The treatment of severe acne scars can effectively improve the plight of uneven skin tone through the correct treatment methods, allowing us to regain our beautiful appearance.
First, let us examine some typical cases of acne scars. In one patient, there were noticeable depressions on the cheeks, resembling hollows. These types of acne scars are classified as extremely severe cases, as there is no doubt that the subcutaneous tissue has been damaged. If these hollows are not filled, even with the use of lasers or dermabrasion, satisfactory improvement cannot be achieved.
In another patient, the contours on the side of the face were very irregular, which also required filling for improvement. Additionally, many patients exhibit a shrunken look in the chin area due to severe acne, and such acne scars cannot achieve ideal results through mere dermabrasion or fractional laser treatment; filling is the correct therapy.
Here, we must mention collagen. In addition to collagen itself, the youthful appearance of the skin is closely related to the underlying fat layer. When acne ruptures, both collagen and the deeper fat layer are affected, creating depressions, and even with treatment, the granular collagen cannot rapidly recover.
For severe acne scars, filling materials are an indispensable option. Materials such as fat, PLLA (Poly-L-lactic acid), or hyaluronic acid can all be considered, with specific choices depending on individual needs and the doctor’s professional advice. If there are extensive hollows, using fat from the body may be an excellent choice; for small defects in the chin, PLLA or hyaluronic acid are good options.
During the filling process, we use specially designed needles to inject into the noticeably depressed areas. It should be noted that these fillers have limited effects on mid-layer or superficial acne scars. Can hyaluronic acid be used to fill shallow acne scars? The answer is “no,” because shallow acne scars are relatively hard and require needle puncturing for effective filling.
Finally, compared to Western skin, our skin tends to be thicker; hence, improving acne scars requires a more detailed plan. Although after multiple treatments we might only achieve a 50% improvement, this is already a considerable result.
For instance, one patient became much more confident after receiving two PLLA injections. When he first came for consultation, he was dressed casually and had a poor image, but after treatment, he appeared vibrant and his entire demeanor was refreshed. Although the acne scars remained, his confidence made him the center of attention.