Acne Scar Treatment

Acne is a common, natural part of life, but pimples can leave behind deep scars and pockmarks. Lotions and serums alone aren’t always enough to fade acne-related discoloration and marks. If you struggle with acne scars, our Houston dermatologists have the tools you need to tone and rejuvenate your skin. We have helped countless men and women remove stubborn acne scars and enjoy a fresh, blemish-free face.

Before & After Acne Scar Treatment

What Are Acne Scars?

Acne scars form after pores in the skin are engorged with oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. When pimples, blackheads, and cysts grow, the skin becomes inflamed, leading to permanent damage and pigmentation issues.

Some people naturally scar more easily than others, and as we age, our skin becomes thinner. These factors often make acne marks appear more pronounced. If you suffer from acne scarring, it is important to have a dermatologist clear up the acne prior to treatment for the scars.

What Treatments Can Help Fade Acne Scars?

Treating acne scars in their early stages prevents most scarring from worsening over time. There are many treatments for acne scars, and we can determine the right course of treatment depending on the depth of the scarring.

For mild scarring, lotions and creams are often effective. Microdermabrasion and intense pulsed light (IPL) are options for slightly deeper acne scars that cannot be diminished with topical lotions. More aggressive acne scar treatments for our Houston patients include microneedling, peels, and Fraxel® and CO2 lasers.

It is always best to meet with your dermatologists first to discuss which acne and acne scarring treatments are best for you! Here are a few of the options many of our patients find success with.

Dermal Fillers

Severe acne scars often leave behind pockmarks—large divots or indentations on the face. These depressions cast shadows and make your complexion look spotty or uneven when in direct light. Dermal fillers fix this problem by plumping up the skin and directly filling in the pockmarks. When these divots are raised, they cast fewer shadows, and the skin appears instantly more even.

Microdermabrasion

Dead skin cells slowly collect on the face as we constantly grow new layers of skin. As these dead cells build up, they create an uneven surface, emphasizing the appearance of scars or wrinkles. Microdermabrasion scrubs away these surface layers with special ultra-fine particles. Treatment reveals fresh, clear skin underneath and helps your face look brighter and younger.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Acne scars are often noticeable because of their darker pigmentation. IPL targets this pigmentation, reducing the appearance of dark spots caused by scarring and creating a more even skin tone.

Laser Skin Toning

Laser skin rejuvenation is a popular way to fade even stubborn acne scars. The procedure uses laser energy to warm the middle layers of skin and prompt more collagen production. As your tissue produces more collagen, the skin naturally begins to heal and repair damage and other signs of aging. Laser skin toning can also be used to treat wrinkles, discoloration, and more.

If you would like to fade your acne scars with the help of a qualified dermatologist, request a consultation at one of our Greater Houston locations. You can also contact our practice by phone to schedule an appointment.