Acne scarring, as a result of severe acne, can affect many people. Treating acne scars with dermal filler is a great way of reducing the appearance of scars.
Acne scars can appear on the face, neck, back and chest. Acne scarring can have serious effects on the individual’s mental health, so finding ways of treating the scarring is important. Read on to find out more about treating acne scarring.
What is acne scarring?
Acne, mainly severe acne, can cause scarring. Acne can cause three major types of scars. These are called:
- Ice picks scars, which are deep but small holes and pits in the surface of the skin.
- Boxcar scars, which are round or oval depressions in the skin.
- Rolling scars that are mainly caused by damage under the surface, giving the skin an uneven, wavy and sloping appearance.
What causes acne scarring?
If you have had severe acne in the past, including pus-filled acne cysts, you may experience acne scarring. These cysts destroy the skin tissue, and it is not replaced during the healing process. After the cyst and surrounding area heals it usually leaves behind an indentation, or a scar, on the face, chest and back.
Types of acne scarring treatments:
Dermal fillers can be used to treat the appearance of acne scarring. Results are generally immediate and can last for around 12 months, so repeat treatments may be needed.
There are other potential treatment options, including dermabrasion, which involves removing the top layer of skin using lasers. After the procedure your skin can look red and sore for several months, but as it heals there should be an improvement in the appearance of the scars.
Other laser treatments include stimulating the growth of new collagen to help repair some of the damage caused by scarring. Lasers can also be used to remove a small patch of skin around the scar to produce a new, smooth-looking area of skin.
Most of the alternate treatments are usually expensive, and will not give immediate results, so dermal filler has become an increasingly popular option.
Benefits of treating acne scars with dermal filler:
There are lots of benefits when treating acne scars with dermal filler. For example:
- After treatment the skin will be more hydrated, smoother, and tighter, so the scars will appear less visible.
- Dermal filler can be used to treat acne scars on many areas, including the face, back, neck and chest.
- Results are usually immediate, depending on the particular filler used.
- Results can last around 12 months, but can vary patient to patient, due to lifestyle, age, metabolism and so on.
- Recovery time is minimal, usually most people can return to their usual day-today life straight away or after a few days.
- Dermal filler is suitable for all skin types.
- The treatments are relatively painless as dermal fillers contain a local anaesthetic, so you may feel a small pinprick initially.
What fillers can be used to treat acne scars?
Bellafill is a long-lasting dermal filler, which is FDA approved to treat acne scarring. It’s made up of collagen and PMMA beads (polymethyl methacrylate). The collagen will add volume and list the skin, so that the indented scars are less noticeable. The results will be immediate, and they generally last for around 12 months. Though this filler is very effective at treating acne scars, it may not be the best option for you, so it’s important to consult with your GP first, and they will take you through all the options.
Some other dermal filler alternatives include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane.
Juvéderm Voluma is a dermal filler, which can correct the signs of ageing, including loss of volume and sagging skin. It will also lift, plump, and tighten the skin to reduce the appearance of the acne scars and depressions.
Restylane with Lidocaine and Restylane Lyft can be used to improve the appearance of acne scars. Both products will give results lasting around 6 to 12 months.
Restylane Lyft will add volume and lift the mid-face area, so it’s ideal for treating acne scarring, hollows, and skin depressions on the cheeks. It also contains lidocaine, to reduce any pain and discomfort during the treatment. Restylane with Lidocaine can be used on most parts of the face, but especially the nose, mouth, and lips.
Are there any risks or side effects when treating acne scars with dermal filler?
Like most dermal fillers, the side effects are minimal. You may experience some swelling and redness around the injection site. Bruising can also be common, but this should resolve on its own after a few days. It’s important to discuss any allergies you have with your doctor beforehand, so they can ensure that you have the correct treatment. You should also inform them of any medicines that you take.
