Acne Scarring in Sacramento, CA | Granite Bay Dermatology & Laser Center
Most people have experienced acne at some point. While acne isn’t a life-threatening skin condition, it can be upsetting and lead to permanent raised or pitted scars, depending on its type and severity. Long after acne heals, acne scarring can continue to affect the appearance of the skin and impact one’s mental health, causing emotional distress, embarrassment, and low self-esteem. However, many solutions are available to help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Dr. Scott Hearth and his expert team at Granite Bay Dermatology & Laser Center can develop a treatment plan to help you achieve healthy skin and a radiant complexion. With high-quality, personalized care and meticulous attention to detail, Dr. Hearth and his team strive to help patients reach their skin health and aesthetic goals.
Repair your skin and restore your confidence with the best acne scar treatments in Roseville and Sacramento. Contact Granite Bay Dermatology & Laser Center at (916) 773-3376 or complete our online form to schedule your consultation today
What Is Acne Scarring?
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs due to the influence of genetics and hormones. Pores and hair follicles can become clogged with oils, keratin, and dead skin cells. It can vary in severity, and many factors can worsen it. While acne can affect people of any age, acne most commonly affects adolescents. Even with early treatment, acne can still impact the appearance of the skin and affect self-confidence and self-esteem.
Many people have experienced some degree of acne scarring. Even mild acne can cause long-lasting discoloration and marks on the skin. Severe breakouts, such as cystic acne, can lead to permanent scarring. Picking or squeezing pimples can cause scarring as well.
Acne scarring treatments are a collection of procedures that use the most innovative technologies to reverse these flaws. Most of our solutions focus on the face but may also be utilized to repair acne scarring on the neck, back, or chest.
Patients considering acne scar treatment should ideally have their active acne under control. However, some of our treatments can help the appearance of both acne and scars to ensure healthy skin.
Scarring typically worsens with age as the skin thins and loses elasticity. As such, treatments that focus on collagen induction and skin tightening can help to improve scars and the overall appearance of the skin over time.
Acne Scarring Treatment Options in Roseville, CA
At Granite Bay Dermatology & Laser Center, we currently offer the following treatments for acne scarring.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can accomplish more than reducing wrinkles. To improve the appearance of depressed acne scars, Dr. Hearth can elect to use dermal fillers to raise the skin beneath the scar. Fillers also work to stimulate collagen production, which can help improve the treated scars and the skin’s overall appearance over time.
At Granite Bay Dermatology & Laser Center, we offer the most effective filler brands including:
Typically, filler treatments to reduce the appearance of acne scarring take 15 to 60 minutes with minimal downtime, allowing you to resume most normal activities soon after treatment.
Laser Resurfacing
Fraxel Re:Pair®
Fraxel Re:Pair® is an ablative fractional laser used to resurface the skin. By penetrating deeply to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, Fraxel Re:Pair® aims to remove a significant amount of damaged tissue in each treatment session and encourages collagen production over time to restore skin health.
Before beginning a Fraxel Re:Pair® procedure, the skin is treated with a topical and injectable local anesthetic. Patients experience approximately one week of downtime. While Fraxel Re:Pair® can treat acne scarring in many areas, it is most commonly used for acne scarring on the face, neck, and chest.
StarLux 1540®
StarLux 1540® is a non-ablative, fractional resurfacing laser that helps to address acne scars while leaving the skin’s surface intact. The StarLux 1540® system directs light pulses into the deeper layers of skin, resulting in no surface wounds and offering a quicker recovery time than ablative lasers. Redness and mild swelling are common after treatment.
The StarLux 1540® laser is safe and effective at improving the appearance of acne scarring on most areas of the body, including the face, neck, chest, and back, including:
- Uneven pigmentation
- Irregular texture and large pores
- Depressed or boxcar scars
While some patients begin to see visible positive changes after a single StarLux 1540® treatment, we typically recommend a series of three to five sessions to help accomplish the best results.
Microneedling
Like many lasers and devices used to treat acne scarring, microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, can induce collagen formation to improve the overall appearance of the skin. Microneedling engages the skin’s natural repair system by using fine needles to target the affected areas of the skin. This procedure creates micro-injuries that encourage collagen and elastin production to help improve the skin’s health.
Microneedling is suitable for all skin types and requires minimal downtime. Sometimes microneedling is combined with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy to enhance the results.
