Post Acne Scar Treatment
IIWAM - International Institute of Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine is a One-Stop Centre of Excellence in Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine that provides Education, an Online Library & Learning Portal, and Advanced Cosmetic Procedures. IIWAM is destined to be the Future of Aesthetic Medicine.
IIWAM Aesthetic Education (previously known as Aesthetic Academy Asia) provides evidence-based Aesthetic Medical courses with Dual International Certificates for Medical Doctors, Dentists, Nurses & Certified Aestheticians. In our previous article, we spoke about the latest treatment protocols for acne.
(Read the blog here- Acne: New Treatment Protocols)
In today’s article, we will help to educate you about the latest post-acne scar treatments.
About acne
Acne vulgaris, the medical name for common acne, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the pilosebaceous units characterized by the formation of comedones, erythematous papules, pustules, and/or nodules (i.e., pseudocysts) that is usually accompanied by scarring. Acne is found among adolescents and young adults but can continue into adulthood.
Various non-surgical post-acne scar treatment procedures
Chemical Peels
Though chemical peel may seem obsolete when compared to Lasers, it still has a positive role in treating acne. A layer of mild chemicals is applied to the skin to destroy the outer damaged layers and accelerate the healing process. Chemical peeling is used for the reversal of signs of skin aging and the treatment of skin lesions as well as scars, particularly acne scars. Dyschromias, wrinkles, and acne scars are the major clinical indications for facial chemical peeling.
The chemical peel treatment procedure can be performed as an outpatient procedure in less than an hour. The aesthetic practitioners administering the treatment procedure first clean the skin or the treatment area and then carry on to apply the chemical solutions usually composed of the alpha-hydroxy acids (e.g., glycolic and lactic acid), mandelic acid, or the Jessner’s solution. Additionally, low concentrations of beta-hydroxy salicylic acid or alpha-keto pyruvic acid have also proven to be excellent for the chemical peeling procedure.
The application of chemicals leads to the creation of controlled exfoliation which allows new skin to take its place while simultaneously minimizing complications, such as scarring due to acne. After the procedure, the doctor may recommend various ways to help the skin heal, such as applying a mild corticosteroid, moisturizers, or unscented emollient to the face for a few days after the treatment.
Chemical peels often cause redness and peeling, which may take 1–2 weeks to go away. It is important to use sunblock and moisturizers after a chemical peel. Staying out of the sun also helps to achieve better results.
(Also read - Training on Chemical Peel Procedures)
Laser treatment
There have been several advancements in the use of lasers for scars. Earlier, ablative lasers, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and Erbium: YAG (Er: YAG) were used in the treatment of acne scars. However, due to the long downtime and high risk of complications, they became infamous. Thereafter, non-ablative lasers such Erbium Glass and NdYAG lasers were used to treat scars; they had less downline and risk, but the results were also inadequate. There are also pulsed dye laser lasers that were used in the treatment of hypertrophic and erythematous scars. Now with the advent of Fractional technology, acne scar removal with ablative lasers such as CO2 and Erbium YAG have become popular again.
(Also read- Laser Scar Revision Training Courses)
Ablative lasers abrade the surface and also help tighten the collagen fibers beneath. Nonablative lasers do not remove the tissue, but stimulate new collagen formation and cause tightening of the skin resulting in the scar being raised to the surface. Blood flow is drawn to the area by the heat of the laser and provokes an inflammatory response in the scar area. This, in turn, results in the stimulation, development, and deposition of new dermal collagen and elastin, along with a reorganization of structural scaffold proteins and dermal connective tissue which results in rejuvenation and thickening of the epidermis and an increase in dermal volume. In simpler terms, the new, regenerated skin makes the acne scar less noticeable than before.
In addition, Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is also found to be the gold standard for treating acne scars. PDL utilizes selective thermolysis to destroy vascular components of the dermis leading to clinical improvement of erythema. The major chromophore of PDL is oxyhemoglobin within cutaneous vessels, which absorbs light in the yellow and green range, with peaks at 418, 542, and 577nm. The long-pulsed PDL (595–600nm) slowly heats target vessels with less risk of post-procedure purpura.
Dermabrasion/Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are facial resurfacing techniques that mechanically ablate damaged skin to promote reepithelialization. Although the act of physical abrasion of the skin is common practice in both procedures, dermabrasion, and microdermabrasion use different instruments with different technical execution. Dermabrasion completely removes the epidermis and penetrates to the level of the papillary or reticular dermis, inducing remodeling of the skin's structural proteins. Microdermabrasion, a more superficial variation of dermabrasion, only removes the outer layer of the epidermis, accelerating the natural process of exfoliation. Both techniques are particularly effective in the treatment of scars and produce clinically significant improvements in skin appearance. Dermabrasion is performed under local or general anesthesia. A motorized handpiece rotates a wire brush or a diamond fraise. There is often a small pinpoint bleeding of the raw wound after the procedure that can be reduced with proper wound care. All micro-dermabraders include a pump that generates a stream of aluminum oxide or salt crystals with a handpiece and vacuum to remove the crystals and exfoliate the overall skin. Unlike dermabrasion, microdermabrasion can be repeated at a short interval of time, is painless, and does not require any local anesthesia.
About IIWAM training in acne scar treatment.
As always, the practitioner must undergo proper training in facial aesthetics to understand the procedure, the product, and the patient. Equally, he/she must know the benefits, risks, and countermeasures to correct complications. IIWAM also offers an Online Aesthetic Certification programme for Non-Surgical Body Sculpting, Advanced Dermal Filler Training (Restylane, Juvéderm, Teosyal, Bellotero), Advanced Botulinum Toxin Training (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin), Skin Booster Training (Restylane Skin Booster, Profhilo, Rejuran), Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Training, and Threadlift Training (PDO, Aptos, Happy Lift).
At IIWAM, our trainers pay utmost attention to teaching the following subjects for non-surgical acne scar treatment under latest cosmetic dermatology online courses.
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Skin anatomy and physiology
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Methods & techniques for non-surgical acne scar treatment
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Knowledge about various non-surgical acne scar treatment methods
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Types of lasers or light-based therapies that can be used in acne scar treatment
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Risks involved in various non-surgical acne scar treatment methods
About IIWAM Aesthetic Education
At IIWAM, we provide an International Aesthetic Certification program and Advanced Online Aesthetic Courses for Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Aestheticians, and Spa Owners in Aesthetic Medicine.
Our Institute is based in Malaysia and has international students from the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and other parts of Asia. With our “Be Certified, Be Recognized” insignia, we develop knowledgeable, skilled, and confident aesthetic practitioners of international repute. Our Aesthetic training focuses on teaching the principles of Aesthetic procedures before venturing into Aesthetic clinical skills. IIWAM training Programs are a combination of Onsite Training, LIVE Online Webinars, and Online Learning. IIWAM is the first Institute in the World to have its Programs assured by City & Guilds of London and certified by European International University. IIWAM is also a registered CPD Training provider with CPD Standards Office in the UK and by CPD Malaysian Medical Association.
Onboard is our Assoc. Prof Dr. Morthy, the lead trainer, medical director of the International Institute of Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine (IIWAM), formerly known as Aesthetic Academy Asia (http://www.iiwam.ac/). In the Aesthetic part of our Institute, we provide Advanced Aesthetic Medical Procedures that are Safe, Effective, and Affordable, offering a wide range of specialized treatments for All Your Aesthetic Needs.