Atrophic scars are a very common form of acne scarring which affects the texture or smoothness of the skin.  These scars are referred to as “atrophic” because of the hardening nature of the tissue that creates a rolling or wrinkling effect to the skin and tissue.  Oftentimes, a red-based pigment is associated with this form of scarring.

Acne Scar Removal Los Angeles by Celibre Medical, www.celibre.com/acne-scars.aspx. 

Schedule a free Acne Scar Removal Los Angeles consultation at www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

More Los Angeles Acne Scar Removal Before and After pictures at www.celibre.com/Acne-scars-before-and-after-pictures.aspx.

Non-ablative (no downtime, non-invasive) lasers may offer mild improvement to the texture of the skin depending on how significant the scarring is.  Non-ablative lasers to resolve the red-based pigment usually render excellent results.  Laser resurfacing with ablative (invasive with downtime) lasers is a good option for providing more dramatic improvement.

Lori Haney, RN, CMLSO

The term “textured” refers to acne scars that cause changes to the smoothness of the skin.  Textured acne scars include pitted scars, atrophic (raised scars), boxcar scars (scooped out box shaped), cliff edges, keloids, and shallow and rolling scars.  Pictures of these scars can be seen at http://www.celibre.com/acne-scars-more-information.aspx.  Regardless of which type of acne scarring a patient has, the condition causes much concern and can have a deep emotional impact on those who suffer from them.  Because technology has improved greatly over the last decade, there are now several safe and effective laser treatments for acne scars - both textured and pigmented acne scars.  However, not all treatments are appropriate for all forms of acne scarring or all skin types.

Learn more about the Los Angeles acne scar removal program by Celibre Medical, www.celibre.com/acne-scars.aspx.  

Schedule a FREE acne scar removal Los Angeles consultation, www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

Erbium laser resurfacing for textured acne scars by Celibre Medical.  Los Angeles and Orange County, California acne scar treatment. 

More Los Angeles acne scar treatment patient before and after pictures at www.celibre.com/Acne-scars-before-and-after-pictures.aspx.

At Celibre, several different lasers and treatment programs to address textured acne scars.  For those that present with mild to moderate textured acne scarring, we use a combination of non-ablative (no downtime) lasers.  These lasers are safe for all skin types with treatments lasting approximately thirty minutes.  These laser treatments stimulate new collagen (the building blocks of skin and tissue) development to help the skin fill in the scarred areas from below the surface.  This process is referred to as collagen remodeling.  In a sense, we are provoking the body to respond to the thermal injury caused by the laser by developing new skin tissue, which helps to heal and improve the scars.  It is the same process we use for those seeking facial rejuvenation for fine lines and wrinkles or skin laxity.  

For those patients that have significant, deeper scarring or are looking for more dramatic, quicker results, it may be more beneficial to consider laser skin resurfacing with ablative (associated with social downtime) lasers.  The concept with this technology is to remove the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) while causing collagen stimulation from below in the dermis.  In this manner, the treatments treat the scarring from two different locations and levels within the skin.  This type of treatment is not appropriate for all skin types.

At Celibre, we are passionate about developing a safe and effective laser treatment plan for our acne and acne scar patients.  Our goal is to offer proven treatments that are appropriate for one’s budget and work or school schedule.  Above all, we believe in setting realistic goals and expectations and then to over-deliver on those expectations.

Lori Haney, RN, MEP-C

Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer

Acne scars can appear as discolored marks (pigmented acne scars) or a they can be bumpy (textured acne scars). Another term for pigmented acne scars is hyperpigmented acne scars because they are usually darker than the surrounding skin. 

In some cases, the red or brown acne marks associated with the acne inflammation will resolve on their own as the acne resolves.  In other cases, brown or red acne scars can remain for days, weeks, months or even years after the acne has disappeared.  The body is able to successfully remove the pigment in most cases, but for many patients, the time it takes to heal these scars is unacceptable and they want to consider treatment options that can get rid of acne scars more quickly.

Los Angeles acne scar removal program by Celibre Medical, www.celibre.com/acne-scars.aspx. 

Free consultations for Los Angeles acne scar treatment program, www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

Pigmented acne scar treatment by Celibre Medical, Los Angeles and Orange County, California.

Celibre Medical Los Angeles acne scar treatments before and after pictures, www.celibre.com/Acne-scars-before-and-after-pictures.aspx.

Hyperpigmented acne scars may appear red, brown, or a combination of both colors.  Medium to darker skin types have a higher chance of developing brown acne scars while lighter skin types usually develop red acne scars.  The discoloration associated with these acne scars is a result of a healing process that brings pigment to the site of the injury (acne).

If the acne scars are red in color, we will normally use pulsed dye lasers to effectively fade the scars.  Brown acne scars are safely and effectively treated using Q-Switched laser technology, which is appropriate for all skin types and does not involve any downtime.  There are also effective treatments that involve ablative (downtime) laser resurfacing treatments and/or treatments using topical products with or without lasers.

Acne scarring is a very emotional condition and affects young and old alike.  Knowing that there are options provides patients with something to look forward to once their acne is under control.  At Celibre, we help our acne patients choose a treatment plan that is safe for their skin type, effective, and works with their time frame and social/work schedule.

Lori Haney, RN, MEP-C

Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer