Injectable fillers offer promising solutions for soft rolling acne scars, especially when the scars are less severe and localized. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding how different fillers can be used to improve the appearance of acne scars:

Using Fillers for Rolling Acne Scars

Rolling scars, characterized by their smooth, sloping borders, can often be treated with “off-the-shelf” filler products. These fillers work by addressing the fundamental loss of dermal thickness and underlying fat, helping to elevate the scarred area to the level of the surrounding skin. While injectable fillers can be effective, they are best suited for smaller areas and less severe acne scars due to their cost and the volume required.

Types of Fillers and Their Uses:

Juvederm: This filler is a large sugar molecule used widely in cosmetic treatments. It is safe but not permanent, making it suitable for less severe rolling scars.

Sculptra: Dr. Sadove has successfully used Sculptra for treating soft rolling acne scars, especially in cases where subcision was not necessary. It works by stimulating collagen production to improve skin texture.

• Juvederm: This filler is a large sugar molecule used widely in cosmetic treatments. It is safe but not permanent, making it suitable for less severe rolling scars.
• Sculptra: Dr. Sadove has successfully used Sculptra for treating soft rolling acne scars, especially in cases where subcision was not necessary. It works by stimulating collagen production to improve skin texture.
• Hyaluronic Acid-Based Fillers: Products like Juvederm, Revanesse, and Restylane are composed of Hyaluronic Acid, which is a natural substance found in the skin. These fillers are excellent for treating rolling atrophic scars, as they add volume and reduce depressions. Hyaluronic Acid is well-tolerated by the tissues and supports skin volume and elasticity.

Choosing the Right Filler for Your Needs

The choice of filler and the amount needed depend on the size and severity of the area to be treated. For patients with rolling scars and minimal volume loss, fillers can provide significant improvement. However, for larger areas or more severe acne scars, a more aggressive treatment such as our Rewind or Refine procedures may be required first. Fillers can then be used as a secondary modality to fine-tune results and achieve further enhancement.

When it comes to treating deep acne scars, the approach must address the underlying structural issues rather than just the skin’s surface. Despite the allure of the latest laser technologies and aggressive marketing claims, lasers and chemical peels offer limited benefits for severe acne scars. Here’s why:

Why Lasers and Chemical Peels Fall Short

Deep acne scars involve a loss of dermal thickness and underlying fat, which cannot be effectively treated from the surface of the skin. Procedures like laser resurfacing (both ablative and non-ablative), intense pulsed light (IPL), chemical peels, and microdermabrasion often provide only superficial improvements. These treatments primarily target the epidermal layer and do not address the deeper issues causing the scars.

Potential Benefits of Laser and Chemical Peels

While lasers and chemical peels may not be effective for deeply recessed scars, they can still offer benefits for minor acne scars and related skin issues:

• Surface Texture and Pigmentation: Laser treatments and chemical peels can help even out skin color and texture, particularly for patients with pigmentation issues resulting from chronic inflammation. Products like Hydroquinone and retinoic or glycolic acid creams are often used to improve pigmentation and overall skin appearance.
• Reducing Redness: Lasers can also be used to address persistent redness from acne that has healed but not yet faded. However, it’s important to note that most redness will naturally resolve over time. Laser treatments can reduce redness more quickly, but it is generally more cost-effective to wait for natural resolution unless the redness is particularly bothersome.

When to Consider Laser and Chemical Peels

For patients with minor acne scars or residual redness, laser treatments and chemical peels can be valuable tools to enhance skin appearance. However, for more severe or deep acne scars, these methods should be viewed as complementary rather than primary treatments. More comprehensive approaches, such as our Rewind or Refine procedures, are recommended to address the underlying causes of deep scars.

For a personalized assessment and to explore the best treatment options for your acne scars, contact Dr. Richard Sadove. He can provide expert guidance and tailored solutions to achieve the best possible results.