Addressing Acne Scarring: Options From Your Dermatologist

Acne may damage the skin as it heals, cause damaging inflammation, or cause the body to produce too little or too much collagen. All of this can lead to aesthetically unappealing scarring. Fortunately, Dermatology Associates, serving Tipton, Batesville, Indianapolis, IN, and the nearby region, has Dr. Sonya Johnson and her team, who can provide a treatment plan to help reduce the appearance.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a treatment that consists of a chemical solution that a dermatological specialist from our team applies to the skin. The chemical removes skin, and the number of layers depends on the grade of the chemical peel. 

Once it removes the damaged layers of skin, it reveals a less flawed layer of skin, one without some (or all) of the acne scarring. Moreover, this treatment stimulates your body's natural healing process.

Prescription Retinoids

Sometimes, your treatment for acne scarring from a Tipton, Batesville, and Indianapolis, IN, dermatologist may include a prescription medication, such as a retinoid. These drugs stimulate collagen production to help even skin tone.

Though there are drugs with the same active ingredients available over the counter, these aren't as effective as they're not as potent.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a cream only available via prescription to lighten the skin, specifically where acne scarring occurs. It works by reducing the number of melanocytes your body produces. The results of this treatment are gradual because it slowly controls melanocyte production. Full results can take a few months to show.

Dermabrasion 

Dermabrasion is a skin treatment that uses a device with a spinning head to remove each layer of skin. As it removes each layer, it stimulates the skin to grow back healthier and smoother.

While a practitioner from our practice can use it to improve the appearance of wrinkles and age spots, it's also beneficial to those with acne scarring.

This treatment can take a few months for your skin to appear better.

Steroid Injections

Steroid injections can flatten the appearance of raised acne scars. These have the power to soften the tissue. For this aspect, the drug breaks down any excess collagen produced from the acne.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are another option, especially for atrophic scarring — the type of scarring that causes divots in the skin. These fillers add volume to the skin and cause indentations to rise and blend with the rest.

Dr. Johnson and the other specialists at Dermatology Associates, serving Tipton, Batesville, Indianapolis, IN, and the general vicinity, have ways to help reduce the appearance of acne scarring. These are only some of the options we can offer you.

Call our office at 317-257-1484 today.