Acne Scar Clinic

Acne scars can be very frustrating and hurt self-esteem. At the Gladstone Clinic, we offer multiple treatments for this difficult condition. The best treatment for acne scars is prevention. You should treat inflammatory acne, and cystic acne promptly–this will decrease the risk of acne scars.

What Causes Acne Scars?

Acne scars occur because of inflammation and reduction of the collagen in the skin. It results in a skin surface that is very irregular with pockmarks and divots and color changes which can either be a reddish or dark hue.

What Do Acne Scars Look Like?

There are many variations of acne scars which dictate different types of treatments. Some acne scars are atrophic meaning that they are shallow and have a thin almost fragile appearance. Others may be rolling or “boxcar in shape.” The acne scars that cause the most disfigurement are the “ice pick” scars or variations. They are deep and narrow, though some may be deep and wide particularly as a person ages.

What Treatments Exist for Acne Scars?

While there are effective treatments for acne scars, there is no “magic bullet.” At the Gladstone Clinic, our philosophy is to treat you on an individual basis and customize your treatments.

Combination treatments tend to work best for most acne scars. Combining laser resurfacing with subscision may smooth out the topography of your skin. Subscision uses a special needle to break apart the acne scars. It is also thought that this technique may stimulate collagen production and push up the acne scar depressions. This is performed with local anesthesia. At the Gladstone Clinic, we perform both the traditional subscision underneath the skin and the newer roller subscision.

While fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing may require 2 treatments, you may need 3-4 subscision treatments downtime for the fractional carbon dioxide laser can be around one week. For the subscision, it can be around 3-4 days. There can be bruising and swelling.

For some patients, adding a filler may also soften acne scars. The limitation of fillers is that they are temporary. A breakthrough has been the use of Bellafil. It is a permanent filler. Dr. Gladstone prefers this filler for rolling scars. It is a soft filler that plumps up the acne scars, and generally will last 5 years more.

The results can be dramatic.

What is Profound RF?

Another breakthrough in acne scar treatment is Profound RF, which uses fractional radiofrequency energy to soften acne scars. Dr Gladstone uses this device for acne scars located on the cheeks and upper neck. It may require 2 treatments. It is safe on darker skinned individuals. Profound results may take up to 6 months for final results, and for deep acne scars, it will require at least 2 treatments. On appropriate patients, Dr Gladstone will combine Profound RF with fractional carbon dioxide for optimal results.

From the moment you walk into the Gladstone Clinic, you’ll find that our staff is both professional and gracious, while Dr. Gladstone is warm, knowledgeable and incredibly skilled. Using the latest and most advanced procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, our team offers services emphasizing overall health and wellness to the residents San Ramon, Danville, Pleasanton, San Francisco, and the surrounding communities in California. Contact us now to set up your complimentary consultation!