin around them.

Types of scars after acne

It is very difficult to remove scars on the face, so it is better to take preventive measures in advance immediately after the first acne appears. To get rid of scars on problem skin, you need to see a doctor. Since this is not a dermatological problem, in such cases they visit cosmetologists and aesthetic surgeons. You can also get rid of acne scars at home.

Note! It is necessary to carry out procedures to remove acne scars after acne treatment is completed, when there is no inflammation on the facial skin.

Ways to remove acne scars

Removing acne scars is quite a difficult task, and often products such as scar cream are not effective enough to solve it. Therefore, it is better to seek help from a cosmetologist and choose one of the procedures described below.

To date, several effective cosmetic methods have been developed to remove acne scars, namely:

1. internal and superficial scrubbing (peeling);
2. injection of collagen;
3. resurfacing the upper layers of skin using a laser;
4. dermabrasion method;
5. phenol cleansing;
6. mesotherapy;
7. ozone therapy.

All these methods are effective in treating acne scars.

Scrubbing

Thanks to superficial scrubbing, minor scars on the facial skin can be removed. If small scars remain after acne, they are treated by peeling the middle layers of the epidermis. Thanks to this procedure, the skin regenerates and recovers faster.

To treat serious ulcers that take a long time to heal, use an internal scrub. It effectively gets rid of acne, but has a strong effect on the skin of the face (causing swelling or bruising), so you should not touch it for several days. If the skin is hypersensitive, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

The essence of the procedure is that a mixture of three acids is applied to the scar area: glycolic, salicylic and trichloroacetic. After some time, the treatment mixture is washed off with dry ice, and a steroid ointment is applied to the skin. After several procedures, the scar tissue is peeled off and new tissue is formed in its place. For the treatment of acne scars with chemical peeling to be effective, you will need to systematically perform the procedure every two to three months.

Laser resurfacing

The use of an erbium laser beam allows you to burn the upper layer of the scar epidermis, as a result of which the skin on the face recovers faster. Laser resurfacing has the same effect as a mid-peel. But the advantage of the laser method is that it can be used on small areas of the skin, and the laser power can be reduced or increased. To achieve smooth and clean facial skin, you will need 6-8 procedures, which are carried out with a break of one and a half to two months.

Dermabrasion

A method of treating scars, the essence of which is to grind away acne scars. During the procedure, special cosmetics are rubbed into the facial skin using cutters and brushes. During dermabrasion, the upper layers of the epidermis, including scar tissue, are erased. The procedure has significant mechanical and therapeutic effects; the patient experiences pain during the process of rubbing cosmetics into the skin, so the procedure is done under local anesthesia or freezing. But despite this, this method of treating acne scars is the most effective.

All of the above methods make the skin smooth, with almost invisible acne scars, and its tone becomes even.

Phenol cleansing

Deep cleaning with a phenol solution allows you to painlessly get rid of scars. During the procedure, the cosmetologist applies a phenol solution and leaves it for an hour, and then the solution is washed off with warm water. One session is enough for the results to last for a long time.

Mesotherapy

Getting rid of acne scars using mesotherapy involves giving the patient injections containing hyaluronic acid, adipose tissue and collagen. The effect of the injections lasts for six months, after which the procedure must be repeated.

Ozone therapy

This method is highly effective and allows you to remove scars due to the introduction of a special mixture containing oxygen. This mixture has an anti-inflammatory effect and accelerates wound healing.

The above-described cosmetic procedures allow you to quickly remove atrophic scars and scars after other types of acne, and the result after them lasts for a long time.

Gentle ways to treat acne scars

Today, there are gentle ways to eliminate acne scars, such as using scar creams or special medications. Such products have a gentle effect on damaged skin and heal scars. Thanks to the special formula of the cream, non-living cells of the epidermis are exfoliated, whitening and evening out the complexion. In addition, the cream has a disinfecting effect.

