Acne is aninflammation of the pilosebaceous glands predominantly affecting the face. It produces solid lesions noted on the skin surface (papules) that later tend to become infected causing more severe and disfiguring lesions (pustules). Suppurated cystic lesions and fistulizing may also appear, leading to scar formation.
Aesthetic treatments for acne scars
Scars are among the main, and most obvious, damage that acne can cause. They are often depressed or crateriform, causing holes and cavities that are sometimes quite deep and thus represent a consistent skin blemish. Less frequently, scars occur raised on the skin plane.
Superficial Acne Scars
Superficial scars still benefit from methods involving the application of exfoliating substances (acids) to the skin that can bring about a reduction in small acne scars and skin pigmentation. Different types of substances are used depending on the state of acne disease activity (presence or absence of active lesions).
- Tretionine peel: substance that can “turn off” active acne. It should be used in the form of masks when acne still produces more or less obvious pustules;
- Glycolic acid peeling: in addition to the exfoliating action that leads to progressive desquamation of the skin, there is a stimulation of collagen and elastin production;
- Acetylsalicylic acid peeling: The exfoliating action is complemented by the anti-inflammatory property of the acid, but above all by its ability to reorganize the processes of keratization and elimination of impurities.
Then exfoliating treatments include mechanical treatments, without the use of acids, using special rotating brushes.
- Dermabrasion: the skin is smoothed with a special brush rotating at high speed that, by removing superficial layers of dermis, gradually “evens out” the depth of the scars. In the following four months, sunbathing is absolutely forbidden, and results are visible only after healing;
- Microdermabrasion: is a less invasive treatment than dermabrasion that can reduce acne blemishes by acting superficially on the epidermis.
Deep acne scars
Deep scars are visible because of their introflexion from the surrounding skin plane. For this reason, aesthetic medicine procedures aim, not to eliminate them completely, but to level them to the plane of the surrounding healthy skin.
- Ultrapulsed CO2 laser: embodies the highest and most innovative standard in the treatment of scars and skin imperfections such as those caused by acne. The thermal effect of the laser removes the most superficial layers of skin, thereby smoothing and reducing the margins and thickness of scars. The laser produces necrosis of the more superficial layers of skin and stimulates metabolism of the underlying dermis, making scars firmer, narrower, and less whitish in color;
- Radiofrequency: deeply transmits the effect of the laser by stimulating collagen production by specific cells (the fibroblasts) and thereby filling in the gaps in the tissue damaged by the scar.
The ultimate solution against acne scars
The combination of the two technologies is now definitely the best solution of scalpel-free aesthetic medicine towards acne scars. This procedure achieves skin tightening by generally improving skin tone and firmness. Results are evident quickly and tend to improve further over time. The face takes on a smooth and glowing appearance, the skin is more relaxed, and even the pitted-looking scars typical of acne will be smoother. Usually 3 to 4 sessions spaced 2 months apart are sufficient to allow time for the re-epithelialization process put in place by the method.
Radiofrequency also offers the significant advantage of mitigating redness and swelling, especially where the skin is thinner, that the thermal effect of the laser produces. As early as now, it is possible to return to normal work activity, and as early as the next day women will be able to wear makeup. To avoid the formation of unsightly spots and pigmentation, it is advisable to undergo treatment in the winter months when sun exposure is minimized.
In conclusion, the short recovery time, absence of complications, and consistently effective result make fractionated CO2 laser the absolute best weapon for correcting and alleviating scars caused by acne.
