Acne Scar Treatment
Austin, TX

 

 
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Before and Afters


*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

RESTORE YOUR CONFIDENCE

Numerous treatments can reduce the visibility of acne scars. These treatments can help restore lost confidence in individuals who have these scars. The scars left behind from acne can leave you feeling self-conscious and embarrassed in social situations. Providers at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery offer acne-scarring solutions for patients in Austin & Sunset Valley, TX.

Here at Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, we are pleased to offer a variety of treatments for patients in Austin, Texas, and the surrounding areas who are bothered by acne scarring. We understand just how frustrating acne scars can be and are dedicated to helping you enjoy an improved skin tone and texture, so you can hold your head high.

COMMON TYPES OF ACNE SCARS

Several different types of acne scars may develop after active acne has faded.

  • ROLLING SCARS are pitted and become more obvious with age as collagen diminishes and the skin loses its elasticity.
  • BOXCAR SCARS are similar to rolling scars and feature clearly defined edges.
  • ICEPICK SCARS are narrow, deep, and look like large pores.
  • KELOID SCARS are raised and often have a rubbery appearance.

HOW ACNE SCARS ARE TREATED

A COMBINATION OF TECHNIQUES

In the past, the only way to treat or erase acne scars was surgery and/or deep chemical peels, laser resurfacing or dermabrasion. While we still perform these procedures in the correct patients, we are now able to offer acne treatments in Texas with less recovery time and risk through the use of fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing.

There are many different brands of fractionated lasers including Fraxel, Dot and Total FX. Our system is called the Matrix, which is a fully tunable fractionated CO2 laser. Treatments can be tailored from 35% coverage up to 90%. Multiple passes can be performed to increase the coverage even further.

For more severe acne scars, our providers will often recommend the tried-and-true method of combining chemical peeling with dermabrasion. This combination allows blending of the acne-scarred area with the surrounding skin, recontouring of the acne-scarred area, and collagen tightening. This procedure is performed in an outpatient surgery center and takes approximately one hour.

In addition to resurfacing, acne scarring is what is referred to as an atrophic scar. This means that the underlying subcutaneous tissue and the skin itself have lost volume. While the resurfacing will allow the collagen of the skin to rebuild, the underlying subcutaneous loss is still an issue. This can be corrected with the addition of the patient’s own fat utilizing a fat transfer.

CANDIDATES

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Candidates for acne scar removal should be in good physical health, be invested in improving their acne scars and have realistic expectations for the improvement of acne scarring. They should understand that while acne scars can’t be 100% removed, they can be significantly minimized.

Many patients benefit from fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing using the Matrix system. For acne scarring that is more severe, a combination of chemical peeling and dermabrasion may be more appropriate. A private consultation with one of our providers is the best way to determine which acne scar treatment is right for you.

RECOVERY FROM ACNE SCAR TREATMENTS

ERASE ACNE SCARS WITH LESS RECOVERY TIME

Recovery following fractionated CO2 laser therapy with the Matrix system may last anywhere from five to 14 days, depending on the depth and concentration of the treatment. Swelling may be present for one week after treatment, and redness for up to one month. The Matrix system allows for less pain, less downtime and fewer side effects compared to other traditional CO2 lasers.

Chemical peeling combined with dermabrasion involves a recovery period of about 10- to 14-days. During this time, patients may experience some redness and swelling, and a scab or crust may form on the treated area. Some discomfort may occur, but this can be relieved with medication.

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WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN ACNE SCARRING CONSULTATION

A COMPLETE FACIAL ANALYSIS

During an acne scarring consultation, patients meet with one of the providers at Buckingham Center in Austin. The provider performs a complete facial analysis. This analysis allows the provider to determine the best treatment approach for the patient’s individual needs. The provider also answers any questions or concerns that the patient has and shares before and after pictures from real patients so that the patient can get an idea of what types of results to expect.

Our providers firmly believe that successful facial plastic surgery results stem from the development and maintenance of good rapport between the patient, the provider and the staff during the initial consultation and throughout future appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acne Scar Treatments

WHY DO ACNE SCARS DEVELOP?

Scars develop when acne is active. Acne causes significant inflammation to develop, which damages the skin. Side effects associated with inflammation are changes in the color and texture of the skin in areas affected by acne. This is especially true in areas where there was cystic acne. Rather than being replaced with normal skin, the area where the skin has been damaged is left with scar tissue, which causes a visible difference in the skin.

CAN ACNE SCARS BE PREVENTED?

Individuals can reduce their risk of developing acne scars by using a gentle cleanser to wash their face twice a day. In addition, they must avoid picking at or popping facial blemishes and visit a dermatologist as needed. Furthermore, special facemasks and peels can help keep facial pores free of oil and dirt.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ACNE SCARRING?

Traditional treatments for Acne Scarring in the past have included surgery, deep chemical peels, laser resurfacing and dermabrasion. While our providers may still combine chemical peeling and dermabrasion for more severe acne scarring, they can often achieve excellent results with less recovery time and fewer risks by using fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing techniques. At Buckingham Center, we utilize the Matrix Fractional CO2 laser.

WHICH ACNE SCAR TREATMENT IS THE BEST?

The answer to this question varies from patient to patient. While one patient may benefit most from chemical peeling and dermabrasion, another may get better results from the Matrix Fractional CO2 laser. The general rule of thumb is the deeper the scars are, the deeper the treatment necessary.

DO ACNE SCAR TREATMENTS COMPLETELY REMOVE ACNE SCARS?

While the complete removal of acne scars is not possible, the appearance of the majority of scars can almost always be drastically improved. Many of our patients find that their scars are nearly invisible after undergoing treatment.

WHAT IS DERMABRASION?

Dermabrasion is a procedure that uses a high speed rotating brush to remove the top layer of skin. Sometimes, our providers combine dermabrasion with a chemical peel to allow for more improvement and better blending with the surrounding skin.

WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED FOR ACNE SCAR TREATMENTS?

The type of anesthesia used for the acne treatment in Texas will depend upon the procedure. In many cases, a topical anesthetic is all that is needed.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A CONSULTATION FOR ACNE SCAR TREATMENT?

During your consultation for treatments for acne scarring, you will meet with one of our providers. The provider performs a complete facial analysis. This facial analysis allows the provider to determine the best treatment approach for your individual needs. In addition, the provider will answer any questions or concerns that you have.

WHERE ARE ACNE SCAR TREATMENTS PERFORMED?

Our providers perform fractionated laser resurfacing using the Matrix system in the office setting. When combining chemical peeling with dermabrasion for more severe acne scarring, the treatment is performed in an outpatient surgery center.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE AFTER ACNE SCAR TREATMENTS?

Recovery following fractionated CO2 laser therapy with the Matrix system may last anywhere from five to 14 days, depending on the depth and concentration of the treatment. Swelling may be present for one week after treatment, and redness for up to one month. The Matrix system allows for less pain, less downtime and fewer side effects compared to other traditional CO2 lasers. Chemical peeling combined with dermabrasion involves a recovery period of about 10- to 14-days. During this time, patients may experience some redness and swelling, and a scab or crust may form on the treated area. Some discomfort may occur, which can be relieved with medication.

Schedule Your Acne Scarring Consultation in Austin Today

If you are bothered by your acne scars, and you dream of smoother skin and greater self-confidence, you owe it to yourself to schedule a consultation at our Austin area office and learn more about acne scar removal. Our providers are committed to designing an individualized treatment plan that can help you achieve your desired results. Call us at 512-401-2500 or fill out our convenient online contact form today to request a consultation with one of our caring, dedicated and highly experienced providers.

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