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Adult onset Acne, Pimples 

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Acne scars

What causes acne scars?

Acne scars are the result of the breakdown of collagen and elastin in your dermis. They frequently occur at sites which were acne prone in the past, namely your temples, cheeks etc.

What are the different types of acne scars?

boxscar                ice-pick                                     atrophic

Hypertrophic and keloidal

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How can we treat acne scars?

Acne scars are 3 dimensional, hence submitting a photo will not do justice to your scar. It requires real time examination (touch and animation), combined with lighting from various angles. That is why you may notice your scars differently in the bathroom mirror and in the dressing table mirror.

Dr Daniel Chang’s 3 STEP ACNE SCAR Treatment Formula: 

1- Control acne

2- Treatment – Fractional laser + skinboosters ( to promote collagen growth)

3- Maintainence with lasers ( to optimise collagen stimulation)

STEP 1: CONTROL YOUR ACNE. (Refer to this page on acne for more information)

Achieving good control of your acne is the important principle towards helping your acne prone skin. This prevents new scars from forming, which is a big step forward. Dont be too worried about your existing acne scars. Focus on prevention first.

STEP 2: Treatment based on scar type. Below are the 4 main types.

Ice pick scars =>    can be treated with TCA CROSS, Fractional and Microneedling

Rolling and box scars scars => are best treated with a combination of  RF Microneedling, PRP, fractional lasers and subcision

Hypertrophic scars can be treated with

1.  Microbotox
2. Intralesional steroid

Atrophic scars -> A combination approach is what I would recommend to improve the appearance of such scars.

1. Laser Resurfacing +/- RF microneedling 
2. Subcision
3. Dermal fillers – Skinboosters – Please refer to my Page on Skinboosters 
4. Intralesional saline – ( Latest evidence from Journal of Dermatology Sept 2016)

What is the science behind acne scar treatment?

How can we treat chickenpox scars?

Collagen stimulation is the science behind this and takes at least 3 months, so I would suggest at least 4 monthly sessions of the above to kickstart your fibroblasts into action. Combination treatment is the key, as per the latest studies. But chicken pox scars are notoriously difficult to treat so we are aiming for 40% correction.

STEP 3: Maintainence with lasers to regulate optimum collagen growth.

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Videos:

Here is how the procedure is done.

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What to expect post laser resurfacing (CO2, Erbium) treatment? 

On average, you can expect the following.

1. Redness x 2 days
2. Bronzing of skin x 2 – 3 days
3. Flaking off – dead tissue x 2 days

Results are take time as it takes 3 months for collagen to grow. Hence it is important to know this is not a once-off treatment. Regular sessions are required.

Your dermatologist should be able to navigate you through the sea of information and customise a programme that suits your skin best.I hope this post has been helpful!

Dr Daniel Chang Be bold and beautiful 

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Pesky pores… 

Please refer to the PORE page.

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Eczema:

What is it?

– A break in the skin barrier

Who gets it?

– Anyone, especially if you have a family history of atopy, asthma, rhinitis

What triggers it?

– A multitude of factors. Essentially, we divide them into internal vs external factors.

How can we treat it?

– In cases of flare ups, the aim is to reduce inflammation, either thru steroids or immunomodulators, keep your skin layer moist and eliminate triggers.

Moisturizers can be divided into 2 forms, occlusives (which form a layer on your skin to reduce water loss) and humectants (which are substances that hold the water in the skin).

How can we prevent flares?

Identify your triggers, and keep your skin moist and protected from the sun. 

Skincare tips:

No hot showers, as thats drying. A warm shower is enough, and apply your moisturizer within 5 min. If you are having a flare, apply your topical steroids within 5 min. 

Dr Daniel Chang

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To learn more about

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. 

Pigmentation, pls click here Pigmentation.

Acne, pls click here. Acne.