Acne Scar Removal

by CO2 Laser

Treatment By

Laser Specialist or Doctor

Treatment Type

CO2 Ablative Laser

Downtime

Minimal

Treatment Time

10 – 30 Minutes

Results Seen

After 3-5 sessions

Discomfort

Mild

Acne scars are common skin concern for those who have previously suffered with acne. Scars occur as a result of inflammation of acne blemishes when your body’s healing response is triggered. There are difference types of unsightly acne scars which are treatable at our clinic in Leamington Spa. Scars can be removed by an experienced laser specialist or doctor using the DEKA SmartXide Touch CO2 Ablative Laser with minimal downtime and excellent cosmetic results.

Treatment Areas

  • Face

  • Chest

  • Back

Treatment Benefits

  • Suitable for all skin types

  • Performed by a Laser Specialist or Doctor

  • Treats different types of acne scars

  • Excellent cosmetic results

  • Restore confidence, rejuvenate skin

  • Skin resurfacing procedure

Acne scars are one of the most common skin concerns in men and women under the age of 30. Although, scars can appear at any age and many have old scars they wish to reduce. We offer a permanent solution to reduce these scars to restore confidence and leave you with fresh, radiant skin. Acne scars appear as a result of severe or untreated acne. Acne is caused by a combination of excess oil, bacteria and pores being clogged with dead skin cells. When your body recognises blemishes, natural healing processes are triggered. Your body tries to replace the lost skin tissue that has been destroyed and this process can lead to scars forming. When your body produces too much tissue, the acne lesion can turn into a raised scar (also known as a hypertrophic scar or keloid). When your body produces too little tissue an atrophic scar will likely form. You may experience the following types of scars:

  • Ice-pick scars (deep, narrow, pitted scars)
  • Rolling scars (large depressions with a sloping edge)
  • Boxcar scars (large depressions with sharply defined edges)
  • Atrophic scars (flat, thin scars or depressed scars)
  • Hypertrophic / keloid scars (thick lumpy scars)

Acne scars do not always appear after acne, but if pimples or spots are particularly deep, your chances of a scar are increased. Whilst acne scars are not always avoidable, you can use the appropriate skincare when experiencing acne which will help to control the concern.

The best way to avoid acne scarring is to leave your pimples alone! You should not touch, squeeze or pick active acne. This adds more oil to the skin and causes deeper trauma, which can lead to acne scars.

There are many other reasons why you might be more likely to experience scarring after acne, some of which are uncontrollable. Genetics play a large role as well as puberty, acne severity, sun exposure and gender (men are more likely to develop severe acne). The time it takes you to seek treatment for active acne can also influence severity of scars.

Although acne scars are harmless to your physical health, they can be very damaging to patient’s mental health. Many will try to cover up acne with make-up, hair styles or face coverings, which can only make the problem worse. The recent introduction of face masks has led to an increase in acne, dubbed ‘maskne’. Because of this, many look for non-surgical and non-invasive methods to reduce or improve the look of acne scars. Untreated, acne scars will not disappear, but may fade over time. Although there are many creams and lotions claiming to treat acne scars, In our experience, these have little effect on the skin.

In Leamington Spa, we offer acne scar removal with the DEKA SmartXide Touch CO2 Ablative Laser. This works to target scar tissue on the skin at the deepest level. The treatment is suitable for all skin types and first involves a medical consultation with our Laser specialist or Doctor. During your appointment, we will take a full medical history and assess your suitability for treatment. You’ll also have a chance to ask any questions and voice any concerns. A patch test will ensure patient safety and that effective results can be achieved after treatment. We will apply a numbing cream prior to the treatment to ensure a comfortable and pain free procedure. Your safety and comfort is most important to us.

The procedure will take around 60 minutes and around 3-5 sessions are normally required for best results. Treatment is suitable for healthy patients over the age of 18 and treatment areas include the face, back and chest. The CO2 ablative laser only targets problematic, damaged skin, leaving healthy tissue untouched. Patients will be able to see the best results 6-8 weeks after their final session. During treatment, the laser glides over the skin to stimulate the production of collagen. The laser works by removing the thin outer layer of the affected skin. Because the laser sterilises the skin, you will not see any blood and there is a low risk of hypo/hyperpigmentation. Those with darker skin types are at a higher risk of experiencing hyperpigmentation after treatment. This can be discussed during your consultation and a specialist protocol taken. After the treatment course, patients will have healthy skin with diminished scars and an excellent cosmetic improvement.

The Deka SmartXide CO2 Ablative medical grade laser is the best laser and treatment for the removal of acne scars and is backed by decades of research and clinical studies. It’s backed by a proven safety record and offers excellent cosmetic results. We choose the very best technology for our patients and are 100% confident in the treatments we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Different types of acne scars have a slightly difference appearance.

  • Ice-pick scars (deep, narrow, pitted scars)
  • Rolling scars (large depressions with a sloping edge)
  • Boxcar scars (large depressions with sharply defined edges)
  • Atrophic scars (flat, thin scars or depressed scars)
  • Hypertrophic / keloid scars (thick lumpy scars)

If you are concerned, you can book a free consultation with our laser specialist.

