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Acne - Acne scars treatments

Dr. Kristina Zakhary MD, MSc, FRCSc

Restore smoother, clearer skin with advanced acne scar treatments designed to refine texture, even tone, and rebuild your confidence.

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Skin Resurfacing & Scar Correction

Acne Scar Treatment

More than 80% of the population is affected to some degree during their teen years, twenties and even into their thirties with a skin condition called acne. For most, it will be a somewhat distressing temporary condition that leaves no significant lasting effects. For others, acne can result in scarring that is disfiguring and affects self image in a negative way for the rest of their lives.

Though there are a variety of topical products that may somewhat improve mild scarring, most acne scars require treatment with laser skin resurfacing, injectable fillers, and/or surgical procedures. Most of these treatments provide long-lasting or permanent smoothing out and lightening of the acne scar. Some treatments also even control future breakouts.

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Treatment of acne scarring is often dependent on the size, shape and depth of the scar since some treatments are more effective on certain types of scarring. Accutane use, though very effective in controlling active outbreaks, can be detrimental to many treatments for scarring and should be discussed with your doctor prior to treatment.

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Treatment options

With the introduction of fractional resurfacing technology such as the Fraxel laser, treatment of acne scars has become far more effective and predictable. Laser skin resurfacing allows for controlled penetration of the skin layers while targeting only small “fractions” of the surface, resulting in less downtime and a smoother recovery.

Results from Fraxel acne scar treatments are often dramatic, and most patients require four to six sessions to achieve optimal improvement.

Another effective treatment option for acne scarring is injectable dermal fillers. This method involves placing soft-tissue fillers such as Restylane beneath the scar to lift the surface and improve contour irregularities.

Although filler injections must be repeated periodically to maintain results, the procedure is simple, causes minimal discomfort, and provides immediate improvement.

Punch techniques are minimally invasive surgical procedures highly effective in improving the appearance of deeper acne scars. There are several types of punch treatments, all using a punch biopsy tool to correct indented scars.

Punch excision removes the base of the scar, and the area is closed with sutures. Punch elevation lifts the scar tissue and secures it at skin level, while punch replacement removes the scar completely and replaces it with a small skin graft, often harvested from behind the ear.

These procedures are often combined with laser resurfacing to improve overall skin texture and tone.

For certain scars, a technique called subcision may be required to release deeper tethering connective tissue. Most patients need one to three treatments, and bruising or swelling may persist for up to two weeks. Subcision is frequently paired with laser resurfacing for optimal results.

To determine the most appropriate acne scar treatment for your individual needs, Dr. Kristina Zakhary, Facial Cosmetic Surgeon in Calgary, will design a customized treatment plan based on the type and severity of your scarring.