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

Now, scientific research is dispelling old myths and replacing them with better-informed skin care practices. 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.

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.

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.

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

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