"Acnekutan" product

One of the highly effective drugs for severe forms of acne is Acnecutane, which is available in the form of capsules of 8 and 16 mg. It is worth noting that after treatment with this drug there are practically no scars left on the skin.

The indication for use of the drug is severe acne that cannot be treated by other means. Self-medication with this drug is strictly prohibited. Therapy with Acnecutane should only be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, who will monitor changes in the biochemical composition of the blood.

A contraindication to taking Acnecutan is the period of pregnancy, therefore, during the course of treatment and for a month after it, the woman must take all measures to prevent pregnancy. The use of the drug may cause side effects, for example, dry skin and mucous membranes, peeling of the upper layer of the epidermis, increased brittleness of nails, itching, pain in muscle tissue and bone structures.

How to get rid of acne marks is one of the main problems of owners of problem skin. Cosmetologists are developing more and more effective methods that allow many people to get rid of scars, for example, laser removal of acne scars or mesotherapy. Among the large selection of methods for eliminating post-acne, you can choose the most suitable one, taking into account all the individual characteristics of the victim’s body.

Acne scars can occur on any skin type and at any age. They are unlikely to be hidden under foundation, but cosmetologists can offer several ways to solve this problem.

You can use home remedies, the effectiveness of which is in question, you can turn to professionals in beauty salons, but in any case you will need a preliminary consultation with a doctor.

Read in this article

Why do acne scars appear?

In simple terms, a certain space forms at the site of the pimple, which is gradually filled with connective tissue. In this way, the body takes care of its own integrity, completely disregarding the aesthetic side of the issue. Dermatologists and cosmetologists identify several possible causes of acne scars:

1. Mechanical squeezing of pimples and/or blackheads. With such exposure, the skin will certainly be damaged, its healing may take an indefinite period of time, which provokes the formation of scars.
2. Prolonged acne without proper treatment. It is accompanied by disruption of the sebaceous glands, clogging of pores with their secretions, and the spread of the inflammatory process. As a result, numerous pustules form on the skin, which are a traumatic factor.

It is not at all necessary that scars will be formed only with prolonged acne or squeezing out pimples. Scars often appear even with single rashes - it all depends on the type of skin, the general state of human health, and the level of functionality of internal organs and systems.

In medicine, there are three types of acne scars, which will “dictate” the solution to the problem.

Atrophic

This is the most common type of scar that forms after acne. They look like pits and tubercles, formed by connective tissue, which grows to a small extent at the site of deformation of the skin.

A distinctive feature of atrophic acne scars is that they do not grow and do not change over the years (they do not become deeper).

Keloid

The connective tissue at the site of pimples and blackheads grows excessively, which leads to the formation of rather voluminous, convex scars. They are often irregular in shape and red or purple in color.

Keloid scars can grow not only in specific locations of pimples/acne, but also involve healthy skin tissue close to the site of pathology.

Normotrophic

This is the “safest” type of scar, as it consists of fairly elastic, thin connective tissue. The appearance of such scars does not deteriorate much, since the lesions are pale in color and practically merge with the main background.

Normotrophic scars are a normal reaction of the skin to injury.

Hypertrophic

Scars of this type are located above the level of the skin and are a consequence of excess collagen production. These excesses do not have time to dissolve, which leads to the formation of a scar.

The doctor will be able to accurately determine the type of scar after acne; based on the results of the examination, he will prescribe treatment.

Effective ointments for the face against the effects of acne

For many, the solution to scars after acne and acne involves turning to plastic surgeons or hardware cosmetology. But doctors say that with regular use, pharmaceutical ointments will get rid of scars or make them less noticeable. There are several effective drugs:

1. Contratubeks. The ointment contains several components, which together provide accelerated exfoliation of epidermal particles and stop the growth of connective tissue cells. The drug is especially effective for normotrophic scars; it can be used as a prophylactic agent at the risk of keloid and hypertrophic scars.

