Acne scar treatment in Singapore, matched to scar type.

Acne scars are often a result of the inflammation your skin undergoes when acne forms. The inflammatory process damages tissue, and the scar left behind in the deep layer of the skin, the dermis, is often contracted or lacks enough collagen fibres, leaving an irregularity or depression. Scars are often worsened if you pick or pop your pimples.

By their width, depth and edges. Ice pick scars are narrow but often deep; boxcar scars are round or oval depressions with sharp edges; rolling scars are broader, with sloping edges that make the skin look wavy. Raised scars are hypertrophic or keloid, and flat red or dark marks are not scars at all. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most people with acne scars have more than one type, so a doctor's examination helps.

It depends on the type. Some shallower scars or marks may fade over time, and over-the-counter topical creams can help them fade faster. However, deep acne scars such as ice pick or rolling scars generally do not go away on their own and need laser or other acne scar treatments. Your doctor can advise which treatment suits the scars you have.

Acne marks are flat colour changes that usually fade, while acne scars change the texture of the skin. Scars are lasting depressions or elevations, from shallow to deep, such as ice pick, boxcar, rolling or keloid scars. Marks, the red (PIE) or dark (PIH) spots after a breakout, are often mistaken for scarring because of their discolouration and redness; they can be stubborn for weeks or months, and treatment can shorten this.

Deep acne scars, such as ice pick and rolling scars, usually need a combination: laser resurfacing to smooth the surface, radiofrequency microneedling to remodel collagen beneath, and sometimes injectables to support repair. We offer subcision to release tethered rolling scars; deep, narrow ice pick scars may need techniques that treat each scar individually, which your doctor can discuss or refer you for. Expect a course of sessions spaced weeks apart, as new collagen builds gradually.

Acne scars can usually be softened rather than erased, and acne scar treatment in Singapore is matched to the scar type. Laser treatments such as picosecond laser or Fotona may suit you, and RF microneedling and PN or PDRN injectables stimulate collagen; a combination is often required. We also offer chemical peels, which fade scars by smoothing the surface of the skin; the choice of peel depends on the type and severity of the scar, your skin tone and sensitivity.

Results vary, since every individual has different acne scars, skin conditions and genetics, and improvement builds over a course of sessions. Downtime depends on the treatment: light laser resurfacing may cause 1–3 days of redness and deeper sessions around a week of healing, while RF microneedling usually causes redness and swelling for a short time.

Acne scars generally stem from inflammatory acne, so the key to prevention is treating the root of the problem early. Acne can sometimes be managed with home remedies and over-the-counter medication, but if it has not resolved after months, see a doctor. Early intervention for your acne can help prevent scars from forming and reduce the need for acne scar treatment later.