Discover the Best Ways to Remove Acne Scars in Atlanta
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting around 50 million people in the United States every year. Many people who have had acne in the past or have active breakouts may notice red or dark spots and even depressions in the skin after the acne has healed — these are called acne scars.
At WIFH, we often receive questions from patients on different methods and treatments that help remove/diminish acne scars. The good news? There are many effective ways to help minimize the appearance of these stubborn scars.
This guide will cover different types of acne scars, effective ways to remove them, treatment costs, prevention tips, and more.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Acne and blemishes occur when pores become engorged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This causes a pore to swell, which breaks the wall of the pore. If that rupture happens near the surface of the skin, it often heals quickly[65]. If the lesion occurs deeper within the pore, infected material can leak into the dermis, destroying healthy skin tissue[68].
The skin then forms collagen, a fibrous protein, to heal the pore. Too much collagen, a loss of tissue, or inflammation can cause scarring. It’s part of the natural healing process, but it might not look great. Collagen is also key to the scar healing process; any acne scar treatment works to stimulate collagen, reducing pore size and the depth of scar depressions.
What Are The Types Of Acne Scars?
There are many types of acne scars, and removal methods depend greatly on the type of scar. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common acne scars:
Atrophic Acne Scars (Depressed)
Atrophic acne scars are depressed, sunken acne scars that can be difficult to heal. The most common type of atrophic acne scars are:
- Ice Pick Scars: This type of scar is named as such because they create a small, deep scar extending into the deep dermis. Due to their depth and narrow shape, Ice Pick Scars are particularly difficult to treat.
- Boxcar Scars: This type is wider in size, rounder, and less deep than Ice Pick Scars
- Rolling Scars: This type is a wide, sloping scar that can be smoothed out if stretched.
Whatever the type, laser facials are a great option to help reduce the appearance of atrophic acne scars.
Hypertrophic Acne Scars (Raised)
The opposite of atrophic scars, hypertrophic scars have a raised appearance and red or pink coloring. These scars occur when the body produces an overabundance of collagen during the healing process, resulting in excessive scar tissue. Typically, hypertrophic scars are the same size as the acne lesion that caused them, ceasing to spread further than the original site. Less common than atrophic acne scars, hypertrophic acne scars frequently appear along patient backs, jawlines, and chests.
Dark Acne Scars
After an active pimple heals, a dark pigmented spot is sometimes left behind. While many believe these are acne scars, it’s actually post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These purple or brown spots may linger longer than the pimple itself.
Often, this pigmentation will resolve on its own, but it may take a long time. Topical products and medical treatments, such as chemical peels, can help reduce this discoloration faster. To help avoid these spots, always avoid picking acne and wear SPF protection in the sun.
Red Acne Scars
Sometimes, acne leaves behind a red patch or mark as it heals. These may be caused by post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), which occurs after inflammatory acne. PIE is most common in those with lighter skin tones.
While red acne scars tend to go away on their own, like dark acne scars, the healing process can take several months. Over-the-counter medications and medical treatments can drastically help reduce the appearance of red acne scar marks.
Where are Acne Scars Most Common?
Because acne can appear on pretty much any part of your body, so too can acne scars. However, just as with breakouts, certain parts of your body are at a higher risk of scarring. Here are a few areas of your body at particular danger for patients concerned about acne scarring.
Face Acne Scars
Acne scars are extremely common on faces. Cheeks are the most frequent site of scarring, due to the area’s large pores and tendency for developing severe acne. Other areas of the face prone to scarring include the forehead (especially when prone to breakouts left untreated) and the chin (a common site for the development of hormonal acne).
Back Acne Scars
Another typical site for severe acne growth, and thus scarring, is the back. Many breakouts occur on the upper back — often referred to colloquially as “bacne.” Due to thicker skin and sizable oil glands, upper back breakouts are particularly prone to scarring. For the same reasons as the upper back, shoulders are also prone to acne scarring following breakouts.
Chest Acne Scars
Due to excessive sweating and potential friction pressure from clothing, the chest is also ripe for acne scars developed after breakouts. Chest acne is generally stubborn compared to breakouts on other parts of the body, leading to an increased risk of scarring — especially for patients who experience numerous instances of severe breakouts.
Neck Acne Scars
Neck acne can be just as damaging as face acne, resulting in similarly intense scars if left untreated — with a particular risk of skin irritation due to clogged hair follicles. The most frequent sites of neck scarring include around the jawline and the lower neck.
Arm Acne Scars
Generally, arm acne is less common than breakouts in areas such as the face and back. However, as with any body part, breakouts on your arm can still lead to significant scarring if it persists for a period of time or is left untreated.
Treatment Options to Remove or Get Rid of Acne Scars
There are many different treatments available to help remove and reduce the appearance of acne scars. The effectiveness of treatments depends on the type of acne scar and how old or new the scar is.