Contratubeks is applied locally, rubbed directly into the scar twice a day. The duration of therapy is 30 days, further treatment is prescribed by the doctor based on the results of previous procedures.

1. Fermenkol. The product contains animal enzymes that are responsible for the normal functioning of their digestive system. These substances have the ability to break down collagen fibers, which makes the formation of connective tissue impossible. Most often, this ointment is used for physiotherapy. In particular, it demonstrates particular effectiveness when performing electrophoresis.

Fermenkol set for scars and Elfor electrophoresis device

It is strictly not recommended to use Fermenkol on your own! The appointment must be made by a dermatologist/cosmetologist, who will also determine the number of procedures and the total duration of the course of treatment.

1. Zinc, synthomycin and salicylic ointments. These three drugs are especially popular because they combine two positive aspects - high efficiency and low cost. Regular use of the drugs ensures exfoliation of epidermal particles, normalization of metabolic processes in the skin and lightening them. Ointments have a comprehensive effect on the lesion and can eliminate all traces of post-acne.

Zinc, salicylic and syntomycin ointments are used in the same way: they are applied in a fairly thick layer to the scars, and after 50 - 60 minutes they are washed off with warm water. The course of therapy is unlimited, usually procedures are performed twice a day until the desired result is obtained.

1. Dermatix. This ointment does not belong to the medicinal category; doctors recommend it to those patients who already have scars with a high risk of turning into hypertrophic and keloid scars. When applied to the problem area, the drug forms a film on the surface, which is designed to protect the scar from external factors.

Dermatix should be applied every day in a thin layer, preferably in the morning. Whether acne scars will disappear is a controversial issue, but the formation of other, more durable and “gnarly” scars will be stopped.

To learn how the drug Collost is administered for the treatment of post-acne scars, watch this video:

How to remove scars and scars using mesotherapy

This type of cosmetic procedure involves injections of vitamins, amino acids and other substances. The essence of the method: the mesotherapy drug fills any “gaps/pits/cracks” in the epidermis, which causes visual smoothing of the surface of the skin. At the same time as this “hiding”, the active substances of the drug have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin - they saturate it with vitamins, make it firmer and more elastic, and correct the color.

The advantage of mesotherapy in the fight against scars is obtaining a quick, almost instant result. But the effect will not last long - after a maximum of six months you will have to repeat the injections, which can be attributed to the disadvantages of the method.

Mesotherapy has a large number of contraindications, so before starting treatment for post-acne conditions, you need to consult a doctor. For example, if there are keloid scars, then the administration of corticosteroid drugs will be required, and they are prohibited for some diseases.

Which peeling is better

In general, the peeling procedure is considered one of the most effective in the process of eliminating scars and acne scars. Cosmetologists know several types of such procedures, but if we consider them specifically in relation to the post-acne condition, it is worth highlighting the following:

1. Deep phenolic peeling. This is a rather painful and aggressive procedure; phenol acts not only on the surface of the skin, but also penetrates into the deeper layers of the dermis. To visually hide the presence of scars, only 1 procedure is required. Rehabilitation will last 2 weeks, but this method can even get rid of deep keloid scars.

Disadvantages include soreness and increased pigmentation of the skin during the recovery period.

1. Medium chemical peel. The procedure is carried out using salicylic, trichloroacetic or glycolic acids. These substances actively exfoliate the already pathologically altered epidermis, while simultaneously having a stimulating effect on the regenerative abilities of the body. As a result, the connective tissue is replaced by healthy, normal epidermis.

To get rid of scars, you will need to undergo at least 5 procedures with an interval of 10 - 14 days.

Laser removal of acne effects

This method of dealing with scars and scars after acne and acne is considered the most effective; it can solve the problem of even hypertrophic “marks”. The laser burns scar tissue and activates the regeneration of epidermal cells.

