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Acne Scar Treatment 

How we treat acne scars?

It’s estimated that 50 million Americans live with acne each year. Most people have experienced the inconvenience of dealing with acne to some degree, whether as an occasional breakout or chronic acne.

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The battle with acne is not easy; it can deeply affect a person’s self-esteem and confidence. While many are able to minimize these effects with treatment, others are left with long-term acne scars that undermine their confidence.

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Acne Center Houston is proud to offer microneedling treatments using the SkinPen®, the first FDA-cleared microneedling device — and the only device clinically proven to improve the appearance of facial acne scars. SkinPen was developed, engineered, and manufactured with the industry’s most rigorous standards for quality and safety.

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What is microneedling

(Collagen Induction Theraphy)?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment to rejuvenate the skin. The SkinPen microneedling device causes controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the body’s natural wound healing process. The micro-injuries trigger the release of cytokines and growth factors that lead to remodeling of collagen and elastin.

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There are three phases to the wound repair process:

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  • Phase I: Inflammation. Piercing the skin triggers your immune system to disinfect the wounds, remove debris, increase blood flow and begin to create new tissue.
     

  • Phase II: Proliferation. The wound is re-built with new granulation cells, as well as a temporary (type III) collagen and elastin, which are part of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, a new network of blood vessels develops.
     

  • Phase III: Remodeling. The wound has been replaced with new dermal tissues and blood vessels. The type III collagen in the newly formed tissue is replaced with stronger type I collagen, which can contract to create a tightening or “shrink wrap” effect on the skin.

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Results can include improved texture and firmness, as well as a reduction in scars, pore size, and stretch marks.

Who can have it?

Microneedling is safe for all skin types and colors. Newer microneedling devices have improved on past devices in that they are customizable to each individual's skin type and needs. The device can be programmed to give a very light treatment, a more aggressive treatment, or anything in between.

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If you are looking for a safe, easy skin rejuvenation procedure to just give your skin a healthy glow, or you want to aggressively treat wrinkles and aging skin, or other marks, microneedling may be the right procedure for you.

Are there any contradictions?

Relative contraindications include:

 

  • Keloid or raised scarring;

  • History of eczema, psoriasis and other chronic conditions;

  • History of actinic (solar) keratosis;

  • History of herpes simplex infections;

  • History of diabetes;

  • Presence of raised moles, warts or any raised lesions on targeted area.

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Absolute contraindications include:

 

  • Scleroderma;

  • Collagen vascular diseases or cardiac abnormalities;

  • Rosacea and blood-clotting problems;

  • Active bacterial or fungal infection;

  • Immunosuppression; and/or,

  • Scars less than six months old.

How is the microneedling procedure performed?

 

  • Your skin may be "prepped" weeks before the procedure by a special at-home routine

  • When you arrive in the office, a numbing cream is applied to the treatment site for about 30 minutes

  • The numbing cream is removed

  • A super hydrating hyaluronic acid based lubricant or PRP is applied to the treatment site

  • The wand is moved over the treatment site in specific patterns--adjustments being made to needledepth based on the specific treatment protocol being used

  • A cream or ointment is then applied to your skin and you are taught how to take care of your skinduring the 5 day healing period

What is the pain level in scale of 1 to 10?

1 - Easily tolerated

How long does the treatment take?

The treatment will likely take 30 minutes to one hour.

How long do the results last?

You will see results with one treatment, but the results will be even greater if you do a series of treatments. Some recommend that patients have microneedling performed every 4–6 weeks, depending on the depth of their treatment.

What else do I need to know?

The skin will appear slightly pink to red immediately post-procedure, similar to a mild to moderate sunburn. Additionally, the most common treatment responses experienced were dryness, rough skin, tightness, redness, itching, peeling, discomfort, tenderness, and burning. These conditions resolved over time without any further complications. 

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A special emollient is used after the procedure, and needs to be applied by the patient at home during the healing process. Some patients use additional serums to boost their results. Details of how to treat your skin after microneedling can be seen on our Post Procedure Information Sheet.

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