What are acne scars?
Roughly 28% of the population experiences acne at some stage in their life, with 95% of those sufferers stating that it materially impacts their daily lives and emotional wellbeing.
Unfortunately, acne scarring can commonly occur as a complication of acne. Scarring occurs when the body works too hard to heal the wounds caused by acne and produces excess collagen that builds up in the skin. This then stays in place permanently, causing the appearance of scars.
Acne can produce a range of scars. Some are sunken ('atrophic') and some are raised ('hypertrophic').
Will acne scars heal by themselves?
There are three different types of acne scar, classified according to the shape of the scar:
- Cobblestone scars (uneven skin)
- Box-car type scars (craters in the skin)
- Ice-pick scars (small deep holes)
Whilst some scars will heal slightly on their own, acne scars are usually permanent unless otherwise treated. Scarring can also be increased if spots are picked at so it is important to avoid this.
Perfect skin with complete elimination of the scars is not usually attainable, even following treatment. Some new cutting edge methods are now able to produce substantial, sustained improvement, however, that up to a few years ago it was not possible to achieve.
What treatment is there for acne scars?
Broadly, treatment of atrophic acne scarring falls into one of three categories:
- Repairing the skin tone and consistency
- Adjusting dermal thickness
- Resurfacing of the skin.
At Cadogan Clinic we offer an array of the very best treatments to combat acne scarring, ranging from:
- Chemical skin peels
- IPL Treatment
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Microneedling
- High-energy devices, e.g. Lasemar™ and Enerjet™ (air pressure device)
Depending on your precise symptoms one or more of these treatments may be best suited to your condition. These are best discussed in conversation with one of our highly qualified dermatologists.
Benefits of Acne Scar Treatment
- Permanently reduce or remove acne scarring
- Restored skin tone and texture
- Smooth, healthy skin
- Smaller pores
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Lasemar™ and Enerjet the best treatments for acne scars?
Lasemar™ is a subcutaneous single bare fiber and the latest innovation in the field. In this procedure, laser energy is delivered under the skin through a single-use fibreoptic, thinner than the diameter of a single hair, allowing much deeper and complex scarring to be addressed.
Enerjet™ is an air pressure device and a second major innovation in acne scarring. The Enerjet™ injects medications at very high pressure into the skin, in a pain-free needle-free way. The compressed injection blasts the scar, filling the resulting cavity with medication that the body replaces with its own collagen.
Both of these high energy devices are extremely powerful and involve the very latest in high energy technology. When in the right hands (only very few practitioners are qualified to handle the high energy levels of these machines) the results they are able to achieve are the very best in the marketplace.
Can I have acne scarring treatment if I still have active acne?
It is important to address the inflammatory/infective component of acne before embarking on scar treatment due to the risk of cross infecting one area onto another. It is therefore essential we wait until your skin is almost clear of acne to begin treatment.
How long does acne scar treatment take?
This will depend on the size of the area treated and the type of treatment selected. They can last anywhere from between a few minutes to an hour.
Does acne scarring treatment hurt?
Acne scarring treatment is virtually painless. This will vary according to the type of treatment undergone.
How soon will I expect to see results?
You will see results of your treatment after the very first session, regardless of which treatment is selected. You will need to complete the full course to see your full results
How long does it take for acne scars to go away?
This will depend on your pre-existing condition and the nature of your treatment. Your dermatologist will advise you on what to expect following your initial consultation.
Where is the Cadogan Clinic located?
The Cadogan Clinic is based at 120 Sloane Street in Chelsea, just off Sloane Square and the Kings Road.
Our address is 120 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9BW.
We are accessible by all major bus routes that pass through Sloane Square and Sloane Street, as well as Sloane Square tube station.
Local pay parking is available just around the corner from the Clinic on Cadogan Gate, Cadogan Square and Cadogan Gardens. Our local residential parking zone is the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.
How to find us
The Cadogan Clinic is based at 120 Sloane Street in Chelsea, just off Sloane Square and the Kings Road.
We are accessible by all major bus routes that pass through Sloane Square and Sloane Street, as well as Sloane Square tube station.
We are just a 5 minute walk northwards up Sloane Street once you have arrived at Sloane Square.
Local pay parking is available just around the corner from the Clinic on Cadogan Gate, Cadogan Square and Cadogan Gardens. Our local residential parking zone is the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.
Address: 120 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9BW
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