Contrary to what many people believe, acne is not unique to teenagers and is a condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their age. In some cases, acne will disappear; however, it is possible to see scarring, and unless the proper treatment is applied, these scars can become permanent.

There are two types of scarring, including keloid scarring, which occurs if too little collagen is produced, resulting in depressed scars. This type of scar will appear as a pit, whereas atrophic scars may be raised. This type of scarring occurs whenever too much collagen forms and is more common for those with darker coloured skin.

While it’s hard to predict who will develop scars, there are certain risk factors that can make an individual more prone to developing them as a result of acne. Those who have inflammatory acne-like cysts and nodules may get acne scars as these penetrate deep into the skin and often look red and swollen and are very painful. Prolonged inflammatory acne can also lead to scars because the longer you delay treatment, the higher the risk of developing scars will be. Those who pop or play with their acne may also experience scarring, so it’s important that you never squeeze or pick at your acne blemishes, as this will increase inflammation and will increase the possibility of scarring. Genes can play a role in this as well, so if you have a family member with acne scars, this may cause you to develop scarring due to acne.

Acne scars can be frustrating to deal with because they can affect one’s self-esteem and confidence. Many people feel that their scars limit their opportunities and hold them back from social gatherings. If you can relate to this, you no longer have to feel this way because there are treatment options that can help with this condition. Surgery is one option you can consider but it is not the only choice you have because chemical peeling, dermabrasion and laser therapy are effective treatment options as well. Skin fillers and fat tissue from the patient’s body can help with deep scars, so it is possible to treat acne scars through different methods.

Injections and cryosurgery can help treat raised scars, and modern techniques include specialized gels and laser therapy, both of which are less invasive than surgery, so you may feel more comfortable with these options. Intense pulsed light lasers are also effective, particularly for patients with lighter skin, and can reduce the look of scars. In some cases, the scars may even fade to the point that they are barely noticeable.

While treatments are effective, there are also things you can do on your own to help reduce scarring, including avoiding sunlight, irritation and picking at your face.

If you are interested in acne scar treatments, the experts at FAB Laser & Skincare can help. We offer a number of services, including body contouring, skin tightening, body slimming and cellulite treatments, so if you want to see results, contact us today!