Types of acne scars:
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- Atrophic scars: Combination of fractional lasers, subcision +/- microneedling
- Hypertrophic and keloidal scars: Combination of fractional lasers +/-microneedling, with silicone gel and steroid injections
- Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) (red, brown) in scars: Non ablative lasers like Dual Yellow Laser, QS NDYag, long pulse ND Yag, Pulse dye lasers and Alex lasers work well
PIH (brown) PIH (red)
(pictures courtesy of dermnetnz)
hypertrophic, keloidal scars
RF microneedling is a sophisticated technique which uses insulate microneedles at varying depths, powered by RF energy. There are various brands in the market. I do not think the brand of machine is as important as the Physician who carries out the procedure. He has to balance the depth of needling with the level of energy and the number of shots to give you the patient, the best results. From my experience, in skilled hands, this treatment gives more effective results with less downtime than even the fractional C02 machine.
The Fractional CO2 Laser technology is a skin resurfacing treatment that tightens open pores, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, controls sebum production and improves the appearance of acne scars. It involves a laser beam that resurfaces the skin, destroying tissue a millimeter deep in microscopic spots. The “injury” triggers the self-healing mechanism of the skin, stimulating collagen and smoothing wrinkles.
It is effective for skin rejuvenation as it treats various skin problems such as skin laxity, fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, blotches and pigmentation, to unveil beautiful skin safely with minimal discomfort and micro-downtime.
Chemical Peels:
As mentioned, AHA and BHA work well for acne. They act to kill the P acne bacteria, exfoliate dead skin and control oil.
So my recommendation for chemical peels are the following:
- Glycolic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Jessner -> TCA
Moving on, here is an example of the Black Gold Peel Laser, which works on the principle of targeting angry active acne…
This laser peel
- Reduces oil gland activity, reduces bacterial inflammation, and promotes exfoliation, hence unclogging your pores to control your acne
- It also serves to tighten and improve the appearance of your pores
- And improves your skin texture, giving you a soft natural glow.
Common side effects include redness, mild bumps on the skin which are tolerable.
Another option is the Copper Bromide Laser. This targets both red and brown spots.
The non-ablative Brightening Laser uses an exclusive and versatile modified aesthetic device that gently corrects a range of skin problems. This unique Brightening Laser emits two shades of light: Yellow and Green, both of which have different functions. The combination of the two colours can penetrate more deeply and can be used together or separately, to help achieve a complexion that looks clearer, brighter, firmer and younger. In addition, the laser promotes re-growth of dull skin and reduces pigmentation and freckles for complete skin rejuvenation. This laser can also fade dark eye circles for a further brightened complexion.
It is effective in stimulating collagen production, the essential protein for giving your skin elasticity, that produces fast results in improving vascular lesions, pigmented lesions, melasma and acne, all in a painless treatment with no downtime.
- Mild (comedonal acne or mild inflammatory acne): topicals retinoids +/- AHA, BHAs
- Moderate: oral and topical antibiotics for inflamed acne, + benzoyl peroxide, +/- OCPs
- Severe (nodular): please speak to your dermatologist
Many have asked me,
Why do some people get breakouts after a chemical peel or laser?
There are 3 main reasons.
- Skin is too dry. Hence not suitable for treatment.
- Skin is unstable, and having active breakouts. This can be due to a multitude of reasons. So any treatment during this period acts to purge pimples.
- Skin is reacting to the skincare that was used after the treatment. Remember, it takes time to get used to a new product.
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To learn more about:
ALL Aesthetic treatments, do click here Ultimate Guide to Korean Medical Aesthetics.
Threadlifts, pls click here Facelift, V-Lift.
Dermal fillers, pls click here ABCs to Dermal Fillers.