At Rejuvené MD in El Paso, TX, we understand the challenges of living with acne scars, which can serve as lasting reminders of past breakouts and obstacles to achieving clear, smooth skin. That’s why we offer gentle yet effective acne scar treatments, utilizing the latest techniques to help reduce the visibility of scars and promote healthier-looking skin. Our approach aims to provide relief and hope to those seeking to overcome the effects of acne.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Acne scars result from inflammation caused by acne lesions, such as pimples, blemishes, or cysts. When an acne lesion develops, the pore swells, causing a break in the follicle wall. If the rupture occurs near the skin’s surface, the lesion becomes minor and heals quickly. However, more serious lesions occur when there is a deep break in the follicle wall. The infected material spills out into the dermis and destroys healthy skin tissue, leading to more severe and long-lasting acne problems.
To repair the damage, the body produces collagen. A scar forms if the body produces too little or too much collagen. Too much collagen leads to raised scars, known as hypertrophic or keloid scars, while too little collagen results in depressed or atrophic scars, such as ice pick, boxcar, or rolling scars. Factors that increase the risk of scarring include the severity and duration of acne, delayed treatment, and genetic predispositions. Additionally, picking or squeezing acne lesions can exacerbate inflammation and increase the likelihood of scarring.
What Types of Acne Scars Can We Treat?
- Ice Pick Scars: Narrow and deep, these scars create small but noticeable indentations in the skin. They often form when an acne lesion penetrates deep into the skin and tissue is lost. Ice-pick scars can be the most difficult to treat because of their depth.
- Boxcar Scars: These scars have a wide, U-shaped appearance with sharp edges. They can be shallow or deep and often result from cystic or nodular acne.
- Rolling Scars: These scars cause uneven skin texture with wave-like indentations. They form when fibrous bands pull the skin down and create a rolling effect.
How Acne Scar Treatments Work
Acne scar treatments stimulate the skin’s natural healing process to improve texture, even out pigmentation, and encourage collagen production. Many treatments focus on collagen remodeling, which helps smooth and refine the skin over time. Techniques like microneedling, laser therapy, and chemical peels trigger the body’s repair process. As new collagen forms, scar tissue is gradually replaced with healthier skin.
Because collagen production takes time, results are not immediate. The skin continues to improve for weeks or even months after treatment. Patience is key, as multiple sessions may be needed to achieve noticeable improvements.
Benefits of Acne Scar Treatments
Tailored Treatment Plans
We offer personalized acne scar therapy plans designed to meet each patient’s unique needs. This ensures the most effective and efficient path to achieving smooth skin.
Access to Advanced Technologies
We use the latest technology and techniques for acne scar healing. Patients benefit from cutting-edge solutions that offer safer, faster, and more effective results.
Long-Term Results
Investing in professional acne scar removal promises long-term improvements to the skin’s appearance. Unlike temporary solutions, the right treatment plan can offer enduring results, minimizing the need for constant upkeep and maintenance.
Boost in Skin Health
Beyond the visible improvements, acne scar treatment significantly boosts overall skin health. By clearing blockages, improving circulation, and enhancing the skin’s ability to absorb nutrients, treatments contribute to a healthier skin ecosystem better equipped to maintain its condition.
Our Acne Scar Treatments
CO2 Resurfacing With CO2RE
CO2 Resurfacing with the CO2RE system is a fractional CO2 laser therapy that targets fractions of the skin at a time. It uses carbon dioxide lasers to remove layers of skin tissue in a method known as ablation. This process helps reduce the appearance of acne scars by encouraging the regeneration of new, healthier skin cells. The treatment also stimulates collagen production, producing smoother and firmer skin. It’s particularly effective for deeper scars and can offer significant improvements with precise control over the intensity of the treatment.
During the treatment, you may feel a warming sensation as the laser works on the skin. A topical numbing agent is typically applied beforehand to enhance comfort. The skin may appear red and feel sensitive for several days, similar to a sunburn. As healing progresses, you will be able to see the fresh and healthy skin underneath. Full results develop over the following months as collagen production continues. Compared to other acne scar treatment options, CO2 resurfacing can require a longer recovery period, but the improvements in skin texture and scar reduction can be more dramatic.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, which exfoliates the top layers, causing them to peel off over days. As the old skin peels away, new, regenerated skin that is typically smoother and less scarred appears. Chemical peels vary in strength and can be tailored to the individual’s skin type and scar severity. They are effective for treating superficial scars and improving skin texture and tone.
With chemical peels, you may feel a tingling or mild burning sensation as the chemical solution works on the skin. The application process is quick, and depending on the peel’s strength, you might experience redness, tightness, or mild swelling afterward. Over the next few days, the skin will gradually flake and peel. The full effects of this acne scar reduction treatment develop as the skin heals and collagen production is stimulated. Some patients may need multiple sessions to achieve their desired results.
Microneedling
Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, involves using a device equipped with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the top layer of the skin. This process stimulates the body’s natural wound-healing processes, increasing collagen and elastin production. The new collagen helps fill in and smooth out acne scars, creating a more even and refined skin surface. Microneedling is suitable for all skin types and is particularly beneficial for treating rolling or atrophic scars.
A numbing cream is applied beforehand to minimize discomfort, and most patients describe the sensation as a mild prickling feeling. After the session, the skin may appear red and feel slightly sensitive. Over the next few days, you may have tiny scabs from the microneedles that may begin to flake off. Avoid exfoliating the skin to allow this to happen naturally. This acne scar therapy also works gradually, and results will be more pronounced after multiple treatments spaced several weeks apart.
RF Microneedling With Secret RF
RF Microneedling combines traditional microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy. The Secret RF system delivers RF energy deep into the dermis through microneedles, enhancing the natural production of collagen and elastin without damaging the top layer of the skin. This combination allows for more significant skin tightening and scar reduction than microneedling alone. It’s effective for all skin types, especially for treating deeper scars and improving overall skin texture.
