Our Santa Monica plastic surgery office offers treatments for acne scars on the face and body. There are several different types of acne scars that can be improved with laser therapy, and these include atrophic acne scars, red and hyperpigmented acne scars, and keloid acne scars. Each type of scar requires a specialized protocol for treatment.
Atrophic Acne Scars
Atrophic acne scars usually result from dermal injury caused by deep cystic acne. As the cystic pustules rupture, inflammation can destroy the native collagen matrix of the dermis, resulting in deeply pitted scars. Atrophic scars can cause an uneven contour to the skin and are best treated with collagen building lasers such as fractional CO2 and fractional erbium lasers. In addition, we use a subcision and TCA cross to further stimulate collagen growth and help recontour the skin.
- Venus Viva RF to stimulate collagen
- Morpheus 8 RF
- Fractional CO2 laser
- Fractional Erbium laser
- Resurfx laser
- Thulium Ultra LaseMD laser
Discolored Acne Scars
Red and hyperpigmentation scars are usually caused by acute inflammation that stimulates melanin deposition and hyperemia. The redness is caused by an increase in microscopic telangiectasia within the skin. We treat many of these types of acne scars using a combination of vbeam vascular laser combined with topical skin care and IPL. These three treatments can help modulate the redness and pigmentation within the skin. If patients have active acne, we often combine these lasers with non-ablative treatments that can reduce bacteria and improve cystic acne.
Discolored scars can either be hyperpigmented or hypopigmented. It is generally very difficult to make hypopigmented scars darker in color because there is a fundamental lack of melanin cells within the scars. Hyperpigmented scars are caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and these scars can be lightened using chemical peels, topical skin creams, and lasers. We employ the Melarase cream series to help combat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Melarase creams to reduce pigmentation
- Thulium LaseMD laser
- Clear and Brilliant laser
- Fractional Erbium
- Yag laser
- Chemical peels
Keloid Acne Scars
Keloid acne scars can occur on the face and body, but are often found on the jawline, chest, and back. With time, inflammation,can cause an acne scar to become thick and raised. The development of a keloid is a long lasting problem and can best be treated , with a combination of intralesional injections, laser therapy, and scar modulation.
The treatment of acne scars should begin with a consultation in our Los Angeles plastic surgery office. Our clinicians are experts in the field of cosmetic dermatology and can help you reduce acne breakouts, improve acne scars, and reduce skin imperfections. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, is a renowned expert in laser therapy and can help formulate a specific treatment plan that addresses new and old acne scars.
Schedule a consultation for acne scar treatment in Los Angeles by calling our patient care coordinator at 310-998-5533.