Treat Acne Scarring with Dermal Fillers

Acne can be a big problem all on its own. Unfortunately, the problem is sometimes compounded with scarring. Scarring is a very common result of acne, particularly when people tamper with their spots-popping, scrubbing, etc. There are multiple types of scars, including:

Boxcar Scars: These are much like chicken pox scars with defined edges that give them a box-like appearance.

Ice Pick Scars: These are the most common; they form indentations in the skin.

Keloid Acne Scars: These are raised and extend beyond the original acne’s site.

Among the ways to address acne scars are dermal fillers. These have the potential to treat and fill those areas to significantly reduce the appearance of some acne scarring types. They work to fill the depressions and volume loss caused by scarring.

Dermal fillers often produce immediate results and continue to uphold those results over the months. These results and the techniques that produce them depend upon the patient’s skin, type of scarring, etc. It is essential to discuss the treatment with a dermatologist who can help you decide if it is the best method for treating your acne scars, and what sort of filler is best for you.

How it Works

Your dermatologist will discuss all details with you. Sometimes, it may not be necessary to fill all scars. If you go forward with the procedure, the area will be cleaned and numbed; your doctor may use a topical cream or cooling, or both. Then, there is the injection. Any scars needing the filler will be injected.

At Inverness Dermatology and Laser, we offer Bellafill to help the appearance of scars because it’s the only FDA-approved injectable filler that is approved for the treatment of acne scars. Bellafill contains small polymethylmethacrylate microspheres in a collagen gel. It supports your skin’s natural collagen. When injected, Belafill produces immediate results, which means you can resume your daily life. It is a safe and effective method for treatment that satisfies most patients’ needs. It carries a very low risk for complications and the results can last for a year.

After dermal injections, you may experience a little swelling or bruising. Any potential side effects are often mild and do not last long. It is very important to treat your skin with care. Avoid excess pressure on your face, like a massage. Your dermatologist will give you a list of ways to care for your skin will it adjusts to the injections.

The results of your injections are temporary. They can last for months, even a year, depending upon the filler and your skin. This means that you will need to return for more injections. Or, your dermatologist may recommend a combination of treatments for more lasting effects. Laser treatment and chemical peels, for example, can visibly and permanently reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Don’t let acne scars trouble you. Consider dermal fillers and come see us at Inverness. If fillers aren’t for you, we will do what it takes to help you find the right solution.

The Basics of Dermal Fillers

If you have considered cosmetic changes, particularly to your face, and you’ve researched the topic, you have probably come across the term “dermal fillers.” Dermal fillers are injections into areas of the skin that plump and smooth it. Facial contouring and lip enhancement are common uses for these treatments.

What are they, exactly?

Dermal filler injections contain substances that are medically safe to be injected under the skin. These substances are made to work with your body’s natural collagen production to support them and help revive your skin’s healthy, youthful appearance. Over time, our bodies stop producing elastin and collagen-the proteins that keep our skin looking young. This is when signs of aging really begin-wrinkles, sagging, etc. Dermal fillers make up for the loss.

Most fillers are made of hyaluronic acid. It sounds strange, but it is a safe, effective chain molecule that binds with the moisture in your skin and works with the elastin and collagen in your body to keep up that smooth-looking skin. Ultimately, the solutions are very safe, which is a reason why they’re popular. Infections and allergic reactions are extremely rare, while desired results-plump, smooth cheeks, firmness under the eyes, plump lips, etc.-are common.

Some of the most widely-used dermal fillers are:

Juvederm Ultra
Perlane
Radiesse
Restylane

Are the results permanent?

Dermal fillers are not permanent; they generally last between 9 months and over one year, depending upon the type of injection and the person. So, in order to keep up the look, you’ll have to return to your dermatologist for another injection. Your doctor will tell you what’s best for you.

Side effects are not permanent, either. They are generally very mild. You may experience a little redness, some swelling, or a little bruising and tenderness. Your trained practitioner knows how to properly dose and inject, and avoid complications. Those mild side effects go away in a few days and leave you with younger-looking, smoother skin. Should you experience any side effects, your doctor will tell you how to manage them and prescribe any necessary treatment.

Many people find that dermal fillers are well-worth the recurring trips to the dermatologist. They’re a relatively quick solution to the problem of wrinkles, thin lips, sagging skin under the eyes, sunken cheeks, and more. They’re not invasive or surgical, and they’re not truly painful. You also don’t have to worry about healing time; go about your normal life after your injection. Their side effects are minimal and they carry no real risks. Plus, if you’re looking for more than they offer, you can combine them with other treatments, including Botox. Just ask your dermatologist about your options.

If you like the idea of dermal fillers and want more information, see your physician. Come to Inverness Dermatology and Laser. We’ll tell you all you want to know about dermal fillers, including our procedures and costs.

The Most Common and Popular Skin Treatments

Many people want a way to look younger. There is no such thing as the perfect antiaging method, but there are modern procedures that help many people. These advances allow people to achieve a younger look without major surgery. If you are looking for the right treatment for you, here are some of the best, most popular options.

Injections

Injections, or Dermal Fillers, are among the most common methods for treating aging. Juvéderm, Perlane, Radiesse, and Restylane are four injections that fill wrinkles. They can also improve upon other imperfections in the skin. They serve as fillers that can help you sculpt and lift for a more smooth appearance. Surgeries and face-lifts pull at the skin; these treatments fill and plump the skin to make it seem more young and full. Some of the injections also help improve the growth of collagen in the skin, so you get natural results along with the filler. The results can last for months or a year, and most do not have serious side effects. Their costs depend upon the type of injection and the provider, but they can range from over $500, to near $1000. So, you will have to discuss it with your physician.

Lasers

CO2 Laser Treatments have become a popular method for skin resurfacing. This treatment targets wrinkles and lines, skin tone, sun and age spots, and more. Pigmented lesions, such as sun spots or moles, can be more than skin characteristics or nuisances—they can become cancerous. Your doctor will have to inspect the area prior to treatment to make certain there are not potential complications. The process is also called “laser resurfacing”; the laser penetrates the skin to resurface, remove dead cells, and promote new cell and collagen production. Despite the laser’s heat and penetration, the top layer of the skin is not injured. The provider will apply a topical anesthetic prior to the procedure. Then, the laser is used on the target areas of skin, and it is all accomplished very quickly. Thus, the procedure is not only bearable, the healing time is minimal. Your doctor will supply you with further care instructions. There are a few potential side effects, such as redness, but they are not usually intolerable. The procedure can be costly—a few thousand dollars, depending upon the provider—so it is important to talk to your doctor and find out if it is right for you.

There are plenty of ways to care for your face and maintain your skin’s youthfulness over time at home. The same physicians who provide injection and laser options can help you choose the best at-home creams and treatments, too, be they in addition to your clinic treatment, or not. Whatever you choose, make certain you discuss your history and options with your doctor, first. At Inverness Dermatology and Laser, we can discuss your needs and any treatments with you. We’ll help you decide the best option for you and figure out a method to affording your chosen procedure. Just call us today to find out how we can help you have healthy, beautiful skin.