Natural Acne Scar Removal
While topical products and medical treatments are most effective at reducing acne scars, you can try several natural remedies from home. While none of these ingredients are “proven” acne scar treatments, research suggests these ingredients support natural wound healing.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is typically known as the go-to product after a sunburn, however, it can also potentially help reduce acne scarring. According to one study, aloe vera reduces inflammation and scar tissue when applied to wounds [101].
- Honey: Honey is a natural moisturizer and has antibacterial properties. One study suggests honey speeds up wound healing and can help prevent scarring[102]. To use it, apply honey directly to an acne scar and leave it overnight.
- Rosehip Seed Oil: This oil is found in many natural skin care products, and research suggests it can treat scars[103]. When applied twice a day, it can help reduce the appearance of scars.
All of these natural methods are best for superficial acne scars. If you have acne-prone skin, be very careful about applying new ingredients to your face without consulting with a dermatologist or medical professional first.
Acne Scar Creams & Topical Treatments
Acne scar creams and other topical products with certain active ingredients can be effective at reducing the appearance of acne scars and discoloration. Some of these acne scar treatment products require a prescription, while others can be found over the counter. Look for products with these ingredients:
- Retinoid: One of the best topical products on the market to help treat acne scars is prescription retinoids, you may know it by the name Retin-A, which is available via prescription for from your dermatologist or medical professional. Retinoids increase skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen to improve acne scarring.
- Vitamin C: This antioxidant is commonly found in over-the-counter skin care products. Vitamin C can help reduce and prevent the appearance of dark or red acne scars.
- Azelaic Acid: Azelaic acid is often found in gels or serums and helps treat acne scars by evening out the skin tone, reducing superficial acne scars.
- Chemical Exfoliants: Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) help maintain acne and improve acne scars. These ingredients are found in over-the-counter and professional chemical peels.
An oil-free face serum that reduces the formation of adult acne, and improves visible signs of aging.
A hydrating facial gel that soothes and calms sensitive skin, promoting a more even-toned complexion.
A concentrated night cream with pure retinol that improves the appearance of visible signs of aging and pores while minimizing breakouts.
Gel based cleanser specially designed for oily skin. It helps in preventing breakouts and soothes inflammation.
Prescription acne treatment cream to treat acne vulgaris, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging.
Prescription acne treatment cream to treat acne vulgaris, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging.
Gel
Prescription acne treatment gel to treat acne vulgaris, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging.
Gel based cleanser specially designed for oily skin. It helps in preventing breakouts and soothes inflammation.
Medical & Dermatological Atlanta Acne Scar Treatments
If natural and home remedies aren’t improving your acne scars, it may be time to seek professional assistance and consider medical treatments. Here are some of the best medical treatments to help improve deep and superficial acne scars. Most of these treatments work to stimulate collagen and dry out sebum — the bacteria that causes acne under the skin. In turn, collagen production will help to heal and lessen the appearance of the acne scar and the reduction in sebum production will help to reduce future breakouts.
Laser Acne Scar Removal
If you currently have active acne and acne scarring on your face, laser facials are very effective at reducing these skin concerns. Painless and noninvasive, these facials heat the underlying skin tissue to stimulate the natural production of collagen and increase cell turnover. Over time, this helps make the skin smoother and brighter.
In addition, these treatments kill acne bacteria on the skin, making it a very effective treatment for those who still have breakouts and scarring. For best acne scar removal results, we recommend a series of laser facial treatments at 2 to 4 week intervals.
MicroFractional C02
This treatment uses a gentle ablative laser leveraging precise wavelengths of light to induce controlled injury to the skin. The ablative MicroFractional C02 laser creates tiny openings in the skin, triggering your body’s natural healing response in precise areas via relatively short, minimally invasive treatment. The heat from the laser enters these wounds and stimulates collagen production – similar to aerating a lawn. By wounding only a fraction of the surface, it allows the existing skin and collagen fibers to blend and strengthen the unwounded tissue thus improving the appearance of acne scars.
WIFH uses CoolPeel for MicroFractional C02 skin rejuvenation. Suitable for both acne scars and sun damage repair, CoolPeel is a top of class, non-invasive choice for scar repair. We recommend a series of 4 CoolPeel treatments at 4-6 week intervals.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are another powerful acne scar treatment that helps improve the appearance of superficial acne scars, such as dark or red spots. There are different types of chemical peels, including superficial peels, medium-depth peels, and deep peels. When treating acne scars with Chemical peels, a chemical compound is applied to the skin and removes the top layer of old skin, leaving behind smoother, more even skin.
While known for their effectiveness on the top layer, chemical peels also provide benefits underneath your skin. Chemical peels deliver potent ingredients into your dermis, eliminating bacteria and stimulating collagen and renewed skin health. These chemical formulas are designed to stimulate collagen production, helping with mild depressions left by scars.
