4 Medical Spa Treatments That Improve Acne Scarring for Better Skin Texture

Acne is a skin condition that affects many people beyond their teenage years. Once those blemishes are finally in the past, you may struggle with long-lasting effects with moderate to severe acne scarring on your cheeks, forehead and other areas. Acne scarring is difficult to treat, depending on its severity, location and the type of scar. Our medical spa at Divino Plastic Surgery can help restore a smoother complexion with these acne treatments.

1. Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a temporary treatment option for acne scars. Fillers can have immediate results that may last six months to over a year, depending on the type of injectable. They are injected with a fine needle directly into the scarred tissues and work by instantly adding volume and/or stimulating collagen production in the deeper tissues to smooth uneven texture.

Bellafill® is the only injectable that is FDA approved for acne scars, but Juvéderm, Sculptra, Belotero, Radiesse and Restylane are often used off-label for smoother skin and less-visible scarring. Dermal fillers are a minimally invasive, quick treatment option for acne scars that require no downtime.

2. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels improve acne scars by removing the outer layer of skin and revealing fresh, new skin tissue underneath that is smoother and less affected by scarring. The right peel for your needs depends on the severity of your acne scarring.

Our medical aesthetician may recommend the Obagi Blue Peel®, a deep chemical peel containing trichloroacetic acid (TCA) mixed with the Obagi signature blue base. This chemical peel removes the thin, damaged skin layer on the surface and promotes tighter, smoother, clearer-looking skin. The Obagi Blue Peel® can be used on all skin types and ages and improves active acne, scars and overall skin tone. A deep peel may require one to two weeks of recovery due to resulting redness and peeling.

3. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser treatments are an excellent way to treat acne scars. New technologies offer a new level of precision and control to target scars, signs of aging and other facial concerns. Laser skin resurfacing sends concentrated light beams into the target area to remove damaged skin layer by layer. The laser heats the underlying tissues to promote new collagen fibers and strengthen the skin. Recovery may take one to two weeks as the skin heals and smoother, firmer skin tissue forms.

4. Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion resurfaces the skin using a rotating device that removes the skin’s outer layer and promotes new skin growth that is smoother. This procedure is often combined with other medical spa treatments and improves acne scars, surgical scars, wrinkles and age spots. Dermabrasion involves a motorized device equipped with an abrasive brush or wheel at the tip and uses constant pressure to remove the epidermis (outer layer of skin) gently. Deep acne scarring may require multiple treatments. Patients must stay out of direct sunlight and away from UV exposure for at least a week due to sensitive, swollen and red skin tissue that is vulnerable to UV damage.

If you struggle with acne scars, many treatments are available to improve your skin texture. Schedule a consultation at Divino Plastic Surgery by calling (858) 633-7546 or filling out our online contact form.