This is a guest blog from Dr Kellyn Shiau, Founder and Medical Director of Lux Medical Aesthetic Clinic. Their mission is to empower people and instil confidence by creating and maintaining good skin with natural facial enhancements.
Hi, I’m Dr Kellyn. Thank you for this delightful honour to write for Aspirantsg.com. Women and men consult me on acne scar removal because they want to put their best face forward in life. A lot of my well-meaning and time-poor patients start with DIY methods. But the outcomes are not satisfactory. If you’re thinking of acne scars treatment, here’s an approach to consider. Save yourself from spending effort, money, and time on treatments that don’t work or don’t last. Sometimes, good intentions without good knowledge can make things worse. I’d love to help you get better results.
Two key elements of making informed decisions on acne scar removal are:
- Identify the type of scarring correctly.
- Match the treatment and after-care plan to the type of scar.
As an experienced aesthetic doctor with 10 years of experience in public and private practice, I am able to assist you with both.
Not all acne scars are created equal
There are different types of acne and different types of acne scars.
Understanding acne scarring
Acne scarring originated from different types of acne, like whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules (pimples with pus), nodules, or cysts. Scarring is most likely to occur from papules, nodules, or cysts.
The three primary causes of acne are overactive oil glands, too much shedding of dead skin cells, and/or acne-causing bacteria. In terms of location, acne can form on the face, forehead, jawline, shoulders, chest, or upper back.
While 4 out 5 people in their teens and 20s develop acne, only 1 out of 5 develop scars. 12% to 26% of adults in their 30s to 50s develop adult acne.
The risk factors for developing acne are hormonal change, side effects of medication, diet, having an underlying medical condition, or family history. For adult acne in your 30s to 50s, stress, skin/hair products, and pollution could also come into play.
There are also several ‘imposter’ skin conditions that may look like acne but are not. This includes rosacea, staph infection, keratosis pilaris, hidradenitis suppurativa, shaving bumps, tinea, perioral dermatitis, or even some forms of skin cancer.
The benefits of successful acne scar treatment are improved skin health and visual appearance, as well as relief from pain or itching. Secondary benefits include a better quality of personal, social, and work life.
What type of acne scars do you have?
The three main categories of acne scar issues are:
- Atrophic scars
- Hypertrophic scars/Keloids
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Different treatment modalities are required to address different types of scars.
Atrophic scars
These are indented scars below the skin surface, caused by the insufficient generation of collagen or tissue. The main forms of atrophic scars are rolling, boxcar, and icepick scars.
- Rolling scars – These are wide scars that give the complexion an uneven or bumpy appearance, like cellulite or orange peel. Common in the cheek and jaw area.
- Boxcar scars – Oval or round in shape, they look like craters with sharp edges and cover a large surface area. Deep and shallow boxcar scars may require different treatment approaches. Common in the cheek and jaw area.
- Icepick scars – These are small, deep and narrow scars that look like slits made by an icepick. They are quite stubborn to treat and require a different approach than the other types of atrophic acne scars. Usually occurs on the cheeks.
Hypertrophic scars/Keloids
These are bumpy scars raised above the skin surface. They are caused by an overproduction of collagen or a build-up of scar tissue from outbreaks of acne. These are more common on the jawline, shoulder, chest and back.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Skin darkening after skin inflammation, caused by too much melanin production during healing. This is more pronounced in people with darker skin tones and thus more melanin.
No two cases of acne scarring are alike
Patients at Lux Medical Aesthetic Clinic often present with different types of acne scars. We recognise that each person’s skin is different. The most effective treatment is based on an individualised diagnosis. Multiple types of treatments can be used for a single type of acne scarring. Treatment is customised to obtain the best results for each unique patient’s objective, tolerance and skin condition.
That’s why our popular acne scar programs offer flexibility. You get to mix and match treatments to suit your individual needs. After an in-depth consultation, our doctor recommends the type and frequency of treatment that’s right for your condition.
We treat a full spectrum of acne scars
It’s best not to rely on DIY Dr Google when researching treatment options for acne scars. Each person is unique. Please get a qualified medical opinion. Not from your beautician, friend or auntie. Or your auntie’s friend who is a beautician.
Start on the right foot with a comprehensive and accurate medical diagnosis. It will help you make an informed decision to choose the course of action that best suits your case. Pick a doctor who respects your values on personal aesthetics.
