Types of Acne Scars and How to Treat Them | Swinyer Woseth Dermatology

Acne Treatment in Salt Lake City & South Jordan, UT

Types of Acne Scars

Hyperpigmentation isn’t technically a scar, but the dark discoloration of your face as you heal from the latest acne breakout can certainly cause distress.
Ice pick scars form when your skin loses collagen in a concentrated area, leaving a “hole” behind. These scars typically appear narrow and deep, almost like someone punctured your skin with a needle.
Pitted scars are a form of ice pick scars that result when the skin heals quickly to prevent infection but fails to produce enough collagen in the process.
Rolling scars are shallow and rounded, typically covering a wide surface area where long-term inflammatory acne once flared. This type of scar typically worsens with age as your skin loses its natural tightness and elasticity.
Boxcar scars are shallow with sharp edges. The resulting depressions look similar to the divot left behind when you push your fingernail into your skin.
Hypertrophic scars and keloids are raised scars caused by deeply rooted inflammation. They are caused by the body producing too many skin cells when it attempts to heal itself. While hypertrophic scars are confined to the original boundary of the acne wound, keloids can expand further, making them appear more severe.

Acne Scar Treatment Options

Salicylic acid and retinol are healing products commonly found in acne skincare products and chemical peels. They improve hyperpigmentation and allow you to use less concealer while your skin heals following an acne breakout.
Chemical peels cause minor, intentional damage to the skin so it can heal itself properly, filling in acne scars in the process. This acne treatment is most effective at hiding shallow scars that disappear when you stretch your skin with your fingertips.
Bellafill is the only FDA-approved facial filler for correcting severe facial acne scars. It works immediately by adding volume and lifting indented scars to the surface of the surrounding skin.
Microneedling reduces acne scarring and improves the skin’s overall texture, tone, and color. Treatment takes about 20 minutes and has minimal recovery time. For optimal results, you may need a series of treatments spaced four to six weeks apart.
Laser resurfacing smoothes scar tissue and encourages collagen production to address the textural changes acne leaves behind.
VBeam Perfecta treats skin discoloration and scarring caused by acne, stretch marks, rosacea, sun spots, and more.

For help treating acne or acne scars, turn to Swinyer-Woseth Dermatology. Our board-certified dermatologists in Salt Lake City and South Jordan can help you find the best treatment for your situation, minimizing the appearance of scars to restore your self-confidence. Contact us today at 801-682-4715 to schedule a consultation.