ACNE SCARS AND IPL

WHAT ARE ACNE SCARS ?
Permanent textural changes and indentations that occur on the skin following severe acne result in acne scars. Scarring occurs as the body creates collagen to repair the damage. Depending on the skin type and other factors, the scarring can be relatively shallow and easy to correct, or deep where scarring is more severe. The healing process creates significant changes in the texture and smoothness of the skin, forming depressions (lost tissue) or giving the skin a rolling, wave-like appearance (adds tissue).

WHY DO ACNE SCARS FORM ?
Acne is an inflammatory process. In the non-inflammatory phase there is no scarring. Once the non-inflammatory lesion evolves into an inflammatory lesion, the mechanisms of wound healing are activated. If the inflammation is extensive and deep extending into the deep dermis and continues untreated, scarring results. The different types of acne scars are as a result of the extent, depth and degree of inflammation that is followed by repair. On the face, commonly there is an indentation (depressed scar), and on the chest and the back the scarring can be raised and lumpy – known as hypertrophic or keloid scarring.

TYPES OF ACNE SCARS :

• Boxcar Scars
• Icepick Scars
• Rolling Scars
• Mixed Acne Scars
• Red Acne Scars/Macular Scars
• Brown Scars
• Hypertrophic & Keloid Scars

IPL ACNE SCAR TREATMENT :
IPL uses numerous wavelengths of light delivered in a short pulse. The multiple wavelengths of light from the IPL treatment mean that a larger number of skin cells can be targeted for a more impactful treatment without the need to use multiple lasers to address various layers of skin and types of cells and tissues. Patients who have an acne scar that is pitted and has created discoloration will need at least two different treatments to address the collagen production issue as well as the hyper or hypopigmentation issue caused by the scarring. IPL treatments address both types of skin damage from acne scars simultaneously.

In addition to the multiple wavelengths of light energies, IPL treatment uses short pulses that offer maximum effect for the targeted tissues while minimizing negative impact outside the treatment area. Research has proven that “A single treatment that can address skin redness, texture issues, active breakouts, and scar tissue sounds like it shouldn’t be possible, but IPL treatments have the the ability to carefully address a wide range of issues associated with acne in shorter visits that are very comfortable.

IPL continues to be an innovative and effective treatment option for Acne Scars.