The technology behind medical aesthetics is advancing all the time. Here are some of the more popular protocols we use to get great acne scar removal results for our patients.
Acne scars laser treatment
What is it? Using laser therapy to remove acne scars and improve skin tone. I’ve obtained great results with Edge fractional CO2 laser acne scars treatment.
How does it work? It uses laser technology to treat acne scars and improve skin tone. Stimulates collagen production in healthy tissue. Creates a sheet of microthermal zones in targeted areas that penetrate the middle layer of the skill where scarring resides.
Key benefits? Reduces patient downtime and side effects compared to fully ablative lasers.
INTRAcel micro-needling
What is it? State of the art treatment that tightens the skin and reduces scarring and wrinkles. The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
How does it work? It uses micro-needling combined with fractional radio frequency. At the targeted depth within the skin, the insulated micro-needles high-tension radio frequency pulse stimulates the formation of new collagen.
Key benefits? Quick and non-surgical, suitable for all skin types for treating acne scars, enlarged pores, dull skin, and stretch marks. Low damage to top layers of skin.
Injections for Keloid scars
What is it? Injecting cortisone/steroid directly into the scar. Requires three to four sessions every three to four weeks depending on severity of scarring.
How does it work? It stops excessive collagen production which creates scar tissue. The scar or keloid is flattened over three to six months.
Key benefits? Flatten hypertrophic acne scars and keloids and removes itch.
Subcision
What is it? Minor surgery for treating acne scars.
How does it work? A special hypodermic needle punctures the skin surface and separates scar tissue from underlying tissue. This stimulates collagen production to smoothen and raise the appearance of the skin.
Key benefits? Faster visible results from removal of underlying scar tissue. Low risk of hyper-pigmentation response due to inflammation.
Dermal fillers
What is it? Injecting dermal fillers into acne scars to even out and smoothen skin appearance.
How does it work? It plumps out and fills up sunken scars.
Key benefits? Quick results that stimulate collagen production. Lasts for several months to smoothen the skin.
Are acne scar removal treatments permanent or temporary?
Acne scars are often permanent. You can slow them down if you intervene early. It’s good to get a professional medical opinion from the start.
The treatment for acne scars can be permanent or temporary, depending on what procedure or technique is used. Some results are visible instantly, and some take months to take effect as the skin repairs itself. Our acne scar programs offer the flexibility of a point system to enable customised treatment. This gives you the option to mix and match treatments to suit your individual needs.
We have a specialized treatment strategy for every type of acne scar
At Lux Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we recognize that each individual’s skin is different. Many of my patients have a combination of acne scar types.
Far effective treatment, a combination of methods is usually used. We customise a different treatment strategy for each patient to get you the best results.
Pricing and value packages
Here’s the pricing schedule for acne scar treatments in Singapore by Lux Medical Aesthetic Clinic for 2021 (excludes 7% GST):
Ala Carte Menu – Acne Scar Treatment Options
- 5 sessions of Fractional CO2 Laser
- Subcision
- Acne Scar filler
- Injection for keloids
- INTRAcel microneedling
- Rejuran S Acne skin repair
Ultimate Acne Scar Program Menu – Standard
This program is a popular multi-prong approach for common effects of acne scars. It rejuvenates collagen production, slows down further scarring, and smoothens the visual appearance of your skin.
- Fractional CO2 laser therapy (3 sessions)
- Subcision (1 session)
- INTRAcel microneedling (3 sessions)
Ultimate Acne Scar Program (Standard) Package Price: $3300 (Excl GST)
Ultimate Acne Scar Program Menu – FlexiCredit
This program is suitable for those who need a customised mix of treatments to get the best results for your unique acne scarring profile. After a thorough consultation, your medical aesthetician will recommend The number of sessions and types of treatments required.
We offer the flexibility of a credit system. You receive 28 credits for a customised program at 4 credits per session.
- Fractional CO2 laser therapy
- INTRAcel microneedling
- Subcision
- Acne Scar Filler / Rejuran S skin repair
Ultimate Acne Scar Program Credit System Package Price: $3300 (Excl GST)
Excellent acne scar removal treatment with Lux Medical Aesthetic Clinic
My team and I look forward to empowering and instilling confidence in you by creating and maintaining good skin with natural facial enhancements.
We welcome you to ring us at +65 6815 9922, Whatsapp/SMS +65 8866 9922 or email [email protected] to book an appointment or to find out more.
