Acne & Scarring

Pimples are caused by a clogged or inflamed pore. When the pimple is severe enough, it can cause the cell walls around the pimple to break down, leaving behind an area of pitted scar tissue. These are scarred pores and are common when people have severe or prolonged acne.

If our skin (or other tissue inside our bodies) is damaged, the body works hard to repair it quickly. Scar tissue is the type of binding agent our body makes to repair damage in a timely manner. Over time, your skin might be able to make skin cells to replace a scar, but if the injury is severe enough, at least some scar tissue will remain.

The length of time it will take to remove and heal your scars depends on the type of scar you have, where it’s located, and the treatment you choose. In some cases, scars may be removed after one or two treatments. In other cases, it may be 6-12 treatments to see your scars fully healed.

At your consultation, your aesthetician will walk you through your treatment options, speak to you about prognosis, and answer all of your questions.

Some treatments for scar removal may hurt. Some treatments, like chemical peels or Healing & Blemish Fix may be mildly uncomfortable, but won’t cause pain. Laser treatment, however, does cause more substantial pain. A topical numbing agent will be applied prior to your treatment. If at any time you are in pain or you’re uncomfortable, please let your technician know. They will make adjustments to help make you more comfortable.

In most cases, you’ll be able to immediately return to work and regular activities of daily life. Laser treatment may cause your skin to be slightly red or swollen. In some cases, your skin may peel, but it won’t scab or cause sores the way ablative lasers will.

After your treatment, you should be able to return to your regular schedule immediately. If you need to wear makeup, apply it extremely lightly for 24 hours. Your skin might be a bit red or swollen for a few hours up to a few days following treatment but it should not be severe. You will need to apply an SPF of 35+ over a moisturizer every day for 2 weeks following your treatment.

What to do after your procedure?

• Drink plenty of water.
• Apply your high-quality moisturizer to make sure your skin stays protected.
• Apply an SPF if you’ll be in the sun, especially after laser treatments and chemical peels.
• If your skin is sore, apply a cold compress to reduce redness and pain.

What not to do after professional acne scar removal?

• Be very careful to avoid direct sunlight. Your skin will be very sensitive and it’s important that you don’t risk any type of sun exposure or sunburn.

Following your treatment, you’ll begin to notice that your scars are healing after about a week. Your skin will need time to heal from the damage the laser caused. It is in this healing time that you’ll see your scar tissue improving.

You may feel tired after your treatment. This should subside within a few hours. You might also feel hot and your skin might look red. This is normal and should go away within a few hours to a few days.

This depends on your scars. Mild scars will fade quicker than deep severe scars. Your aesthetician can help you understand how long they believe it might take at your consultation.

As a rule, a small, minimal scar may take two to three months to heal fully. Larger, more severe scars can take six months to a year to fully heal.

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Scar tissue removal is very safe. At Novuskin, we use the most advanced, FDA-approved technology on the market to help you say goodbye to your scars for good. Our treatments have very little side effects and very little risk. 

Because there are many treatment options for acne scar and scar removal, it’s difficult to know which treatments are right for you. Here are some general contraindications and side effects, however, speak to your aesthetician to know for sure.

Contraindications

We will make sure to discuss any contraindications, dangers, and risks to treatment at your consultation. If you feel you may have a contraindication, please feel free to ask your aesthetician. Some common reasons not to have a scar removal treatment:

• If you’ve been using Accutane or other products or medication that thins the skin
• If you’re suffering from active herpes simplex
• If you have gotten a tattoo or permanent cosmetics in the past week
• If you have folliculitis 
• If you have skin cancer
• If you’ve had recent cosmetic surgery or laser treatments
• If you have psoriasis, active rash, or open wounds on the face
• If you have any infectious diseases
• If you have high blood pressure or heart disease
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you have severe rosacea

Side Effects

Treatment can cause:

• Red skin or inflammation; most people experience redness after their chemical peel (common and normal), this may be worse if you have sensitive skin
• After a medium or deep peel, the redness may last longer
• Peeling and scabbing
• Unwanted skin lightening – a chemical peel can cause skin to become lighter
• Infection – in some cases, the skin may become infected after your treatment
• Allergic reactions like blotchiness or hives
• Breakout after the treatment