Acne and acne scarring

Acne is an unfortunate condition that most commonly affects teenagers and young adults. It occurs when the skin’s sebaceous glands become inflamed and block the gland’s natural oily secretions resulting in comedones or blocked pores. Blackheads or whiteheads develop that may become red and inflamed and in extreme cases larger cyst-like lumps appear. 
 

Acne in adults is less common and usually has a different cause from juvenile acne and so the treatment required will be correspondingly different. At Court House clinics we are able to offer a variety of treatments which include Omnilux™ Blue Light Therapy but unfortunately we do not offer these to anyone less than 18 years of age.

Acne Scarring

Not every acne suffer will develop permanent scars and the likelihood of scarring depends on a number of factors including the severity of the initial condition and individual genetic factors determining susceptibility to scarring; the more severe the acne, the more likely there will be scarring. Generally there are 2 main types of acne scarring: -

It is not inevitable that a person who suffers with acne will be left with scars permanently. This will depend on several factors in particular the severity of the condition and the skin’s own genetic ability to heal successfully. If scarring does occur it will one of two types, as follows:

1. Scars caused by increased tissue formation
2. Scars caused by loss of tissue

In the first place it must be said that it is simpler for the acne sufferer to try and prevent scarring occurring than to repair the damage caused later on. The best advice for a remedy for acne scarring is for the sufferer to seek help from their GP or an accredited skin specialist at the time of the attack.

For those people who have been unfortunate enough to develop long term scarring and in whom the active acne has burnt out or is properly controlled, we now have a number of treatments which are effective in improving the appearance of the skin. Careful assessment by our skilled cosmetic doctors & dermatologists will enable a bespoke treatment plan to be devised; often a combination of treatments is the best solution.

Prevention, however, is not always possible and there are thankfully several treatments available that can eliminate and smooth the damage done to the skin once the acne has abated. Our skilled medical specialists and dermatologists will provide a full assessment of the condition and advise the best course of treatment or indeed combination of treatments for your benefit.

Court House clinic currently offers the following treatments:

• Subscision
• Vavelta®
• Dermaroller
• Punch Excision
• Pixel® Fractional Laser Resurfacing

Frequently asked questions

What are the 2 main types of acne scarring?

1. Scars caused by increased tissue formation

This type of scarring is characterized by a thickened appearance on the skin’s surface and can be red and itchy. They develop from an over-production of collagen resulting from injury or damage and can remain for years and maybe forever. Such scarring includes hypertrophic and keloid scars and their raised nature is particularly noticeable and common in types of dark skin although they may be present in white skins.

They are not easy to treat but can be improved with steroid injections and by the use of occlusive silicone sheets or gel.

2. Scars caused by loss of tissue

These scars take several different forms and occur more commonly than keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Ice Pick Scars can appear on the cheeks. They are usually quite small with a jagged edge, similar to the wound from an ice pick. They can deep or shall and feel soft or hard.

Depressed fibrotic scars usually have sharp edges and steep sides and are quite large. Sometimes called boxcap scars, the base of this type of scar can feel firm to the touch. Ice-pick scars can eventually develop into depressed fibrotic scars.
 

Soft scars, superficial or deep scars. These scars feel quite soft and have rounded edges that blend with surrounding normal skin and are also known as rolling scars. They give the skin’s surface an undulating appearance.

Atrophic macules scars are ivory white in colour and flat in appearance and they occur on the face and upper body. They come in various sizes and are not particularly noticeable on white skin.

What is Subscision?

When a scar is particularly deep it is often anchored at its base to the deeper layers of the skin’s tissue and this pulls the scar down like deep-buttoned upholstery.

Subscision is a technique employed to release the scars attachment by cutting the adhesions that hold it to the lower epidermis and allow the skin to lift and give a flatter appearance. This is a particularly successful solution to depressed fibrotic scars and works well with other skin treatments.

What is Punch Excision?

Ice Pick scars that are particularly deep can be removed individually by punch excision. A circular blade similar to an apple corer cuts away the scar and the skin’s edges are stitched together. A local anesthetic is used during the procedure to prevent any discomfort.

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Before and after
 

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