To minimize discomfort, we will apply a topical numbing cream before starting your microneedling treatment. Most often, we recommend a series of three to five treatments to treat acne scars.
Morpheus8®
Morpheus8® RF is a minimally invasive procedure that combines two powerful treatments: radiofrequency energy and microneedling. RF energy is delivered through tiny needles to heat and remodel the skin at different depths, including deep beneath the surface. By creating micro-injuries at different levels within the skin, Morpheus8® can encourage collagen production, which is essential for remodeling scars and restoring healthy skin.
The Morpheus8® device allows for customized, precision treatment to address your needs. While some patients experience noticeable improvements in their acne scarring after just one session, most see the best results following a series of three sessions.
Other improvements typically include:
- More even skin tone and skin texture
- Reduced discoloration and dark spots
- Improvement in active acne
Subcision
Subcision is a minor procedure to treat depressed acne scars. Dr. Hearth inserts a small needle or cannula into the acne scar to detach it from the underlying tissues. This treatment allows the scar to rise and encourages collagen formation, diminishing the scar’s appearance.
With long-lasting results, subcision often requires minimal downtime. Most patients usually begin seeing visible results soon after treatment. Two or three treatments may be necessary to achieve the best results. Dr. Hearth may recommend combining subcision with other acne scar treatments for optimal skin restoration.
What Are the Benefits of an Acne Scarring Treatment?
Anyone who has dealt with acne understands the problems it can cause. Severe acne or even regular breakouts not only cause physical discomfort but can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. Acne scarring can last for years after the last breakout has healed, making a lasting impact on your self-esteem and confidence.
At Granite Bay Dermatology & Laser Center, our range of acne scarring treatments can address the many ways acne can leave its mark.
Following your acne scarring procedure, benefits you may notice include:
- Overall improved skin appearance
- Increased confidence
- Improved quality of life
- Feeling more attractive
Am I a Good Candidate for Acne Scar Treatment in Sacramento, CA?
Ideal acne scar treatment candidates are patients in overall good health with noticeable acne scars on their face, neck, chest, or back. If you are considering acne scar treatments, your acne should be relatively stable but may not have to be cured. Some available treatments can help treat both active acne and acne scarring.
Additionally, candidates for acne scarring treatments should:
- Be a non-smoker
- Not be pregnant or nursing
- Have a positive outlook with realistic expectations
- Understand the potential risks associated with the procedure
Choosing Dr. Hearth as Your Acne Scar Treatment Provider
Sacramento native and board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Scott B. Hearth was fellowship-trained at UC San Francisco. As an expert in medical and cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Hearth has been a recognized leader in the field for more than two decades. To ensure the most advanced and effective acne scarring treatments for his patients, Dr. Hearth participates in advanced training about the latest innovations in procedures and techniques.
In 2003, Dr. Hearth launched Granite Bay Dermatology & Laser Center as a broad-based dermatology practice to encompass all aspects of dermatology, including general dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and laser surgery. For over a decade, Dr. Hearth has been consecutively voted #1 “Favorite Dermatologist” in the Roseville/Granite Bay Style magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
With considerable experience and expertise, Dr. Hearth and his team at Granite Bay Cosmetic Dermatology & Laser Center are dedicated to preserving the health and beauty of your skin. At Granite Bay Cosmetic Dermatology & Laser Center, we believe patients deserve more than a standard, cookie-cutter approach. We deliver customized treatment plans for each patient to address their unique skincare concerns and strive to help them achieve their skin rejuvenation goals.
With a patient-first approach and various meticulous treatments, Dr. Hearth and his team will take every step to restore your skin’s optimal health and appearance. By trusting Dr. Hearth and the experts at Granite Bay Dermatology & Laser Center for all your skin care needs, you gain a caring and experienced partner dedicated to serving your needs throughout your journey to beautiful skin.
Meet The Expert
Scott B. Hearth, MD, FAAD
Combining his medical knowledge, injection skills and artistic taste for beauty, Dr. Hearth’s priority is to understand his patients’ needs and goals and help them achieve the best results.
Renew Your Skin’s Healthy Appearance
Healthy, radiant skin is waiting for you at one of Sacramento’s best acne scarring treatment providers! Call (916) 773-3376 or complete our online form to schedule your consultation for acne scar treatments in Sacramento today.