Acne Scar Treatment in Washington, DC

As much as you would like to forget your acne from early adulthood, your face remembers. Although your acne may be long gone, its scars can hang around. You may notice that you have multiple types of scars on your own face.

Inflammation plays a leading role in the formation of scars. The inflammation caused by acne can impact the healing process and diminish the amount of helpful collagen that occurs naturally in skin. The result is the uneven, pitted (atrophic) appearance of acne scars. While scars may fade over time, they often do not go away completely without help.

There are several non-surgical acne scar treatments in Washington DC and these largely depend on the type of scar and how many there are.

BellaFill for Acne Therapy

Bellafill® fades acne scars by adding volume to them, bringing them to the level of the surrounding skin and keeping them there through one year. This is the first and only injectable filler that’s FDA approved to treat acne scars.

Bellafill® reduces the look of acne scars in two ways. Its remarkably small polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres are suspended in a smooth collagen gel. The diameter of each microsphere is less than that of a human hair, so they are not visible to the naked eye.

This volume enhancer is able to provide an immediate improvement with no downtime associated with it. The PMMA microspheres form a supportive scaffold to allow your own collagen to build upon. As the gel breaks down over time, your collagen forms a foundation that adds volume to the acne scars providing a sustained improvement that can last. This is a great nonsurgical alternative that allows you to feel less self-conscious. It restores rather than just fills for natural-looking, enduring results.

Microneedling

Microneedling has been shown to reduce the appearance of the acne scars. Over a series of three treatments, the microneedles stimulate collagen production and soften the appearance of atrophic acne scars. Dr. Somenek also incorporates radiofrequency technology into the acne scar treatment at his Washington DC clinic. This heats the underlying tissues simultaneously and further stimulates collagen production.

Serial Excision

For individuals that have ice pick scars that are typically resistant to filler or other treatments, performing controlled punch excisions is a great alternative to permanently remove them. You are essentially exchanging a depressed scar for a well formed, almost imperceptible scar. This is performed in the office under local anesthesia and requires no downtime.

Different Types of Acne Scars

Understanding the different types of acne scars and their potential for permanence can help in choosing the most effective treatment strategies. At our practice, we aim to provide tailored treatments that address both the aesthetic and psychological impacts of these scars.

Acne scars vary significantly in appearance and are primarily categorized into the following types:

Atrophic Scars: These scars form when the skin does not produce enough collagen during the healing process. They appear as indentations in the skin and are subdivided into three types:

  • Ice Pick Scars: Deep, narrow, and pitted, these scars make the skin appear as if it has been punctured with a sharp object. They are typically the most challenging to treat because of their depth.
  • Boxcar Scars: Broad depressions with sharply defined edges, boxcar scars give the skin a pitted appearance. They can vary in depth and are typically found on areas where the skin is thicker, like the lower cheeks and jaw.
  • Rolling Scars: These are caused by fibrous bands of tissue that develop between the skin and the underlying tissue. Rolling scars create a wave-like texture across the skin due to their shallow and wide nature, making the skin surface appear uneven.

Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids: Unlike atrophic scars, these are raised scars that occur when the skin produces too much collagen. They are characterized by:

  • Hypertrophic Scars: These are raised but remain within the boundaries of the initial injury. They may decrease in size over time and are often red or pink.
  • Keloids: Extending beyond the boundaries of the original wound, keloids grow progressively over time. They are firm, rubbery lesions or shiny, fibrous nodules that can be painful or itchy. Keloids are more common in people with darker skin tones and may require specialized treatments to manage.

Are Acne Scars Permanent?

The permanence of acne scars can be a significant concern for those affected. While some types of acne scars, especially mild ones, may improve over time with minimal treatment, most acne scars are permanent without intervention. However, the visibility and texture of these scars can be dramatically improved with professional treatments.

Before and after Acne Scar Treatment Washington DC

Why Choose Somenek + Pittman for Acne Scar Treatment?

Choosing our practice for acne scar treatment ensures access to expert care and innovative solutions. Here’s why we are the preferred choice: Our board-certified specialists bring extensive experience in advanced dermatological treatments, continually updated with the latest techniques to ensure optimal outcomes. We tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique skin type and scar severity, employing a precise mix of treatments to effectively address individual needs. Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, our practice offers a variety of proven therapies, from laser treatments to microneedling, ensuring high-quality results.

Beyond aesthetic improvement, our holistic approach supports overall well-being, providing continuous care and detailed guidance throughout the recovery process. Our dedication to achieving significant improvements is evident in our patient testimonials and before-and-after galleries, showcasing the effectiveness of our treatments. We prioritize creating a welcoming environment, treating each patient with the utmost empathy and respect, ensuring a positive and supportive experience at every step. For expert care in acne scar treatments and a transformative experience, consider scheduling a consultation with us.

Learn More About Acne Scar Treatment in Washington DC

Acne therapy is a common non-surgical treatment that patients seek out to rejuvenate their skin. Contact us to discuss which type of acne scar treatment in Washington DC is the best option for you.

Check out some of our work with these before and after galleries for acne scar treatment.

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