Acne and Other Scarring
Acne Scars
One of the unfortunate causes of severe or untreated acne can be scarring. There are a variety of acne scar types, from red, raised scars, to shallow, round scars, or deep “ice-pick” scars.
There are a variety of treatment options available. Though it is important to realize that perfection is not likely, significant improvement can be achieved.
Once the doctor has examined the type and extent of scarring, the following options can be explored:
• Very superficial scars can be treated with chemical peels, or if they are shallow, rounded scars, with the Smoothbeam laser.
• “Subcision” is the gentle loosening of scars, using a fine-gauge needle. It is done under a local anesthetic. The scars can improve with subcision alone, but often are treated with the CO2 laser.
• Deeper scarring is treatable with the CO2 Laser. The areas of scarring are re-surfaced with the laser. This can lead to significant improvement.
• “Fat transfer” involves taking a small amount of fat from the patient’s thigh area, under a local anesthetic. It is then placed under the scar, and ‘fills it up’. Likewise, Restylane is a naturally-occurring substance that can be injected under scars to lift them. Fat lasts upto 5-7 years, while Restylane usually lasts under a year.
For each patient, a different plan is used, since each person is unique. At your consultation, the doctors can discuss all the treatment options, and the advantages of each, and help you make a decision that is right for you.
Traumatic or Post-Surgical Scars
We use the Vbeam laser to treat these types of scars. It is very important that you come to see us while the scar is still “red”. Usually this means as soon as the sutures have been taken out. We usually treat with 2-3 sessions of the Vbeam, one month apart, and the results can be very significant.
For an appointment to see the doctors, call 416 515 0007
