Acne Scars

Acne can be a traumatic experience for the patient; however, the scarring that it leaves behind can be just as debilitating. While the appearance of acne scarring can be softened, no single treatment is completely effective, and it is important to understand this before you embark upon any acne scarring protocol. In order to achieve best results, we normally advise a combination of multiple treatment modalities – although even then, the results will not be perfect. Still, many patients find that strategic treatment does help to improve scars left by acne, as well as their general disposition.

Acne can be a traumatic experience for the patient; however, the scarring that it leaves behind can be just as debilitating. While the appearance of acne scarring can be softened, no single treatment is completely effective, and it is important to understand this before you embark upon any acne scarring protocol. In order to achieve best results, we normally advise a combination of multiple treatment modalities – although even then, the results will not be perfect. Still, many patients find that strategic treatment does help to improve scars left by acne, as well as their general disposition.

What can help?

Laser skin resurfacing is often helpful for more superficial acne scarring and we use the Sciton ProFractional and Sciton Contour TRL devices, depending on the particular patients scarring pattern. The Contour TRL removes the entire surface of the skin, and we typically do this superficially over the most severely scarred areas. Next, we penetrate much more deeply – to the bottom layers of the skin – using the ProFractional device, which allows us to get deeper than we could go with full field resurfacing. If there are any pigments left over from the acne process – red or brown spots – we may also add some BBL treatment to the protocol. Where scars are deeper, we may also add some filler under the scar to help even the surface. Finally, in the deepest scars – known as Ice Pick scars – we may need to surgically excise the scar using a punch excision.

In Action

Acne scarring is impossible to remove entirely but is an issue in which we can usually achieve incremental improvements by combining multiple treatments approaches.

More options

Finding the right treatment, or combination of treatments, is the key to achieving the best improvement for each individual patient. Following laser resurfacing, patients can typically expect around seven days of downtime, although full healing and final results can take a number of months to evolve.

In Action

For the deepest scars, we may need to surgically excise the scar using punch excision. See this treatment in action.

Treatment Options

Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs and the results you are looking to achieve.

Full laser resurfacing

ProFractional

HALO Laser Treatment

BBL® treatment

Are you ready to start your consultation?

Finding the right treatment for you is the most important factor in ensuring that you are on the correct path to achieve the results you desire. Our pre-consultation enquiry helps us to identify your needs and, ultimately, gets you on the right path to achieving your optimal results.

Patient Reviews

Hear from our patients about their experience at McKeown Medical.

Common Questions

What are the benefits?

Our combination acne treatments enable us to subtly improve the appearance of acne scarring, while promoting the production of new collagen and refining the skin’s texture. However, the result is never perfect – and this must always be taken into account before embarking upon a course of treatment.

Which anaesthetic is used?

Topical numbing cream is used prior to most laser treatments, in order to reduce discomfort, and can also help to keep the skin cool. Where we are planning to go particularly deep over scarred areas then we will often add some local anaesthetic injections to improve the patient comfort.

What's the downtime?

After skin resurfacing, most patients can expect to be out and about again after a week – although this does vary from patient to patient. Sometimes it can take longer for the skin to heal, particularly if you are unlucky enough to develop a complication like an infection after the procedure which requires additional treatment. Most discomfort from the procedure subsides within the first 24 hours, although the redness and swelling typically get worse for the first few days before slowly starting to improve.

When will I see results?

After your initial healing period, in around a week or so, you should notice some improvement in your scarring. The results however improve and evolve over a period of months as the collagen matures and your skin continues to heal below the surface. You will also see gradual incremental changes from each of the subsequent procedures in your recommended treatment plan.

Your Expert Team

Medical Director

Dr Rhona Cameron

Dr Rhona Cameron is a skilled injector who has been extensively trained in Dr McKeown’s signature intuitive technique. Her treatments blend advanced facial optimisation with powerful, energy-based devices – such as lasers, BBL and radio frequency – energising the appearance and enhancing skin health. approach; delivering flawless results – and rejuvenation that lasts.

Founder

Dr Darren McKeown

Our founder, Dr Darren McKeown, is renowned for his expertise and artistry with dermal fillers. As a peer-reviewed medical author, he is passionate about treatments that stand up to scientific scrutiny. Above all, Dr McKeown believes in a global approach; delivering flawless results – and rejuvenation that lasts.

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