RF microneedling typically involves a slightly warmer sensation compared to traditional microneedling, as the Secret RF system delivers controlled heat deep into the skin. While a numbing cream is applied beforehand to maximize comfort, some patients may notice a mild prickling or pressure as the device moves across the skin. Redness and slight swelling may last for a day or two with little to no peeling. As collagen remodeling continues over the following weeks, skin texture gradually becomes smoother and firmer.
Photofractional Laser With ResurFX
The Photofractional laser treatment combines two technologies: intense pulsed light (IPL) and the ResurFX non-ablative laser. This dual approach addresses the discoloration and uneven texture associated with acne scars. The IPL technology targets and improves the scars’ coloration, while the ResurFX laser stimulates collagen production to smooth out the texture. This treatment is less invasive than ablative laser resurfacing, offering a gentler option for skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime.
How to Prepare for Your Acne Scar Treatment
Before starting your acne scar treatment, it’s best to avoid excessive sun exposure and discontinue the use of harsh skincare products, such as retinoids or exfoliating products, for several days. Keep the skin well-hydrated and follow any specific pre-treatment instructions. For certain treatments, like laser therapy or microneedling, avoiding blood-thinning medications or supplements may be recommended to reduce the risk of bruising.
How to Care for Your Skin After Your Treatment
In the days following treatment, keep the skin moisturized and protected from the sun with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Avoid picking or exfoliating any flaking skin since this can interfere with the natural regeneration process. Depending on the treatment, gentle skincare products and extra hydration can help soothe any temporary redness or sensitivity while the skin rebuilds collagen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acne Scar Treatments
How Long Does It Take to See Results From Acne Scar Treatment?
Results from acne scar treatment can vary depending on the severity of the scars and the treatment method used. Generally, patients may start seeing improvements within a few weeks, with more significant results visible after several months. Consistent treatment and following post-care instructions are crucial for achieving optimal outcomes.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments needed for acne scar removal varies widely among individuals. Factors such as the depth, age, type of scars, and chosen treatment method determine the total number of sessions required. During your initial consultation, a personalized treatment plan will be developed to meet your specific needs.
Can Acne Scar Treatments Be Combined?
We can combine treatments to achieve the best results. Some patients benefit from laser resurfacing and RF microneedling to target both deep and superficial scars. The right combination depends on your skin type, scar severity, and overall goals. We customize treatment plans to maximize improvements while keeping recovery manageable.
Can Acne Scar Treatments Be Performed With Active Acne?
Certain acne scar removal treatments can be done while acne is still present, but others are best performed after active breakouts have subsided. We assess your skin and may recommend an acne management plan before starting scar treatments for the best outcome.
Are Acne Scar Treatments Suitable for All Skin Types?
The choice of treatment depends on skin tone and sensitivity. Some treatments are more suitable for lighter skin tones, while others can be suitable for all skin types. We tailor every treatment to match your skin’s needs, ensuring a safe and effective approach to reducing scars.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Results depend on the type of acne scar treatment and how your skin responds. Treatments that stimulate collagen, like RF microneedling and laser therapy, provide long-lasting improvements, but maintenance sessions may be needed over time. Factors like sun exposure, skincare habits, and natural aging affect how long results remain visible. Using sunscreen and a personalized skincare regimen helps maintain smoother skin and prevent new scars from forming.
Can I Wear Makeup After an Acne Scar Treatment?
This depends on the treatment. With non-invasive options IPL, makeup can usually be worn within 24 hours. For treatments that remove the upper layers of skin, it’s best to wait a few days to allow the skin to heal. Applying makeup too soon can introduce bacteria and slow down recovery. Once the skin barrier is intact, mineral-based makeup is often recommended for better breathability.
Can Acne Scar Treatments Help With Redness and Dark Spots?
Some treatments specifically target acne scars that leave behind lingering redness or hyperpigmentation. IPL is particularly suitable for hyperpigmentation since it directly targets the melanin and hemoglobin in red or brown discolorations. Treating both scars and pigmentation together often leads to the most noticeable results.
Do Acne Scar Treatments Work on Old and New Scars?
Scar therapy can improve both recent and older scars, but the approach may differ. Newer scars respond well to treatments that encourage collagen remodeling, such as microneedling and laser therapy. Older scars may require more intensive treatments like RF microneedling or fractional laser resurfacing to break down tough scar tissue and stimulate new collagen production. While older scars can take longer to improve, consistent treatments can still make a significant difference in texture and appearance.
About Our Practice
At Rejuvené MD, we focus on more than just skin. Through our treatments, we emphasize overall wellness, blending dermatologic care, aesthetics, and restorative medicine to help you look and feel your best. Dr. Karen and the rest of the team take a comprehensive, patient-focused approach and offer advanced treatments in a supportive and welcoming environment. Whether you’re seeking acne scar treatments, skin rejuvenation, or personalized wellness solutions, we prioritize safety, expertise, and natural-looking results. Every treatment is customized for you so that you receive care that aligns with your goals. Here, science and artistry come together to create treatments that restore confidence and enhance natural beauty.
Discover the Path to Clearer Skin With Acne Scar Treatments in El Paso, TX
At Rejuvené MD in El Paso, TX, our commitment to excellence in skin care and rejuvenation is matched by our dedication to providing the most advanced and effective treatments. Our acne scar treatment harnesses innovative techniques to improve skin texture, reduce scar visibility, and promote overall skin health. Don’t let acne scars dictate the appearance of your skin any longer. Contact us online or call (915) 800-2288 for a consultation, and start your journey toward clearer, more radiant skin today.
