Acne typically appears in early adolescence and can persist for long periods, leaving marks and scars that may worsen if not properly treated. In this article, we will explain the different types of acne scars and how to treat this issue effectively, helping to restore confidence and self-esteem.
Acne Scars – Dr. Szerman Explains:
Quem Somos?
O Dr. Waldemar H. Szerman é dermatologista e uma referência no Rio de Janeiro quando se trata de cuidados com a pele. Com mais de meio século de atuação na dermatologia, formado pela Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), o Dr. Szerman possui uma carreira sólida e respeitada, tendo sido ex-chefe do serviço de dermatologia da aeronáutica.
Em 1969, fundou a Clínica de Pele, unindo sua vasta experiência médica à tecnologia de ponta para oferecer tratamentos dermatológicos com excelência no Rio de Janeiro. Desde então, a clínica se tornou sinônimo de tradição, inovação e confiança, sendo reconhecida como uma das melhores do estado.
Na Clínica de Pele, todos os procedimentos são realizados exclusivamente por médicos, com formação especializada em instituições reconhecidas.
Acreditamos que os melhores resultados vêm da união entre ética, produtos de alta qualidade, capacitação técnica e experiência dos profissionais que irão realizar o tratamento.
Em tempos em que os procedimentos estéticos têm sido amplamente banalizados, reforçamos nosso compromisso com a segurança, o conhecimento médico e a ética profissional.
Os Drs. Guilherme Szerman e Ronaldo Szerman são médicos com mais de 20 anos de experiência, formados pela conceituada Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), consistentemente reconhecida entre as melhores faculdades de medicina do Brasil.
Somos uma clínica dermatológica no Rio de Janeiro, com mais de 50 anos de tradição e certamente uma das melhores nesse tratamento.
Teremos um imenso prazer em atendê-lo!
Acne Scars – Dr. Szerman Explains:
What Are Acne Scars and How Do They Form?
Different types of acne scars form due to a lack of proper treatment or incorrect handling during the healing process of acne on the skin. For example, when you squeeze a pimple, it further intensifies the inflammatory process, leading to acne scars.
Acne or pimples occur when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and keratin, mainly in areas where sebaceous glands are more active.
Acne is an inflammatory process of these sebaceous glands and follicles. It is often triggered by hormonal changes, especially during adolescence, but can also affect adults.
Types of Acne Scars
There are various types of acne scars, divided into two main categories:
- Non-inflammatory lesions, which include blackheads.
- Inflammatory lesions, which include pustules, papules, nodules, and cysts.
- Papules – Solid, round, hardened, and reddish lesions, classified as Grade II acne.
- Pustules – Pus-filled lesions, classified as Grade III acne.
- Nodules – Lesions that extend into deeper layers of the skin and can destroy tissue, leading to scars classified as Grade IV.
- Cysts – Larger than pustules, extending into deeper skin layers, highly painful, and leaving scars classified as Grade IV.
Scarring typically occurs in inflammatory acne cases of Grade III and IV. However, even Grade II acne can lead to scarring if there is a habit of squeezing pimples, worsening the condition.
What Are the Main Types of Acne Scars?
Acne scars are mainly classified into three types:
- Raised Scars
Raised scars appear above the skin surface, within the limits of the lesion, and are called hypertrophic scars. They may also form as keloids, with a papular or fibrous appearance. - Dystrophic Scars
Dystrophic scars have irregular borders, often with a star-like shape, a whitish or atrophic base, and may contain a fibrotic nodule with sebaceous and purulent retention. - Depressed Scars
These scars create depressions in the skin and can be distensible, showing improvement when the skin is stretched, or non-distensible, where there is no improvement even when the skin is pulled.
Is It Possible to Correct Acne Scars?
Many people who suffer from acne scars wonder if they can be corrected or removed. The answer depends on the specific case.
Some patients experience a significant improvement in the overall appearance of their scars. In other cases, the process takes longer, or the skin may not respond well to treatment. Factors such as age, skin type, and the severity of lesions influence the results, making it impossible to guarantee the same outcome for everyone.
That said, acne scar treatments—especially laser treatments—significantly improve the scar’s appearance but do not completely remove them.
If you have acne scars and are looking for the best treatment, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for an initial evaluation.
Acne Scar Treatments
Now that you are familiar with the different types of acne scars, you may be wondering: What is the best treatment for acne scars?
According to the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, some treatments are considered highly effective. The treatment approach depends on the type of scar presented by the patient.
For raised scars, Fractional and Pulsed CO₂ Laser is considered the gold standard.
For more superficial scars, treatments such as chemical peels, fractional and non-fractional ablative lasers, or intense pulsed light (IPL) have shown positive results.
For deep acne scars, treatments tend to be more complex, often requiring a combination of two or more approaches. However, the effectiveness of any treatment depends on skin characteristics such as oiliness, aging, pigmentation, and even the patient’s age.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is it possible to remove acne scars?
Treatments for acne scars, from the most superficial to the deepest, do not completely eliminate the scars. They aim to reduce the marks on the skin, making them as inconspicuous as possible.
What medication is good for acne scars?
In general, there are some dermatological creams and gels recommended to regenerate the skin and prevent the appearance of blackheads and pimples that can lead to acne scars. However, the most effective treatments for this type of issue are laser treatments and peels. It is best to have an evaluation with a dermatologist so that the professional can assess your case and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
How much does acne scar treatment cost?
The cost of acne scar treatment depends on the method used, the extent of the problem, and other factors. Therefore, it is recommended to have an initial evaluation at a dermatology clinic to get a realistic idea of the treatment’s cost.
Knowing the types of acne scars is essential to find the best treatment and achieve more effective results. Do you have any questions? Contact us and find out which treatment is most suitable for your case.
Contact:
Clínica de Pele is a traditional and specialized dermatological clinic in Rio de Janeiro for over 60 years, since 1969.
Dr. Szerman has over 20 years of experience and teaches other doctors.
