The best options for treating facial and acne scars depend on the type, severity and location of the scars, as well as individual skin type and goals. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective approaches that we utilize at Rocky Mountain Surgical Arts.
1. Laser Therapy
- CO2 Laser Resurfacing: Fractional CO2 lasers are the most potent of all lasers, targeting deep scar tissue, promoting collagen production and skin resurfacing.
2. Microneedling
- Creates controlled micro-injuries to the skin, triggering collagen and elastin production.
- Can be enhanced with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) for faster healing and better results.
- Effective for atrophic and ice-pick scars.
3. Chemical Peels
- Exfoliate and remove the top layers of damaged skin, reducing the appearance of superficial scars and improving skin texture.
- Medium to deep peels (e.g., TCA) are suitable for more pronounced scars.
4. Dermal Fillers
- Fillers are injected to lift and smooth depressed scars.
- Effective for rolling scars and some boxcar scars.
5. Subcision
- A minor surgical procedure that uses a needle to release scar tissue tethering the skin, improving the appearance of depressed scars.
6. Excision
- For individual deep scars (e.g., ice-pick scars), surgical removal followed by suturing or grafting can improve the appearance.
7. Topical Treatments
- Retinoids and silicone-based gels or sheets can help flatten and soften scars over time.
- Often combined with other modalities for enhanced results.
8. Cryotherapy
- Freezing treatments can help flatten raised keloid or hypertrophic scars.
9. Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments
- Devices like RF microneedling combine collagen stimulation with heat for skin tightening and scar reduction.
10. Combination Therapies
- Combining treatments (ie: CO2 laser with microneedling and anti-aging rejuvenation products) provides superior results by targeting scars from multiple angles.
- Paired with our specialized rejuvenation products, this dual-approach enhances your skin’s elasticity and smoothness, leaving you with a youthful, glowing complexion.
Considerations
- A tailored approach is essential, as some treatments work better for specific scar types (e.g., atrophic, hypertrophic, ice-pick, rolling, or boxcar scars).
- Skin tone plays a role in treatment choice to minimize risks like hyperpigmentation.
- Consult with our multi-board certified surgeon, Dr. Fathimani at Rocky Mountain Surgical Arts to help you achieve transformative results that boost confidence and reveal your best skin yet.
