How Can You Get Rid of Acne Scars?

Acne is an extremely common condition that affects up to 85% of teenagers. While most people grow out of it, some are left with small, round scars on their faces and other parts of their bodies. If you’d like to get rid of these scars, treatments like microdermabrasion or microneedling could be right for you. Here at Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX, we can evaluate your condition and offer you an effective acne scar treatment.

How Can You Get Rid of Acne Scars?

There are a lot of different treatments out there for acne scars, but not all of them are equally successful. Many remedies that are based on creams and ointments don’t penetrate the skin far enough, or they are not effective on their own. Luckily, there are alternatives that are more effective at addressing the scars left behind by acne. At the clinic, we offer two minimally invasive treatments called microdermabrasion and microneedling.

They both have extremely high success rates, and most patients experience permanent results. What’s more, there is no downtime required with either of these treatments, so you’ll be able to resume your regular activities straight away. This makes the sessions easier to incorporate into your day.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion usually takes about thirty minutes, and there isn’t any need for a numbing agent or anesthesia because the treatment isn’t considered painful. You will be seated, and we will use a handheld device to sand away the dead top layer of your skin and reveal the newer, more youthful, and smooth-looking lower layer. Then, we will apply a nourishing moisturizer and sunscreen to protect your face.

Because only superficial cells are removed, you’ll feel some scratching but no pain. You can resume your normal activities straight away after microdermabrasion, and you should see the first changes to your skin texture on the day of your treatment. As your skin recovers, your results will become more noticeable. Most people need six to twelve sessions for the best results.

Microneedling

Another great treatment for acne scars is microneedling. This also makes use of a handheld device, but instead of fine crystals, small needles will be applied to your tissues. They create slightly deeper channels in your skin and trigger your body’s natural healing response. Your blood flow to the affected area will increase, and the blood cells will send out growth factors so the production of new, healthy cells is stimulated.

Microneedling is often combined with a topical treatment, so we might apply a healing serum to your skin at the same time. Because the tiny needles have created channels to the deeper layers of your skin, the beneficial substances are more effective than usual. The body’s healing response needs some time to kick in, and you might have to wait for several weeks to see your results. Usually, we offer three to six microneedling sessions at a time.

Which Acne Scar Treatment Is Right for Me?

The two methods explained above are both highly effective at treating acne scars, even if you’ve suffered from this issue for many years. What’s more, unless you suffer from acne again in the future, it’s likely that your results will be permanent. So, should you go for microdermabrasion or microneedling? Which one is better?

The answer is that it depends on your individual situation. During your consultation, we will examine the depth of your scars and speak to you about treatments you’ve tried before to determine which of our methods will be most effective. We will also take into account your medical background, so we can make sure the chosen treatment will be safe for you.

What Happens at the Clinic?

Both our methods are minimally invasive, which means that they don’t require making any incisions or surgery. It’s best to arrive at the clinic with your treatment area clean and free of make-up or creams so we can get started straight away. You’ll be seated, and once we get started, the treatment shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. Afterward, you will be able to leave right away.

Supporting Treatment

Most of our patients get excellent results from their acne scar sessions. But while we do all we can at the clinic, we also rely on you to follow all our guidelines and keep your skin safe from UV rays and excessive heat in the days after your session. You can support your treatment and make sure you get the results you desire by leading a healthy lifestyle, which might include nutrient-dense foods, plenty of water throughout your day, and regular exercise.

Additionally, it’s worth avoiding substances that could slow down healing, such as alcohol, nicotine, and illegal drugs. The healthier your lifestyle, the bigger the chance that you will experience excellent, permanent results after your sessions.

Get Rid of Acne Scars Now

Acne scars can be extremely irritating because they undermine the patient’s natural beauty and affect their self-confidence. If you struggle with this issue, you can come to the clinic and get acne scar treatment. We offer multiple options, so you’ll almost certainly find what you were looking for. Call us at Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX to book your appointment now.