At Eve Clinics we can treat all types of scars. After assessment and medical consultation, we will advise you on the most suitable laser and protocol. We may need to combine in alternative sessions the Deka SmartXide Touch C60 ablative or fractional CO2 laser with Candela vascular laser. This way we are stimulating the fibroblasts and collagen better and the results are quicker and improved.

If the scar is raised or you have a hypertrophic/keloid scar, we advise prior to the laser 1-3 sessions of cortisone done with our surgeon with a gap of 4-6 weeks in between.

In African or Asian skin types, very often dark marks called PIH are seen. We can treat this with melanin inhibitors/ whitening injections but these are always advised after laser treatment once the scar has been treated.

Acne scars are very common. About 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 will have acne at some point and it is said that one in 5 of those will develop acne scars.

Acne scars can develop for a number of reasons, some uncontrollable. If you pick at active acne, you’ll have a greater chance of developing scars. Genetics, sun exposure, acne severity and gender can play a part too.

The minimum wait would be 6 months from the last day of Roaccutane.

A Patch test is required prior to the procedure to ensure patient safety.

We always advise to drink plenty of liquids, hydrate your skin daily and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

If you can arrive at the clinic without make up, this will be much appreciated. Alternatively, we can help you to remove the make up at the clinic.

We advise not to wash the area treated in the first day but you can wash the next morning.

Please avoid hot baths, swimming pool and hot tubs for up to 1 week. Eve Clinics will advise you to use skincare as well, alternatively you can buy aloe vera gel and savlon from over the counter.

Make sure you don’t have an important event immediately after the procedure. The area treated may have swelling a bit and have little fine brownish dots for up to one week.

Please ask the advice of the specialist if you intend to do other treatments or facials, peelings, lasers, in between the sessions, there may be restrictions or limitations of 4-6 weeks minimum after your last Co2 laser treatment, eg: hair removal laser treatment.

No makeup is advised for up to 3-4 days.

Sun protection (SPF50) should be applied for up to 3 months and you should avoid direct exposure for 2-4 weeks.

Depending on the type of scar, we advise a minimum gap of 6 weeks in between the sessions and maximum 3 months. The longer you leave it, the better the results. The best result is observed after 3 months after each session but often our patients advise after 6 months they can see even better results.

Acne scars are very common and both men and women can develop them. Men have a slightly higher risk of developing severe acne, which increases the chances of scars. Treatment is suitable for all genders, skin types and adult ages (providing over 18 years old).

Yes, we can treat the very old acne scars with very successful results.

Acne scars will not disappear but will more than likely fade over time. Treatment is needed if you wish to see a vast improvement in the appearance of these scars.

As with any cosmetic, aesthetic, surgical or laser procedure, there are risks. These include hyperpigmentation, where the skin appears darker in the area being treated. We advise melanin inhibitors prior to and after the procedure to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.

There is also a risk of hypopigmentation in all skin types and especially in African skin type. Scarring is also possible but rare. Risks are minimised by using appropriate and medical high quality equipment, like the Deka laser and the correct protocol for skin and scar type.

Most of the time, acne scars can be successfully removed within 3 sessions. Occasionally, depending on the skin type, you may require additional sessions and we can’t guarantee total removal but a very good improvement.

If the scar is very deep, and the patient wishes to have perfect skin, the quickest treatment is to fill it with the dermal filler. This would give instant results and will keep the scar hydrated. Unfortunately, is a temporary fix and needs to be redone after 12-18 months.

Acne scars are not likely to return once treated with Co2 ablative laser.

Unfortunately we don’t advise to have CO2 laser on the active acne.  Best is to treat the active acne or to calm down the infection, wait couple of weeks and have a patch test with CO2 laser.

Our clinics specialises in scar management:

  • Scars post-surgery: C-section, appendectomy
  • Burns
  • Wounds
  • Accidents
  • Plastic surgery: breast implant, breast augmentation , breast reduction, liposuction, face lifting, tummy tuck, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, breast uplift.
  • FUT Hair transplant scars
  • Self-harming scars

We always advise not to treat a scar which is less than 6 month old. Silicon plasters and keeping away from the sun would be advised in the first 6 months to help with the scar maturation.

Our laser practitioners have decades of combined experience in aesthetic and skin procedures, including acne scars. We only use the best medical equipment on the market that provides the best cosmetic results. Patient safety and care is also at the forefront of everything we do. We will provide you with our honest expert opinion and only progress with treatment if you are suitable and will be able to benefit.

Most of the clinics use Dermapen, or fraxel 1290nn laser. This will benefit only the superficial part of the skin. At Eve Clinics, we combine CO2 laser fractional and ablative 10000nn, this allows us to treat very deep scars and stimulate the fibroblast and collagen.

Occasionally we can combine alternative sessions with Deka CO2 ablative laser and/or Candela vascular laser, these lasers work in synergic to improve not only the scar tissue but the red colour of the scar as well or the broken capillaries.

Before and After

ACNE B 1 copyACNE A 1

I have just completed my CO2 Laser from Florina at Eve Clinic & I am so pleased with the results. Florina was so accommodating, put me at ease and went above and beyond every time. Thank you so much x.

Arpan,

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