Extremely common, acne can be the source of significant mental and social suffering. The more severe forms give rise to unsightly scars which prolong this discomfort. However, treatments to erase, attenuate or remove the acne scars exist in Singapore.
But before getting started, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist who will be the only one to guide you on the method or methods to be used for a better result.
Acne scar treatments
Acne affects 80% of people in the world, especially in adolescence. Among them, 15% develop severe forms and therefore will present, once the acne is gone, many unsightly scars, mainly on the face.
But such scars are also possible for moderate forms having presented inflammatory flares, in patients who have not followed their treatment well or in those who have manipulated their open and closed comedones or other acne lesions.
The different types of acne scars
Most often, acne scars are hollow and form small depressions; their size and depth are variable. They are most commonly found on the cheeks, forehead and sometimes the chin.
There are three types of hollow or depressed scars:- The "ice pick" scars: They are small, measuring 1 to 2 mm in diameter and a few millimetres deep.
- U-shaped or cup-shaped scars: Their diameter is wider than the previous ones, but they tend to be less profound.
- The broad scars with a clear border on the skin: They are relatively deep and quadrangular in shape.
As the specialists at Cambridge Therapeutics say, acne scars can also vary in shape, size and relief. Some scars are seen as small areas of depigmentation. Others are hyperpigmentation areas which do not modify the skin relief. Others can be protruding and, in some cases, there are even hypertrophic scars or even keloids (in the form of an elongated bead) especially in people of black skin, especially on the posterior region of the neck.
Acne scars removal in Singapore: treatment options
Just like our skin is different, there are different types of scars that require different types of treatment. Luckily, there are no shortages of options when it comes to acne scar removal in Singapore. The characteristics, number and location of the scars and the general condition of the patient's skin will determine the procedure to remove acne scars with the best cosmetic clinics and beauty practitioners in Singapore. Only a dermatologist can define and guide the therapeutic choice and the order of the techniques used. These can be chemical, mechanical, surgical or laser.
Singaporean doctors and practitioners are well-known for their cosmetic excellence and high-level of knowledge. When choosing the best clinics and centres in Singapore, you can be sure to have an excellent service and follow-up from your dedicated practitioner. Still, you will also have the latest and most modern techniques and treatments available to remove your acne scars.
Chemical dermabrasion or peeling
The peel is preceded by local treatment with vitamin A cream for several weeks. A superficial chemical peel is sometimes proposed before performing the surgical procedure of hollow scars.
It is carried out using fruit acids and other abrasive substances. The goal is to eliminate the superficial layers of the skin (epidermis and sometimes the superficial dermis). The intervention can be carried out under analgesics, or under local or general anaesthesia depending on the case.
No subsequent intervention is carried out before the skin stabilizes. Some patients find, after a few months, that the result is satisfactory and do not perform other cosmetic procedures.
Mechanical dermabrasion
It has the same indications and objectives as chemical peels, except that it is generally carried out mechanically using an electric rotary milling cutter with a rough surface. The level of abrasion is controlled by the speed of rotation of the bur and by the pressure exerted by the operating doctor.
Ablative laser acne scars removal
After surgery, ablative laser treatment (or thermal dermabrasion) is often necessary to smooth out residual scars for optimum results.
Specific laser techniques are used to treat hyperpigmented or depigmented scars showing no relief from the skin level. These thermal techniques are more and more used, often in the first intention. The main methods are described in our article " When the laser works wonders ".
Surgical treatments of the three types of scars
Singaporean practitioners and doctors are some of the most experienced. As a patient, you can benefit from years of practice and a great sense of service and advice all along with your acne scars removal treatment in Singapore.
For ice pick scars.These fine lesions most often affect the entire dermis, and their treatment is done by excision by "coring" or drilling all around the scar using a round scalpel under local or regional anaesthesia.
Then, the scar is returned to the same level as the skin. In the case of numerous injuries, several interventions will be necessary to avoid too many sutures. This technique makes it possible to erase scar depressions, but it is sometimes required to erase persistent irregularities later using a laser remodelling.
For U-shaped or cup-shaped scars.Although less profound and less marked than the previous ones, U-shaped acne scars can be as aesthetically annoying for the patient. The surgical treatment of these scars consists in cutting them using a needle fitted with a scalpel-shaped point, which causes the formation of a small hematoma which will fill the injury.
For more significant scars, self-transplant of adipose tissue can be performed. However, currently, these scars are most often treated by fractional laser.
For wide scars with a sharp border.Wider, visible and deep than the previous ones, these scars can be treated by excision then elevation of the bottom of the acne scar, or even by dermal grafting or by self-transplantation of adipose tissue. Most often, several interventions are necessary to obtain a satisfactory result.
