Correct Acne Scars with Filler Injections

How to Correct Acne Scars with Filler Injections

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Understanding the Impact of Acne Scars

Acne affects a significant portion of the population, with about 95% of those with acne experiencing some degree of scarring. These scars often require treatment beyond over-the-counter solutions or prescription creams. Dermal fillers have emerged as a semi-permanent solution for many seeking to reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Emotional and Physical Benefits

Acne scars can lead to long-term emotional issues such as depression, social anxiety, and self-consciousness. Dermal fillers not only improve the physical appearance but also enhance emotional well-being, boosting confidence and self-esteem.

How Dermal Fillers Work

Dermal fillers, containing hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, promote collagen production. Over time, repeated treatments can lead to increased collagen levels, reducing the amount of filler needed to achieve desired results.

Suitable Scar Types

Fillers are particularly effective for shallow, saucer-shaped scars. These injections fill and plump the scarred area rising any depression, creating a smoother skin surface.

Popular Brands and Safety

Well-known brands like Restylane, Teoxane, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Sculptra are commonly used for treating acne scars. These products are approved by Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are recommended by top cosmetic practitioners across North America.

Science Behind Fillers

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers such as Restylane, Teoxane, and Juvederm work by attracting water to the injection site, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin. HA is a naturally occurring substance in the body that aids in maintaining skin moisture and volume. When injected, it provides immediate volume and smooths out scars.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers

Radiesse is a CaHA filler that stimulates collagen production. CaHA is a mineral-like compound naturally found in human bones. When injected, Radiesse not only fills the scars but also acts as a scaffold, encouraging the body to produce new collagen. This helps to improve skin texture and firmness over time.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers

Sculptra is a PLLA filler that works differently from traditional fillers. Instead of providing immediate volume, Sculptra stimulates the skin to produce its own collagen over time. PLLA particles trigger a mild inflammatory response that encourages collagen growth, gradually improving skin texture and filling scars over several months. This results in a more natural and long-lasting improvement.

Causes of Rolling and Atrophic Scars from Acne

Acne scarring occurs as a result of the skin’s inflammatory response to acne lesions. Severe acne, particularly cystic acne, can cause significant inflammation and damage to the skin’s deeper layers, leading to scar formation. The primary causes include:

Inflammatory Response and Tissue Damage:

Inflammation: Severe inflammation from acne lesions disrupts the skin’s normal repair processes, leading to scarring.
Tissue Damage: Inflammation can destroy collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in a loss of tissue volume and structure.

Impaired Healing Process:

Fibrosis: Overproduction of fibrous tissue can lead to scar formation, with fibrotic bands pulling the skin down and causing rolling scars.
Insufficient Collagen Production: Insufficient collagen during healing can result in depressed or atrophic scars.

Contributing Factors:

Severity of Acne: More severe acne increases the likelihood of scarring.
Delayed Treatment: Lack of prompt treatment can exacerbate scarring.
Genetic Predisposition: Genetics can influence scar formation.
Skin Type: Certain skin types are more prone to scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Realistic Expectations and Results

While temporary dermal fillers may not completely erase acne scars, they provide significant improvement for many patients. The degree of improvement depends on the severity of the scars and the skill of the cosmetic practitioner. It’s crucial to choose a practitioner who specializes in facial anatomy and has substantial experience with dermal fillers. Dermal fillers typically last between 6 to 12 months, depending on the product and the individual’s metabolism. Some individuals may retain fillers longer than others.

Gradual Improvement Over Time

The effects of dermal fillers can improve over several months, with many patients noticing a significant reduction in scar visibility with regular treatments.

Minimal Downtime

One of the advantages of dermal fillers is the minimal downtime. Most swelling and bruising diminish within a few hours, allowing patients to resume their daily activities quickly. This makes fillers a popular choice for younger patients with active lifestyles.

For more information or to book an appointment, contact Infinite Medical Spa in London, Ontario today. Start your journey to clearer, smoother skin and enhanced confidence with our expert dermal filler treatments.