Acne Scars Laser Treatment | Illinois Dermatology Institute
At the Illinois Dermatology Institute, we specialize in advanced acne treatment and acne scar treatment designed to restore clear, smooth skin. Whether you’re struggling with active breakouts or seeking to reduce the appearance of stubborn scars, our expert dermatologists offer personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs.
Acne scars may develop in the skin after the actual acne lesions disappear. Scarring is more common with the more severe types of acne but may accompany any type, especially if the patient has picked at or squeezed the pimples.
Typical acne scars appear as indentations in the skin of variable depth that do not improve substantially over time. This should be distinguished from skin discoloration in the areas of former pimples that do improve over weeks to months.
Depressed acne scars can be shallow or deep, very narrow (“Ice pick”) or wide (“Dish type”), Rolled type, or in between (“Boxcar type”). They can be limited to the skin or also involve subcutaneous fat.
Thickened acne scars can be Hypertrophic (the scar’s surface is limited to the size of the original lesion) or Keloidal (Larger than the original lesion). The latter is more common on the chest and back.
Acne Scars Treatments
We treat acne scars only when the inflammatory lesions (Papules, Pustules, Nodules, Cysts, etc.) have completely subsided. Also, the surrounding inflammation (Redness) has to have completely subsided. The reason is that, even when the lesions are completely flat, the persistent surrounding inflammation (redness) will continue tissue destruction with consequent enlargement of the scars.
To expedite the elimination of any persistent inflammation, we often use Intense Pulsed Light treatments with the Aurora or the Isolaz.
Depressed Scars
- For deep scars that do not involve the subcutis, we use:
- Ablative Laser Resurfacing can be used instead of or in addition to punch excision. We often use the two together for best results.
- Pixel CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing: FRACTIONATED LASER RESURFACING can deliver excellent results by creating precise, microscopic vertical burns in the Epidermis and Dermis. As these burns heal, they create bridges over the scars.
Experiencing Acne Breakouts? Meet TheraClear®X
The TheraClearX Acne Therapy System is an in-office treatment featuring gentle vacuum technology combined with the delivery of broadband light for the treatment of mild to moderate acne, including comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads), pustular, and inflammatory acne vulgaris.
- Engineered and FDA-cleared specifically for the treatment of acne
- TheraClearX can be used to treat the face, back, and chest
- Comfortable treatment that requires no pre-medication
- No downtime – you can resume normal activities immediately after the treatment
- Visible improvement can be seen as early as treatment 24
Book Your Consultation Today
If you’re ready to take control of your acne or reduce the appearance of acne scars, schedule a consultation with our expert dermatologists. At the Illinois Dermatology Institute, we’re committed to delivering the best acne treatments for clear, radiant skin.
Transform your skin and boost your confidence today!
How TheraClear®X Works
EXTRACTION:
The gentle vacuum technology helps loosen and extract bacteria and unwanted material from your pores.
DESTROYS BACTERIA:
The broadband light can then be successfully delivered to help destroy acne-causing bacteria.
Schedule A Consultation to learn more about cosmetic dermatology or how to determine the right laser treatment for you.