Acne & Acne Scarring

Acne is now the most common skin disease in Australia, and at some point in time, most people will experience it.

We know more today than ever before about the causes of acne, skin care and the treatment of acne.

In addition, a wide range of acne treatments make it possible for virtually every case of acne to be treated and to help you achieve healthy skin.

The main contributor of Acne and Acne scarring is propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Until recently, patients with persistent, moderate acne have been treated with only topical or sometimes systemic antibiotics. Now we have procedures that can eliminate the Acne without the harsh medications.

Our Acne program involves a combination of treatments to get to the cause of acne infection and inflammation and therefore to treat and prevent development of acne cysts, papules, nodules, pustules and the eventual scarring.

At MLAS, a combination of treatments is used to achieve maximum results for every individual. These could include Photodynamic Therapy, Lasers, and Peels depending on the type of acne and inflammation.

Our acne treatment products from Jan Marini are also important to acne management and maintenance of consistently clear skin.

What is Acne?

Acne is a skin disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent.

However, it is not restricted to any age group; adults in there 20s - even into there 40s - can get acne. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be very upsetting.

What Causes Acne?

Acne happens when the oil glands (pores) in the skin become blocked. Hormones make the oil glands produce more oil (sebum) and if the pores are blocked, a build-up occurs.

The face, neck, chest, shoulders and upper back are the areas mainly affected by acne because they have the highest number of oil glands.

What is the Best Treatment’s Available?

At Melbourne Laser and Aesthetic Services we have researched and studied all the treatment options available for acne and have found these procedures to be the most successful in achieving long-term results for the clearance of acne:

• Photodynamic Therapy
• Chemical Peels
• Laser Treatments
• Low Level Laser
Education and informing the patient on the correct skin care and makeup is also a vital part to achieving long term clear skin.

Acne Scarring

ACNE SCARS

While many people recover from acne without any permanent effects, some people are left with acne scars that have resulted from their Acne.

After an acne lesion has healed, it can leave a red or hyper pigmented mark on the skin. This is actually not a scar, but rather a post-inflammatory change. The redness or hyper pigmentation is seen as the skin goes through its healing and remodeling process, which takes approximately 6-12 months. If no more acne lesions develop in that area, the skin can heal normally. Any color change or skin defect still present after 1 year is considered to be a permanent defect or scar.

The most common types of Acne Scars are:

Ice Pick Scars - Ice pick scars are narrow, sharp scars that make the skin appear it has been punctured with an ice pick. They are usually narrower than 2 mm and extend into the deep dermis or subcutaneous layer.

Boxcar Scars

Boxcar scars are round to oval depressions that have sharp vertical edges. Unlike ice pick scars they do not taper to a point at the base.

Rolling Scars

Rolling scars occur as a result of tethering of otherwise normal-appearing skin to the subcutaneous tissue below. This process gives the skin a rolling or undulating appearance. Hypertrophic Scar – Hypertrohphic scars develop when the skin produces excess collagen as the injury heals, creating a raised mass of tissue.

Treatment Options for Acne Scars

• Laser
• Chemical Peels
• Collagensis - Skin Needling
• Microdermabrasion
• Fillers

How to Prevent Acne Scarring

You may not be able to completely prevent scarring, especially if you have more severe inflammatory or cystic acne. But you can take steps to limit your chances of developing serious scars:
• Treat acne as soon as it develops.
• Avoid further inflammation of the skin.
• Know if you are prone to scarring.
• See your skin care specialist