While acne might sometimes be easy to treat, acne scars aren’t. They need specific treatment that can encourage skin cell renewal and healthy tissue growth. So, what are your options? If you’re searching for the best acne scar treatment in Washington, DC, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through your top options such as AviClear, including how they work and the results you can expect.
What Causes Acne Scars?
While it’s true that picking at or popping zits can exacerbate scarring, the truth is that acne damages your skin and the tissue underneath all on its own.
When you have acne, your body registers this as a signal to produce collagen to heal your skin. When too much or too little collagen is produced, it can cause scarring. Additionally, genetics and delaying acne treatment can put you at risk for developing acne scars.
Is There More Than One Type of Acne Scar?
Yes, there is. There are different types of acne scars, including atrophic scars and hypertrophic scars:
Atrophic acne scars include the following three types:
- Boxcar scars: Broad, often box-shaped depressions, boxcar scars are often very defined and typically occur on the lower half of the face where the skin is thicker.
- Icepick scars: Common on the cheeks, icepick scars are narrow indentations that point down into the skin. These can be difficult to treat.
- Rolling scars: If scarring is causing you to have an uneven skin texture, it might be due to rolling scars. These can vary in depth and have sloping edges.
Hypertrophic acne scars include keloid scars.
Unlike other types of scars which cause depression in your skin, a keloid scar is hypertrophic, or raised instead of depressed. These often appear on the jaw, shoulders, back, and chest.
What Are the Top Treatments for Acne Scars?
Fortunately, you have many fantastic options! There are treatments specifically for acne and scarring, as well as others that treat multiple skin concerns in addition to eliminating acne scarring.
- AviClear: As the first FDA-approved energy device for the treatment of acne, AviClear is suitable for patients of nearly all ages and all skin types. It tackles the main cause of acne at the source by suppressing oil production.
- Acne Silk Peel: Also safe for all skin types, the Acne Silk Peel combines exfoliation with an infusion of a topical solution to hydrate and smooth your skin. This treatment unclogs pores, fights acne at its source, and stimulates new cell growth. It can address skin concerns such as sun damage, uneven skin tone, and dry skin.
- Microneedling with PRP: If you’re not familiar with microneedling, it is a treatment that creates a controlled injury to your skin. When you add platelet-rich plasma (PRP), you’ll see a dramatic boost in the results. Not only will you see improvement with acne scarring, but you’ll also be able to safely address fine lines/wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, skin laxity, sun damage, uneven skin tone/texture, and more!
- Chemical peel: Different from an Acne Silk Peel, a chemical peel uses acids and can be done in varying depths – light, medium, and deep. It can significantly reduce the appearance of acne, scarring, as well as unwanted signs of aging.
- Laser therapy: Laser skin resurfacing is a comfortable, safe, and reliable treatment that can easily be used on more than just your face. Fraxel Dual combines two types of lasers to combat acne, scars, fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, freckles, and melasma.
- IPL: Pain-free intense pulsed light therapy isn’t new to the scene. For years it’s proven to be effective at stimulating the production of collagen to heal the skin. Concerns such as scarring, large pores, fine lines, and even dark circles around your eyes can all be addressed with IPL. =
How Do I Choose the Right Acne Scar Treatment for Me?
It can be confusing to know which is right for you. There are a lot of choices! But, don’t worry. Your provider will analyze your skin, ask questions about your medical history, and discuss your unique needs before making a recommendation for the best acne scar treatment in Washington, DC personalized to your needs.
This is all done during a consultation, which you will need to schedule before receiving any acne scar treatment.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
How quickly you see results after acne scar treatment really depends on several variables. The severity of your scarring, the procedure you choose, the number of sessions you require, whether or not you complete your treatment plan, and how well you take care of your skin during recovery all play a part.
In some cases, it can take just days or weeks to see an improvement. However, it could also take months. Acne scar treatment doesn’t provide overnight results so patience is needed!
The Best Acne Scar Treatment in Washington, DC Is Just a Phone Call to DC Derm Docs Away
DC Derm Docs isn’t a run-of-the-mill medspa. We are a premier board-certified dermatologist practice. Our team has over 35 years of experience in the treatment of all skin conditions, including acne scarring. Only the latest technology and most advanced techniques are used at our office.
We know how difficult it can be to reduce the appearance of acne and its aftermath. We’re here to help. Contact us today at (202) 664-8342, and let’s have a conversation about the right treatment option for you!