Acne Scarring

The main symptom of acne scarring is scars on the face, shoulders and back where the skin was previously affected by acne. There are 3 main types of acne scar, and most people with acne scarring will have more than 1 of these types.

Types of acne scar

Ice pick scars

Ice pick scars are small, deep holes in the skin that look like punctures made with a sharp object. These are most common on the forehead and upper cheeks, where the skin is thinner.

Rolling scars

Rolling scars give the skin a wavy or uneven appearance and are caused by bands of scar tissue forming under the skin. These scars are typically found on the lower cheeks and jaw, where the skin is thicker. 

Boxcar scars

Boxcar scars are round or oval depressions that go deep into the skin. These scars are common on the lower cheeks and jaw.

In people with darker skin, acne often leaves long-lasting pigmented blemishes, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

In very severe cases, hypertrophic or keloid scars can occur, caused by an overgrowth of fibrous tissue in the skin. This type of scar tissue is raised off the skin and can be itchy, tender or painful and is most often seen on the chest, back, shoulders, and jawline.

Acne scarring is a complication of acne. Acne causes inflammation in the deeper layer of the skin called the dermis. This inflammation can damage the elastic fibres in the skin that give it its smoothness and elasticity, resulting in an irregular skin contour with dips and dents. Severe acne is more likely to lead to scarring, but it can also happen after mild acne. 

Scarring can occur when nodules or cysts burst, causing trauma and damage to nearby skin, or in milder cases, it can be caused by skin picking or spot squeezing.

At Welbeck, our specialist dermatologists can make a diagnosis of acne scarring at your initial consultation by taking your medical history and examining your skin. They will also be able to identify the types of scarring present to recommend the most appropriate and effective treatment for you.

Early diagnosis and treatment of acne are the most important steps in preventing acne scarring. It’s also important not to pick or squeeze any spots as this can damage skin and lead to scarring. 

Complications of acne scarring include:

• permanent changes to the texture and appearance of the skin, including raised or depressed scars and changes in skin pigment 

• increased skin sensitivity – skin may be more sensitive to sun exposure and prone to dryness or infection

• low self-esteem, social withdrawal, depression, and anxiety 

Before treatment for acne scarring can be given, it’s important to ensure that all active acne has first been ‘switched off’ with effective treatment – if more spots occur during treatment, they may cause further scarring.

After successful acne treatment, options then include:

• resurfacing the skin with chemical peels, lasers, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion

• cosmetic surgical procedures to remove scars and tethered skin

• steroid injections

• dermal fillers 

• microneedling (also known as collagen induction therapy)

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.