Using advanced non-surgical solutions, discover a personalized treatment approach from Boca Raton’s FSIBR that smooths acne scars, brings out your confidence, and restores your skin’s radiant appearance.
Acne scars occur when past blemishes heal but leave behind scar tissue in your skin’s deeper dermal layers. This results in an uneven, discolored skin.
Most acne scars begin developing as early as adolescence and last for years if untreated. For many men and women, acne scars pose cosmetic concerns not only about their skin’s texture and tone but they impact confidence as well.
Acne scars also can additionally present skin health concerns as you age, particularly with reduced skin elasticity, poorer collagen production, and a greater chance of developing skin folds. For all these reasons, it’s important to address and treat acne scars with qualified experts like FSIBR in Boca Raton as early as possible in order to maintain your skin’s health and your quality of life.
Acne scars come in various types, including atrophic scars like ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars, which create depressions in the skin. Hypertrophic and keloid scars form raised areas due to excess collagen. Each type requires specific treatments, such as lasers, microneedling, or chemical peels, to restore smoother, more even skin. The three main types of acne scars include:
Atrophic scarring is the most common type of acne scar that occurs when the skin cannot produce enough collagen to fully heal its underlying tissue, leaving behind patches of rough, shallow depressions. These patches are often most notable on places like the cheeks, forehead, and jawline.
Hypertrophic scarring results in red, thick, raised bumps on areas of the skin that have typically been burned or injured, but can also develop after severe acne. Unlike the other main acne scar types, hypertrophic scarring is caused by the body overproducing collagen, which accumulates to form raised bumps in the area of initial injury or trauma.
Keloid scars are raised, discolored scars similar to hypertrophic scarring but spread beyond the initial damaged area. Also distinct is the fact keloids grow slowly and often have an initial dormant period, not appearing for one to several months after the skin’s original trauma. Keloids are thought to have a distinct genetic component, developing more frequently in specific populations with darker-heritage skin tones.
Acne scars develop in two main stages: Initial scarring during active acne or skin inflammation, and ongoing changes that occur as scars mature.
At the onset of acne breakout, inflammation damages the skin’s collagen and elasticity, leading to scar formation. This process is most likely to start during the teenage years, though types like hypertrophic and keloid scars can develop at any age.
While most acne is medically considered benign and does not cause permanent damage, certain cases, like cystic acne can increase risks. Other variables like genetics, sun damage, poor nutrition, delaying topical treatments, or receiving improper skincare will further deepen and worsen scars. Initial scaring may appear as red or dark marks, but outside of keloids, rarely causes physical pain or discomfort.
If untreated, acne scars can:
Acne scar cases are highly individualized, but research has identified several common causes.
Inflammation and acne scarring are inexplicably linked. Too much inflammation keeps dermal tissue in an altered, weakened state, preventing the skin’s linear healing process. Thus scar tissue forms, with persistent inflammation especially tied to developing atrophic acne.
Using the wrong products on your skin or undergoing harsh topical procedures can trigger and worsen acne scars. Things like over-exfoliation, using too-oily products, dry skin, and even trying too many new skincare products too quickly strips the health of key dermal layers and aggravates scar tissue.
Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the likelihood of developing all three main acne scar types, but especially keloids.
FSIBR is proud to offer several clinically backed nonsurgical acne scar treatments to our Florida patients. Our procedures are individualized. Dr. Hancock and Dr. Klimczak create detailed regimens designed specifically to smooth and improve your acne scars.
Injections of plumping dermal fillers are applied into the skin, filling and smoothing atrophic scars to create near-instant texture improvements. While results are temporary and require ongoing injections, this option is popular, safe, and effective for addressing deeper patches of acne scarring that haven’t responded to topical products.
Laser therapies offer a targeted approach to resurfacing the skin by stimulating collagen production. It’s an extremely effective approach to alleviating atrophic scars and improving overall skin texture, with a range of laser strengths and types available.
Microneedling creates micro-injuries which directly boost collagen and elastin production. It’s ideal for mild to moderate atrophic scars.
Chemical peels use acids to exfoliate the skin’s surface, which can reduce the appearance of mild acne scars. They also encourage skin regeneration and collagen production. For deeper scars, a series of treatments may be required.
Subcision involves using a needle to break up the fibrous tissue beneath the skin that is pulling the scar down, which can help to lift and improve the appearance of deep scars. This procedure is typically performed by a dermatologist or licensed practitioner.
PRP therapy involves drawing blood from the patient, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting it into the skin. The platelets contain growth factors that can help repair damaged tissue and improve skin texture over time.
These treatments are ideal for individuals with mild to moderate scarring, particularly pigmented scars or those with minor skin texture irregularities.
Recovery time depends on the specific procedure used. Most of our non-surgical treatments, such as dermal fillers and microneedling, require little to no downtime, allowing patients to resume normal activities immediately. Laser therapies may involve mild redness, swelling, or peeling for a few days as the skin heals and regenerates.
We encourage our patients to diligently follow post-treatment care instructions. This may include using gentle skincare, avoiding direct sun exposure, and applying sunscreen to protect the treated areas. Acne scar treatment results typically develop over weeks to months as collagen production increases and the skin gradually improves in texture and tone.
While non-surgical acne scar treatments are generally safe, all procedures carry some potential risks. Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort at the treatment site. In rare cases, laser therapy or microneedling may cause skin irritation, hyperpigmentation, or infection if proper aftercare isn’t followed. Dermal fillers have a small risk of uneven results, lump formation, or allergic reactions.
Our facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Hancock and Dr. Klimczak, minimize risks by ensuring treatments are matched to each patient’s skin type and needs, ensuring safe and effective outcomes.
Anyone suffering from scarring and wanting smoother, healthier skin will benefit from booking a consultation to discuss an acne scar treatment.
Patients in Boca Raton turn to FSIBR for advanced acne scar removal due to our facial plastic surgery expertise and advanced medical facial aesthetic solutions.
Led by two female board-certified facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Hancock and Dr. Klimczak, FSIBR offers premium skin rejuvenation treatments that not only enhance appearance but restores confidence and self-esteem. Our personalized treatment plans combine the latest non-surgical solutions to address all scar types, ensuring effective and lasting results. With a compassionate team and a commitment to achieving smoother, healthier skin, FSIBR is Boca Raton’s trusted choice for acne scar solutions.
Acne scar sessions can last anywhere from 20 minutes to one hour. It all depends on the specific procedure you’re doing. For instance, leading dermal filler injections for acne scars can be effective in improving skin texture and health in as little as 10-minute out-patient appointments scheduled every few months.
Appropriate treatments should improve scars significantly and provide real change to your skin, but unfortunately, no existing procedure will be a one-and-done treatment removing all acne scars. Most plans need some maintenance sessions scheduled for lasting results.
Many acne scar treatments offered at FSIBR are outpatient, meaning there’s no downtime. Our patients resume their normal day’s activities immediately after leaving the clinic.
You deserve to feel happy and confident in your appearance. At FSIBR, we work to restore your skin’s natural health and beauty through ultra-customized acne scar dermal filler treatments, all guided by the facial reconstructive expertise of Dr. Klimczak and Dr. Hancock.
Written by Facial Surgery Institute of Boca Raton Medical Experts