In Hong Kong, many people have faced the annoyance of acne, leaving behind stubborn depressed acne scars that are difficult to remove. How should we deal with these embarrassing skin imperfections? In fact, the picosecond laser is widely regarded as a highly effective treatment method. Today, we will explore the types of depressed acne scars and the treatment effects of picosecond laser therapy.
Firstly, it is essential to understand the classification of depressed acne scars. These scars can be divided into three types: ice pick scars, boxcar scars, and rolling scars. Ice pick scars are sharp, pointed depressions, boxcar scars resemble the marks left by a matchbox, and rolling scars appear wavy and undulating. In addition to depressed acne scars, there are also flat acne scars and hypertrophic scars. Flat acne scars include red and dark spots, usually caused by inflammatory reactions from acne, while hypertrophic scars are often found on the chin, presenting a slightly raised appearance.
Although there are different classifications of acne scars, in actual treatment, we typically do not overly focus on these details. The treatment emphasis is on the severity of the scars. Generally speaking, scars that can be seen from five meters away are considered severe; those that are visible within two meters are classified as moderate; and scars that can easily be concealed within social distancing range can be regarded as mild. For mild depressed acne scars, the effects of picosecond laser treatment are the best.
The principle behind picosecond laser treatment lies in its powerful energy concentration and brief output time. When the laser generates a cavitation effect, it causes localized peeling and stimulates the proliferation of new collagen, thereby improving the appearance of the scars. This has led many to believe that picosecond laser can effectively enhance the condition of depressed acne scars.
After undergoing picosecond laser treatment, there may be slight bleeding at the treatment site, which is actually a sign of success. Generally, the skin’s recovery period is about five to seven days. During this time, patients need to keep the wound clean and apply sunscreen products at appropriate times to avoid sunlight affecting recovery.
So, which patients are most suitable for picosecond laser treatment? According to doctors’ experiences, this technique is particularly suitable for patients with small area ice pick and boxcar scars. Typically, patients only need two to three treatments to achieve good healing results. There are various brands of picosecond laser machines on the market, varying in energy intensity, so choosing the right laser machine is also quite important.
Finally, it is worth emphasizing that while picosecond laser has unique advantages in treating acne scars, caution must be exercised when selecting a treatment plan. Understanding the severity of one’s scars and choosing the appropriate laser can yield the best results and help restore smooth, flawless skin as soon as possible.