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