Facing the troubles of acne, many people’s confidence is affected, and they may even feel anxious about acne scars. However, after a proper assessment of acne scars, the treatment results often exceed your expectations.
First, let’s understand what shallow acne scars are. About 60% of patients present with shallow acne scars, which usually indicate minor damage to the dermis layer of the skin or leave only traces on the epidermis. The types of shallow acne scars include ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars, among others. In treatment, we need to develop suitable plans based on the severity of the acne scars. There’s no need to be overly anxious, as often the severity perceived by patients may not be as significant as they think.
There are various treatment methods for shallow acne scars, such as laser therapy, microneedling, radiofrequency microneedling, and fractional laser. These methods can improve the appearance of the skin; although they cannot completely eliminate acne scars, they can achieve good results. Particularly, picosecond laser therapy is highly praised by patients for its relatively superior effects. Compared to other treatment methods, picosecond laser offers higher patient comfort and typically involves less pain.
As we further explore the effects and side effects of these treatment methods, it is crucial to choose the appropriate technique. For instance, fractional lasers have weaker efficacy, leading to limited improvements in acne scars; whereas dermabrasion is another option that can yield significant results, though many may have concerns about this method. Pain and recovery time are also important considerations when selecting a treatment approach.
Before undergoing any treatment, understanding the potential side effects is also critical. Among these, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is one of the most common side effects, particularly if the treatment is not handled properly, which can lead to more noticeable skin discoloration. Therefore, a professional doctor’s evaluation and the selection of suitable treatment plans are key to ensuring efficacy and minimizing side effects.
In addition to the methods mentioned above, TCA CROSS therapy is also a notable option for effectively treating shallow acne scars, especially ice pick scars, but it requires cautious use.