Acne Scars

"Reveal your clear, confident skin."

Have you been noticing lingering marks or indentations on your skin after a breakout, a reminder of the acne you once dealt with? These are known as acne scars, a common concern that can affect individuals regardless of age or skin type. Acne scars form when inflamed blemishes damage the skin, leading to changes in texture and appearance that may impact your confidence.

At NU.U Clinic, we recognise that acne scars are more than just a skin concern — they can influence how you feel about yourself. That’s why we are committed to addressing this issue with care and expertise. Our clinic offers personalised treatment approaches to help manage the appearance of acne scars, restoring your skin’s natural texture and glow. Let us support your journey to clearer, more radiant skin.

Acne scars are the result of inflammation caused by acne lesions. When the skin’s pores are clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, it can lead to breakouts. In severe cases, these breakouts damage the skin tissue, leaving scars as part of the skin’s natural healing process. These scars can vary in type and appearance, ranging from shallow marks to deeper indentations, depending on the severity of the acne and the individual’s skin type.

Causes of Acne Scars

Inflammatory Acne

Severe or prolonged inflammation from acne breakouts can damage the surrounding skin tissue. When the body repairs this damage, it may overproduce or underproduce collagen, leading to raised or depressed scars.

Popping or Picking Acne

Manually squeezing or picking at acne lesions increases the risk of damaging the deeper layers of the skin. This can cause infections and disrupt the healing process, leaving scars behind.

Loss of Collagen

As the skin heals, insufficient collagen production can result in atrophic scars (indented scars). This is common in those prone to cystic acne.

Genetic Factors

Some individuals are genetically predisposed to develop acne scars. A family history of scarring can increase the likelihood of experiencing severe scars.

Delayed or Improper Treatment

Not treating acne early or using inappropriate skincare products can worsen inflammation and increase the chance of scarring. Prompt management of acne helps minimise long-term skin damage.

Skin Type and Healing Response

Different skin types respond differently to acne and healing. For instance, darker skin tones are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, while fair skin may be more susceptible to certain types of atrophic scars.

Types of Acne Scars

Atrophic Scars

These types of scars manifest as depressions in the skin, forming in places where previous acne has subsided. They occur due to the skin's inability to regenerate tissue adequately, resulting in areas that appear sunken, particularly noticeable on the face.

Rolling Scars

Recognisable by their smooth, undulating edges, these scars create a wavy texture on the skin. Often a result of long-term inflammatory acne, they are typically wide and shallow.

Boxcar Scars

Manifesting as round or oval depressions, these scars have sharp, vertical edges. They are wider than ice pick scars, varying in depth, and often found in areas with thicker skin, such as the lower cheeks and jaw.

Ice Pick Scars

These scars are deep and extremely narrow, penetrating into the dermis layer of the skin. The skin looks as if it has been pierced by a sharp instrument, hence the name. They are among the most difficult to treat due to their depth and are commonly located on the cheeks.

Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

These scars are raised and firm, forming above the surface of the surrounding skin. Hypertrophic scars are confined to the boundary of the original wound and do not grow over time, unlike keloid scars which can grow beyond the site of the acne. These types of scars often appear on the chest, shoulders, and back.

Treatments for Acne Scars

Morpheus 8

Morpheus 8 is a skin treatment that uses a special device to improve and shape the skin. It combines micro-needling with radiofrequency energy, approved by the FDA, to work beneath the skin's surface. By creating tiny injuries, it triggers the skin's natural repair system. This leads to increased production of collagen and elastin, two key proteins that help make the skin firmer and smoother. Morpheus 8 is effective for enhancing skin texture and tightness, offering a solution for those looking to improve their skin's appearance.

Clarity II Laser

The Clarity II Laser by Lutronic is an advanced dual-wavelength laser system that combines the power of long-pulsed Alexandrite (755nm) and Nd:YAG (1064nm) wavelengths. This combination allows for efficient, high-energy treatments capable of addressing a broad spectrum of skin concerns. Its versatility makes it suitable for removing unwanted hair, pigmentation, and vascular lesions across all skin types, enhancing treatment efficiency while reducing time. The Clarity II's design prioritises user convenience and treatment speed, featuring a single fibre delivery system for all area sizes and wavelengths, alongside an intuitive user interface for confident application across various indications.

Enlighten PICO

Enlighten PICO is an advanced medical laser that serves as a valuable tool for dermatological treatments. It is especially effective for addressing a range of skin issues, including pigmentation concerns, acne scars, birthmarks, and tattoo removal. Its design incorporates the latest laser technology to provide targeted, effective treatment while minimising discomfort and recovery time.

Hollywood Spectra

Hollywood Spectra is a laser-based treatment aimed at rejuvenating the skin and reducing pigmentation. It’s used for concerns like melasma, acne scars, and fine lines, offering a gentle yet effective solution for enhancing skin appearance. This non-invasive treatment minimises recovery time, making it a convenient option for those seeking noticeable skin improvements without lengthy downtime.

SmartXide Touch

SmartXide Touch is a laser treatment known for its effectiveness in reducing wrinkles and repairing age-related skin damage. It uses a CO2 laser, which is recognised for its precision and ability to rejuvenate the skin by targeting specific layers. This treatment is considered the gold standard for enhancing skin texture and appearance, particularly by addressing signs of ageing.

Multi Frax

Multi Frax is a compact, advanced laser treatment known for its powerful performance, using two types of light wavelengths in a unique, targeted way to improve skin health. It combines 1550 nm and 1927 nm wavelength lasers, allowing it to reach different skin depths for various treatments. It's recognised for its safety and efficacy with approvals from the US FDA and Medical CE. This device is particularly effective for enhancing skin texture, treating wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation, and can also assist in delivering medications to the skin.

Plinest

Plinest is a regenerative treatment designed to address signs of skin ageing, such as fine lines, poor skin texture, redness, skin sensitivity, and reduced elasticity. This non-invasive therapy employs Polynucleotide High Purity Technology (PN-HPT), which uses highly purified polynucleotides to support and enhance the skin’s natural repair processes, making it a practical option for those seeking rejuvenation with minimal downtime.

Conclusion

Addressing acne scars effectively requires a strategy tailored to individual needs. A range of advanced treatments are available, each targeting specific types of scars, ensuring a bespoke approach. Consulting with a professional is key to identifying the most suitable treatment plan, aimed at significantly reducing the appearance of acne scars.

At NU.U Clinic, each treatment is tailored to meet the specific needs and desires of each patient. Dr. Chew and his team take a personalised approach, ensuring that each client receives care that fits their unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.