Acne Scars

 

 

Maybe one of the most memorable parts of our adolescent days aside from our blooming love life are those sleepless nights we spend searching for a way to remove pimples that tirelessly pop out of our skin for seamlessly no reason at all than to make us feel ugly. It is quite unfortunate that during the years when we get more conscious about our appearance, these nuisances start to appear.

 

Some of us get over the stage unscathed, but for the less fortunate some, they also have to endure early adulthood up to their 30’s accompanied by these non-essentials. Those of the least fortunate however not only need to endure the ever pressing presence of ance, they also get scars that screams “Acne was here.

 

WHAT IS ACNE?

 

Acne, or what is also known as Acne Vulgaris, is a skin infection that occurs when the pores becomes clogged therefore trapping oil and sebum. The trapped oil can become a medium for bacterial growth causing inflammatory response to the skin, thus the appearance of acne. Acne usually appears on the face, chest, back, and the upper arms.

 

Dermatologists cannot exactly point out the causes of acne but researchers suggest that it may be hereditary. Hormonal change is also being pointed out as one of the factors. According to statistics, as much as 80% of teenagers suffer from acne problems and about 50% of them get permanently scarred. Though acne is not dangerous, it can leave scar which can ruin our otherwise smooth complexion.

 

HOW CAN ACNE BE PREVENTED?

 

Since the root cause of acne is yet to be established, skin experts recommend people to always keep their faces clean by washing at least twice a day. A skin product that is suitable for your skin type is also said to help a lot. Other preventive measures are proper diet, cleaning the face and removing make up before going to bed, and avoiding too much make up.

 

ONCE YOU ALREADY HAVE ACNE, HOW CAN YOU PREVENT SCAR FORMATION?

 

Whenever we see the red sign of blooming acne, we can’t help but touch it or prick it with our hands. Time and again, dermatologists warn us that this is one the things that we do that actually causes more harm than good to our skin.

 

Pimples or acne usually resolves on its own overtime, or you can apply an acne cream to allow it to dry up faster, but if you really can’t help but touch it or prick it, see your dermatologist and have it done properly to avoid acne formation.

 

WHAT ARE YOUR TREATMENT OPTIONS ONCE YOU ALREADY HAVE ACNE SCARS?

 

Before the procedures and treatments, it is first best to understand that no procedure can totally remove the scars that are already there, but it can be improved to a point when it is no longer noticeable. Depending on the degree of scarring and the result you want to achieve, a number of treatment options are available for you at Yoskarn Clinic.

         

LASER TREATMENTS - Laser treatments for acne scars can either be ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers are those that works by resurfacing the skin by removing its outer layers resulting to smoother "new" skin. Atrophic scars may be reduced in depth and the scarring will be made less visible. This type of laser may cause redness that can last for 2 weeks up to a few months.

 

Non-ablative lasers on the other hand change the dermis without causing damage to the skin's surface. This type of laser tightens the skin and stimulates collagen formation making the skin glow. This laser is highly beneficial for mild acne scarring and pigmentation problems but may not work with deep, pitted scars.

Hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation, are possible side effects of any kind of laser treatments and sun exposure is highly discouraged for at least a month after treatment.

DERMABRASION is actually and invasive surgical procedure used to correct depressed box scarring. This type of treatment is actually used way before laser techniques become popular. The procedure aims to improve scars caused by acne, and othe causes such as accident or chicken pox.

 

Dermabrasion may cause pigmentation changes to people with darker skin tone and is therefore not readily recommended. In our center, Yoskarn Clinic, our surgeon, Professor Kunachak, performs the surgery in a modified way, making it more effective and less harmful.

 

Recovery period for this surgery usually takes about a week or two depending on how deep the surgery went. After the procedure, you will have bandage around the area for about 7 days to allow your skin to heal and form a new one. Scabbing may be visible once the bandages are removed and this will be normal though a set of medications and creams will be prescribed to you after treatment to prevent or counteract secondary hyperpigmentation.

 

Even for people with fairer complexion, the areas treated with dermabrasion may have a slightly different color, and the creams and medication will help even it out.

 

Few weeks after dermabrasion, multiple tiny whitish raised spot (Milia), which looks like closed comedone may appear. These spontaneously clear with time.

 

 

WHAT CAN WE OFFER?

 

When it comes to laser treatments and dermabrasion, our center has established its authority by providing not just one option but a lot of options for our patients as we understand that not all skin types will respond to just one laser treatment.

 

Aside from this, we are also partnered with a hotel where our patients can stay during their medical vacation while being pampered not only by our center’s staffs but also the staffs of the hotel. The location also provides privacy for our patients as the hotel has an adjoining door directly going to our center so you won’t have to walk around outside.

 

The hotel also provides complimentary breakfast and room service for all patients and guests anytime.

 

 

Transportation and tours can also be arranged by our staffs should you need our assistance.