Acne and Acne Scars
“Treating acne and acne scars is a large part of my practice. As someone who treats acne scars every day, I highly advise my patients to treat acne early to prevent acne scars. While we offer the most advanced treatment options to address the different types of acne scars, it always takes time.” – Dr. Noll
Before and After Photos
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FAQs
What types of treatments do you offer?
To treat acne scars we use various procedures including chemical peels, microneedling with radiofrequency (VirtueRF), lasers (Pico Genesis FX, Halo Resurfacing, Excel V), and fillers. The right treatment depends on the type of acne scars present. Each procedure is designed to either remove dark spots and red spots, lift deep scars, or safely and effectively stimulate collagen for mildly depressed scars.
How does it work?
Each treatment option functions differently. Chemical peels remove pigment, dermal fillers help lift deep scars, while the treatments that help mildly depressed scars do so by stimulating collagen.
Am I a good candidate?
Our wide variety of procedure options ensures that we can help most patients. During the consultation, each patient receives a customized treatment plan based on the type of scars being treated.
How much does it cost?
Price varies based on the treatment plan.
Does acne scarring treatment hurt?
Virtue RF (microneedling with radiofrequency) is a minimally invasive procedure and patients report minimal discomfort after topical numbing cream is applied. PicoGenesis FX and Halo Resurfacing patients report discomfort between 1-5, out of 10.
What is the downtime?
There is no downtime with MicroneedlingRF (radiofrequency). PicoGenesis results in 2-4 days of redness, and Halo Resurfacing results in 7 days of social downtime. Social downtime means that there will be visible signs on the face that a treatment has been performed. Patients otherwise feel fine. It is recommended that recently treated skin be protected from sun exposure for two weeks before and after treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
Depends on the type of scars, the type of treatment needed, the severity of the acne scars, and the patient’s goals. We offer package discounts since most scars require multiple treatments.
When will I see results?
Chemical peel results are visible once peeling is complete, usually around day 7. Collagen stimulating treatments require 3-4 months to see results. Subcision with filler results are immediate, but best assessed once the swelling has resolved. All treatments require multiple treatments performed at monthly intervals.
How long do results last?
Depending on the type of acne scar treatment performed, results may be long-term or require additional treatments in the future.
Are there any side effects with acne scar treatment?
You may experience redness following the procedure. Laser treatments, PicoGenesis FX and Halo Resurfacing, and chemical peels may result in hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin if the treated area is exposed to sun exposure during the healing phase.
I currently have acne, can you help me?
Dr. Noll recommends that active acne be treated either before or during acne scar treatment.
What Patients Are Saying
Why Choose Davis Dermatology
As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Noll has had extensive training in acne and acne scar treatments. She uses her professional training and years of experience to create the most effective treatment plans for her patients.
Want to know more about Dr. Noll? See below “Getting to know Dr. Noll.”
Direct Book: 530-756-5758
A Closer Look at Acne Scar Treatment
A Closer Look at Acne Scar Treatment
Acne scars are a common problem we treat. Unfortunately, at this moment, there is not a laser that can erase acne scars with one treatment. Treating acne scars requires multiple treatments and time. Before or during acne scar treatment it is highly recommended that acne be well-controlled.
There are 4 main types of acne scars: red, pigmented, atrophic, and hypertrophic. Atrophic acne scars can be further divided into 3 subtypes based on the type of shape they resemble: icepick, boxcar, and rolling.
Identifying which type of acne scar is present helps determine the type of acne scar treatment needed. Multiple types can be present at a time.
Red and pigmented acne scars are often remnants of recent acne. These are residual discolorations left by acne and often can fade with time. Sometimes, they don’t fade quickly enough and need some assistance. Redness can be treated with a vascular laser (LaserGenesis or Excel V). Pigmented acne scars are best treated with chemical peels and lightening creams. The chemical peel we use also treats active acne. Multiple treatments will be necessary.
Atrophic acne scars, ice pick, boxcar, and rolling are all depressions in the skin. The treatments available work either at the surface of the scar or underneath the scar. The goal of surface treatments is to stimulate enough collagen within the scar that the scars become less noticeable. Collagen is stimulated through controlled injuries using either a laser or microneedles. Our microneedling system (VirtueRF) adds radiofrequency and red light to the treatment. Adding these additional treatments optimizes collagen stimulation. The laser that we recommend is PicoGenesis FX. As always, multiple treatments are recommended usually at monthly intervals.
For deeper more depressed acne scars subcision and fillers are recommended. Subcision is performed under local anesthesia. A tiny blade is used to release any fibrotic tissue tethering the base of the scar. Once the tethering is released a filler is used to lift and level the depression with the surrounding skin.
Hypertrophic scars are raised. They are flattened with steroid injections or softened with lasers. While these treatments can flatten and soften the scar they do not erase them. Multiple treatments will be necessary usually at monthly intervals.
Treating acne scars is challenging but possible. Preventing them is much easier. We can help you with both. Call us today!
Protect Your Investment
We call using products “Protecting Your Investment.” We carry several skincare products that are clinically proven to stimulate collagen and elastin. We highly recommend incorporating these products into your skincare routine. They will help you get to your results faster and keep them longer. Aging never stops. Let our knowledgeable staff help you find the perfect product for you.
