Acne Scars
The skin is the largest organ in your body. Though it is resilient, a tear in the surface can cause visible and even permanent damage that can diminish both your appearance and confidence. Acne scarring refers to permanent indentations and textural marks that form on the skin as a result of severe acne. It is a common condition that is difficult to treat through natural remedies and often requires cosmetic treatment to resolve effectively.
While there are various creams, ointments and gels designed to treat acne, these prove to be ineffective for many patients. In some cases, these products contain harsh chemicals that can significantly worsen the condition. Though there are topical treatments and vigorous routines that claim to improve acne scarring, board-certified surgeon Dr. John P Freeman offers patients a range of solutions that are reliable, minimally invasive and effective.
What Causes Acne Scarring?
Acne scars are most often the result of inflamed lesions. When severe acne occurs, large pus-filled spaces called cysts are formed. These cysts destroy skin tissue. Though the body works to heal the damage, scarring occurs as a natural result. When the cyst empties and the area heals, an indentation usually forms on the face.
How Can Acne Scarring Be Treated?
Facial scarring can be especially disheartening for patients. Severe acne scars can lead to reduced confidence, social withdrawal and often debilitating psychological effects. Fortunately, advancements in technology have generated various solutions for acne scarring. Dr. Freeman offers an array of highly effective, minimally invasive procedures to help patients achieve exceptional and satisfying results. Our office in Katy, TX, also carries many pharmaceutical-grade skincare products that can reduce the visibility of scars and significantly improve your appearance. With a personalized treatment plan designed by Dr. Freeman, smoother and clearer skin is now in your reach.
PRF (Deep Microneedling with PRF)
PRF, or Platelet Rich Fibrin, is a growth factor that exists naturally within the body. This facial treatment uses components of your own blood to rejuvenate the skin, soften scars and blemishes, and accelerate healing after skin procedures. Dr. Freeman often combines PRF with microneedling, which by itself induces collagen growth by triggering the body’s natural healing response. The inclusion of PRF encourages the body to produce more collagen, elastin fibers and new, healthier cells. This process promotes skin hydration, improves tone and texture, and is especially beneficial for those with acne scars, age spots and fine lines. Microneedling also creates microscopic channels in the skin; as the body works to heal the perceived wounds, the PRF absorbs thoroughly into the skin, providing an ideal serum for regenerating new cells. After a few treatment sessions, patients usually see a significant reduction in facial scarring and a smoother, healthier complexion.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing has become an increasingly popular option for those seeking to treat acne scarring. It is a safe, non-surgical procedure that uses an innovative carbon dioxide laser to remodel the skin. During treatment, a concentrated pulse of laser light is used to gently vaporize skin cells, clearing away damaged tissue and revealing a new layer of healthier, blemish-free skin. Laser resurfacing is highly suitable for those with deeper scars, and can also help to eliminate other common skin imperfections, such as sun damage and fine lines. Patients who undergo laser skin resurfacing can expect minimized scarring and healthier, younger-looking skin.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is the traditional method for skin resurfacing. This procedure works to reduce the prominence of scars by removing the top layer of skin. Depending on your condition and skin type, this treatment can either be performed with a wire brush or a burr containing diamond particles attached to a motorized handle. To ensure optimal results, Dr. Freeman will examine your level of scarring and determine the most suitable technique. Similar to laser resurfacing, dermabrasion works to remodel the surface tissue and reveal a newer, healthier layer of skin. The recovery time is usually around ten days, after which patients can enjoy less visible scarring and clearer, more radiant skin.
Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is a non-surgical technique used to improve the tone and texture of the skin. Due to its various benefits, this method has become increasingly popular in the treatment of acne scarring and skin rejuvenation. Not only can this treatment reduce the appearance of facial scars, but it also leaves the skin looking and feeling softer, smoother and more radiant. During this procedure, a chemical solution is placed on the skin to remove damaged outer layers and reveal healthier tissue. It is one of the least invasive techniques used to address acne scars, and can also help to treat sun damage, rough skin, irregular pigmentation, freckles and fine lines.
Personalized Skin Treatment
Dr. Freeman believes that personalized treatment is crucial to achieving effective and lasting results. From injectable methods to skin resurfacing, he offers a range of scar-reducing therapies that can be customized to the needs, goals and skin type of each patient. When seeking to reduce the appearance of scars, consulting a qualified and skilled surgeon with experience in facial restoration is vital. This will ensure that the issue is addressed thoroughly, rather than aggravated further.
Upon examining your condition and medical history, Dr. Freeman will determine the most suitable approach to improving your appearance and resolving your concerns. Whether this may be prescription ointments and injections, or more comprehensive skin resurfacing, he will design a treatment plan tailored specifically to you to ensure natural-looking and beautiful results.
Effective Scar Removal Therapy by Dr. John Freeman
Dr. John Freeman is a highly qualified board-certified surgeon specializing in state-of-the-art facial plastic surgery. Beyond his many years of experience, Dr. Freeman offers patients the opportunity to correct facial imperfections with the least amount of down time. Acne scarring can be difficult to treat naturally, and can adversely affect your appearance, confidence and quality of life. At his cosmetic practice in Katy, TX, Dr. Freeman strives to develop strong relationships with his patients, through which he works to create fulfilling and transformative results by prioritizing your safety, comfort and happiness.