To obtain the desired result, you will need to do 3 - 5 procedures with an interval of 60 - 90 days. A more precise amount of laser exposure will be determined by a specialist, since much depends on the “age” of the scar, the level of elasticity of the skin and the general health of the patient.

Laser removal of acne is a painful procedure and is therefore performed under local anesthesia. If the pain threshold is too low, the patient will be offered general anesthesia. The rehabilitation time after each treatment is at least 2 weeks, but it is possible to get rid of even “ancient” scars.

Other cosmetic procedures

Some clinics may offer other procedures that can get rid of the problem in question. These include:

1. Fractional photothermolysis. This is a laser procedure that differs from the usual one in that it affects the skin not with a single beam/spot, but with scattering rays. Fractional photothermolysis allows you to solve the problem of not only scars, but also other consequences of acne and blackheads - increased pigmentation, too open pores.

Typically, a course of therapy with this method is 5 procedures, between which there should be a gap of 10 days. Rehabilitation is 3 days.

1. Dermabrasion. This is a mechanical procedure that involves applying special brushes to the surface of the skin. By friction, the scar tissue is abraded, the scars are leveled into the same plane as the cover and become less noticeable. Dermabrasion is not one of the most effective procedures, but it helps solve the problem of “fresh” acne and blackheads.
2. Ozone therapy. Medical ozone is injected under the skin of the face, which accelerates the healing of wounds and relieves inflammation. It will take 5 - 6 procedures, in some cases this number can increase to 10 - 15. In any case, ozone therapy requires long-term use and additional correction.

Treatment of scars with surgery

Full-fledged surgical intervention for post-acne conditions is performed extremely rarely, for example, in the absence of results after cosmetic procedures or too extensive lesions of the facial skin. Doctors can offer three options for surgical treatment of acne scars:

1. Undercutting (subsidy). An already formed scar is separated from the skin with a scalpel. In the resulting wound, blood and lymph accumulate, they form connective tissue, which is almost invisible. Often, undercutting is combined with laser resurfacing, then the result will be excellent - the skin will become smooth and even.
2. Excision. The doctor simply excises the scar/scar and then applies cosmetic stitches. In most cases, new, small scars form at the site of such intervention, which are removed with a laser.
3. Skin grafting. This is a radical way to combat scars and acne scars, which involves transplanting individual areas of the skin. Typically, such treatment is used for burns; in the case of the problem under consideration, it is inappropriate, as it can lead to serious complications.

For post-acne treatment, watch this video:

Preventing the consequences of acne

The consequences are very difficult to eliminate, most often you cannot do it with ointments alone; you will need both cosmetic procedures and hardware therapy. It is much easier to take some actions that will prevent the formation of scars, acne scars:

1. do not squeeze out the rashes, but wait for them to mature and break out on their own;
2. regularly use special cosmetics to treat acne;
3. carry out therapy for extensive rashes only under the supervision of a cosmetologist or dermatologist;
4. You will need to adjust your diet to exclude fatty foods and baked goods with sweets;
5. Decorative and medicinal cosmetics should be selected by a specialist.

Scars after acne are an unpleasant thing, causing a lot of inconvenience in life. It is quite possible to solve the problem, but you need to contact specialists and not wait for the final formation of scars.

Scarring are the most common type post-acne (consequences of acne) and there are 95% sick. Pronounced scars mark 20% young patients. The formation of scars is caused by the inflammatory destruction of collagen fibers and subcutaneous fatty tissue, which are then replaced by connective tissue.

Still not clear, why scars are expressed differently in different people. There is also no relationship between acne severity and scarring. However, it is undeniable that early treatment of acne prevents scarring.

Dermatologists usually do not deal with scar removal. This treatment is carried out cosmetologists or plastic surgeons, takes time and effort, but does not always lead to the desired results. Sometimes even a specialist cannot foresee all the consequences of scar removal.

