Benefits depicted are actual and not retouched. Patient results may vary. Each set of photos reflects the benefit realized by the person in that set of photos, and not necessarily the viewers final results.
Acne Scar & Scar Treatment in 535 Miller Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Scars from acne, injury, or surgery can linger long after the skin has healed, affecting both texture and confidence. At Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc., we treat every type of scar with a tailored plan that may include subcision, microneedling, Fraxel Restore, fractional laser resurfacing, dermal fillers, and more, because each scar type responds best to a different approach.
Our Scar Treatment Options
Types of Acne Scars and How We Treat Them
There are several types of acne scars, and each responds to different treatments:
- Ice pick scars – deep, narrow scars that are often best treated with punch excision and/or grafting, followed by Fraxel Restore.
- Boxcar scars – sharp-edged depressions seen after acne and chickenpox that often respond best to subcision, which releases the scar from deeper tissue, stimulates new collagen, and elevates it toward the surface, or to punch elevation, which lifts the scar using a tiny circular instrument. Fraxel Restore can also improve these scars depending on how much downtime you can afford.
- Rolling scars – undulating, soft-edged atrophic scars that respond to Fraxel Restore, skin resurfacing, subcision, and dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm.
Because most people have a mix of scar types, combining treatments, such as subcision followed by microneedling or laser resurfacing, often delivers the most complete improvement. If you still have active breakouts, we’ll first help control your acne to prevent new scarring.
Treating Other Scars
Scars are the result of injury to the skin and are most often caused by acne, trauma, or surgery. They vary in color, shape, and appearance depending on their origin, location, and your skin tone.
- Linear red scars, which often follow facelifts, breast surgery, and cancer treatments, can be flattened with injected medications and silicone gel such as Kelo-cote.
- Linear white scars respond well to Fraxel treatments, which retexture the scar and help it blend with the surrounding skin.
- Keloids are the most difficult and treatment-resistant scars and typically require a combination of approaches.
Patients who have had skin cancer surgery can also benefit from scar refinement. As a Mohs surgeon, Dr. Lowenstein designs repairs to minimize scarring from the start. View our acne scar before and after photos, or learn more about Mohs surgery and our other treatable conditions.
Acne & Scar Treatment FAQs
What is the best treatment for acne scars?
The best treatment depends on your scar type. Ice pick scars may need punch techniques, boxcar and rolling scars often respond to subcision, and lasers, microneedling, and fillers improve overall texture.
Can acne scars be completely removed?
Most acne scars cannot be erased completely, but a tailored combination of treatments can significantly improve their depth and appearance.
How many treatments will I need for acne scars?
Most patients need several sessions, often combining different procedures over a few months for the best results.
Should I treat my active acne before treating scars?
Yes. Controlling active acne first helps prevent new scars and allows scar treatments to work more effectively.
Can surgical scars be improved?
Yes. Red surgical scars can be flattened with injections and silicone gel, and both red and white scars can be retextured with Fraxel treatments.
What are keloids and can they be treated?
Keloids are raised scars that grow beyond the original injury. They are the most treatment-resistant type of scar but can often be improved with a combination of therapies.
Is there downtime after scar treatment?
Downtime varies by procedure, from little to none for fillers to several days of redness or bruising after lasers, microneedling, or subcision.
Smooth Your Skin and Restore Your Confidence
Find the right scar treatment plan at Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc.. Call (415) 383-5475 or request a consultation online today.