At WIFH, we offer several types of superficial and medium-depth chemical peels, including Obagi, VI Peel, and SkinCeuticals. Our team of experienced medical professionals will help determine which peel is best for your acne scars. While you will see immediate results after one peel, we recommend multiple applications for more dramatic results.
Microneedling
Microneedling treatments (aka collagen induction therapy) effectively target deeper acne scars and are one of the best methods to treat the skin’s surface and stimulate collagen production. During microneedling for acne scars, a thin needle pricks the skin, creating tiny micro-channels that trigger the skin’s wound healing response.
After treatment, the body generates new collagen and skin fibers, which can help reduce the appearance of acne scars. Because collagen production is a gradual process that occurs over several months, for best results, we recommend a minimum of 4 microneedling sessions every 4 to 6 weeks. At the time of your second treatment, you may just be starting to see improvements in your skin from your first treatment. Additionally, this treatment would not be performed on patients with active acne, as it may spread bacteria.
One type of microneedling that is specifically effective for acne scar removal is RF Microneedling. RF microneedling also pricks the skin and creates micro-channels, but also delivers radio frequency energy — causing a thermal injury that further stimulates and remodels collagen.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion offers another effective treatment for acne scars, both as a standalone option and combined with other treatments. Manually removing the top layer of skin using vacuum suction, microdermabrasion stimulates blood flow, cleans pores, and removes the debris that assist acne formation.
Microdermabrasion can also improve the efficacy of chemical peels and laser skin treatments when used in tandem. The microdermabrasion would be performed prior to these treatments to remove the top layer of skin allowing the chemical peels or laser energy to penetrate deeper into the dermis. Pain free and requiring no anesthesia, microdermabrasion is recommended in a series of 6 sessions for best results, spaced 10-14 days apart.
Fillers
Fillers can also help diminish the appearance of acne scars, especially boxcar or rolling scars. Made from collagen, your own fat, or a commercial substance, fillers are injected under the surface of the skin. Once injected, the fillers work to flatten and flesh out scars to normalize with your normal skin.
While Belafill[104] is only FDA-approved injectable filler for long-term correction of acne scars, other fillers (including Juvederm, Sculptra, Radiesse, Belotero, and Restylane) can also be used for effective acne scar treatment. At WIFH, we typically use Sculptra for acne scar treatment — an injectable similar to Belafill.
At WIFH, we have achieved excellent results treating acne scars with Sculptra injections. Typically, fillers require additional injections to maintain their effect on your skin; most last anywhere between 6 and 18 months before they need an additional injection.
Does Acne Scar Removal Hurt?
Generally, no. If you’re using natural or topical treatments to help improve the appearance of acne scars, you’ll likely experience minimal side effects. However, dryness and redness are common when using topical treatments such as retinoids.
For professional medical treatments, you may experience slight discomfort and tingling with laser facials, chemical peels, and microneedling. Of all of these treatments, microneedling may cause the most discomfort, but most patients report very little to no pain.
How Much Is Acne Scar Removal?
The cost of acne scar removal depends on the treatments and procedures you choose. For example, over-the-counter and prescription products will likely range between $15-$100 depending on the brand, strength, and ingredients. While over-the-counter methods are more affordable, medical acne scar treatments tend to be most effective, especially for severe acne scarring.
In-person medical treatments will cost more, and the price varies depending on the treatment you choose and amount of sessions. If you’re interested in chemical peels, ask our team about pricing for this acne scar treatment, as the price varies depending on the type of peel.
Acne Scar Removal Treatment Pricing at WIFH in Atlanta
| Treatment | Price for a Single Treatment |
|---|---|
| SkinCeuticals Peels | $150 |
| Microdermabrasion | $175 |
| VI Peel | $300 |
| Obagi Blue Radiance Peel | $99 |
| Laser Carbon / Laser Facial | $300 |
| CoolPeel Face and neck | $725 |
| Microderm | $175 |
| Microneedling | $395 |
| Sculptra | $800 (1mL) |
Visit our Pricing page for more details.
How to Prevent Acne Scars in the Future?
While treatment can diminish existing acne scars, we encourage our patients to take preventative measures to minimize future impact of acne scars. The key to controlling acne scar development is preventing inflammation — meaning you should treat acne as soon as possible. Acne treatment may range from taking prescription-strength medication for your specific skin type from a dermatologist, to simply not picking at or squeezing pimples.
A healthy morning and nighttime skincare routine can also lower the risk of acne altogether. Routines should minimize the production of oil and keep your skin exfoliated. Moisturization is also key; pores will secrete additional oil to combat dry skin, leading to further breakouts and potential future scarring.
Schedule a Consultation for Acne Scar Removal in Atlanta
If you’d like professional advice on improving your acne scars, our experienced medical team at WIFH is here to help! We’ve seen almost every type of acne scar, and our team has decades of experience in helping patients address acne and acne scarring.
Whether you’re interested in topical products or medical treatments, during a free consultation, we will assess your skin and recommend effective treatments. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