Survey

Before starting scar treatment, you need to talk with the patient and find out the answer to a number of questions:

1. What worries the patient most about his appearance?
2. How upset is the patient?
3. what does he want to achieve?
4. Has the patient tried to get rid of scars before?
5. Did the acne disappear completely and (if so) when?
6. Was oral isotretinoin used in the treatment of acne and (if so) how long ago was the course of treatment completed?
7. Does post-inflammatory pigmentation occur in other areas of the skin?
8. Have you had hypertrophic or keloid scars in the past?

Inspection

During the examination you need to figure out:

1. scar type: atrophic spots, chipped, rectangular, rounded, depressed fibrotic,
2. features of scars: depth, color, stretchability, presence of compaction in the lower part,
3. activity of the inflammatory process,
4. skin type. With dark and dark skin (IV-VI phototypes), the risk of developing hyperpigmentation after treatment procedures is increased.

Classification of atrophic scars and treatment methods

Atrophic scars are divided into 4 degrees.

I degree (atrophic spots)

These are barely noticeable superficial, flat, red, white or brown soft scars. On the face they are small, on the back they are larger (up to 1 cm). With a large area, the surface is wrinkled. At first, atrophic spots are bluish, but over time they lighten to a whitish color.

Follicular atrophic spots are called soft, light, small atrophic spots around the mouths of the hair follicles. They are slightly raised above the skin and are more common on the chest and back.

Treatment methods atrophic spots:

1. external treatment,
2. needling (dermarolling),
3. fractional, (non)ablative laser,
4. non-ablative dye laser,
5. laser acting on blood vessels.

II degree (weak)

Slight skin atrophy visible in the mirror. Can be corrected with makeup or covered up with a beard and mustache.

Treatment methods mild atrophic scars:

1. non-ablative (non)fractional laser,
2. needling (dermarolling).

III degree (moderate)

Moderately pronounced scars, visible to the interlocutor. Cannot be hidden under makeup. When stretched with fingers, the scars become flat.

Treatment methods moderate atrophic scars:

1. traditional surface restoration techniques,
2. Fractional (non)non-ablative laser, sometimes with preparatory surgical procedures.

IV degree (pronounced)

Pronounced fibrotic (connective tissue) and deep scars that do not become flat when the skin is stretched with fingers.

The treatment uses a combined approach and different excision techniques (excision, cutting).

Common Scar Treatments

To eliminate scars the following are used:

1. external means,
2. chemical peeling,
3. mechanical skin resurfacing (surgical dermabrasion),
4. laser skin resurfacing (laser peeling),
5. injection methods,
6. physiotherapy,
7. surgery.

Recommended Methods treatment of various types of scars (according to Goodman G. J., 2011):

1) for treatment chipped scars are used:

1. surgical treatment (excision - excision),
2. CROSS peeling (local chemical peeling);

2) for rounded scars:

1. surgical treatment (subcision - undercutting),
2. injection contouring (injection of fillers under scars),
3. fractional photothermolysis,
4. dermorolling;

3) for rectangular scars:

1. chemical peeling for small scars,
2. fractional photothermolysis,
3. dermorolling,
4. local dermabrasion (therapeutic, surgical),
5. puncture excision (for narrow and deep scars),
6. elliptoid excision (for larger scars).

External agents for the treatment of atrophic scars

External cosmetics and medicinal products should be used for a long time (several months), but are effective only on fresh scars.

Gel Mederma 20 g. Contains plant extract Cepalin And allantoin (the main product of purine breakdown, softens the stratum corneum and accelerates tissue healing). The price in Moscow as of January 1, 2014 is 600 rubles.

Rub into the scar area 3-4 times a day for 3-6 months.

Gel Contractubex 20 and 50 g. Contains bulb extract Cepae, anticoagulant heparin, allantoin. The price in Moscow as of January 1, 2014 for 50 g is 630 rubles.

Contractubex gel is rubbed into the scar several times a day. For dense, old scars, apply a bandage with gel overnight. The course of treatment for scars lasts up to several months.