Acne scars are a common skin concern for many—teenagers and adults alike—that can affect one’s appearance and self-confidence. However, with the advancements in medical aesthetics technology today, there are now many options to turn to for acne scar removal to help one achieve smoother, clearer skin.
As a medical aesthetics clinic in Singapore following evidence-based recommendations, Shens Medical is committed to using cutting-edge technologies to provide you with personalised acne scar treatment plans tailored to patients’ specific skin type and scar severity.
If you’re seeking acne scar treatments in Singapore, consider consulting with our Medical Doctors today for more information on potential acne scar removal treatment options that address your unique skincare needs.
Acne scars develop as a result of the body's natural healing process after inflamed acne lesions.
When acne occurs, the follicle walls rupture, leading to an inflammatory response. During the healing process, the body produces collagen to repair the damaged tissue. However, sometimes the body produces too much or too little collagen, resulting in the formation of acne scars.
Several factors contribute to the development of acne scars.
The severity and duration of acne play a crucial role. Severe acne, such as cystic acne, is more likely to cause scarring than mild or moderate acne. Picking or popping pimples can also increase the risk of scarring as it further damages the skin.
Additionally, genetic factors influence an individual's susceptibility to scarring, with some people being more prone to developing scars than others.
Finally, improper treatment or inadequate skincare during the acne healing process can contribute to scar formation.
Atrophic acne scars are characterised by depressions or indentations on the skin's surface. They occur when there is a loss of tissue during the healing process, resulting in uneven skin texture. Within the atrophic scars category, there are three primary subtypes:
Rolling Scars
Rolling acne scars have a wave-like appearance and occur due to fibrous bands pulling the epidermis down. These bands of fibrous tissue create a tethering effect, causing the skin to have a rolling or undulating appearance.
Ice Pick Scars
Ice pick scars are narrow, deep scars that resemble small puncture marks on the skin's surface. They develop when there is damage to the skin's deeper layers. These acne scars can be particularly challenging to treat due to their depth.
Boxcar Scars
Boxcar acne scars are wider and have well-defined edges. They usually result from inflammatory acne and appear as round or oval depressions on the skin. Boxcar scars often have a sharp and angular appearance, resembling a boxcar or a rectangular shape.
Unlike atrophic scars, hypertrophic acne scars are raised and thickened. These scars occur when the body produces excess collagen during the healing process. They are typically more common in individuals with a genetic predisposition to scar formation. Hypertrophic scars can be itchy and uncomfortable, and they may continue to grow for some time before eventually stabilising.
In Singapore, there are several effective treatments available that help with acne scar removal. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of the scars, as well as individual preferences and considerations. At Shens Medical, we provide several treatment options to address various types of acne scars, including Secret Duo RF, Rejuran S, Fotona Nd:YAG Laser, and Fractional CO2 Laser.
Secret Duo RF combines microneedling radio-frequency (RF) and 1540nm fractional erbium glass laser to promote dermal remodelling and improve the appearance of acne scars.
Ultra-fine and semi-insulated gold-plated micro needles penetrate the skin to help enhance new collagen growth and reduce pigmentation, while the erbium glass laser creates controlled micro-injuries in the inner epidermis layer to remove old, damaged tissues and trigger new skin cell growth.
Combining these two technologies allows for deeper treatment penetration into the skin to promote collagen regeneration, while lessening thermal damage to surrounding tissues. This treatment may be ideal for deeper, atrophic scars.
Rejuran S is a form of polynucleotide (PN) therapy for skin rejuvenation. It involves injecting specialised solution derived from salmon DNA into the skin to stimulate collagen production. This treatment promotes healing in the scarred area, helping with gradual removal and reduced visibility of acne scars. It can also help enhance skin elasticity and regeneration, improving skin texture and appearance.
The number of sessions required depends on the individual’s skin condition and acne scar severity. Numbing cream or local anaesthesia can also be used to minimise discomfort during the treatment injections. The treatment is particularly suitable for treating atrophic acne scars such as rolling, ice pick, and boxcar scars.
Fotona Nd:YAG laser acne scar removal involves using an Nd:YAG laser to penetrate deep into the skin, targeting the underlying causes of acne and promoting cell regeneration for skin rejuvenation.
During the treatment, the laser is applied to affected areas on the skin and absorbed by the pigment in acne-causing bacteria. This helps to destroy the bacteria and reduce inflammation, while also stimulating collagen production. Potential results include improved skin texture, reduction of appearance of pimple or acne marks, and improved overall skin health. In a 2021 study, Nd:YAG laser usage for acne removal resulted in significant clinical improvement of acne scars with high patient satisfaction.
The treatment is suitable for various types of acne including inflammatory acne, cystic acne, and acne scars. It is safe for use on the face, neck, chest, and back, where acne commonly occurs, and is generally well-tolerated by patients with minimal discomfort.
Fractional CO2 laser acne scar treatment is a specialised procedure that targets and aims to improve acne-prone skin.
During the procedure, a fractional CO2 laser emits short bursts of high-energy light to create tiny, evenly spaced columns of treated tissue on the skin's surface. These columns of treated tissue penetrate deep into the skin, targeting the acne-causing bacteria to reduce inflammation and promote skin rejuvenation.
The resulting laser energy vaporises damaged skin cells and stimulates collagen production which helps to improve skin texture, minimise acne scar visibility, and reduce the appearance of active acne lesions. The stimulated collagen production also promotes the skin’s natural healing process and the growth of new, healthier skin cells.
Though there are several acne scar removal treatments available in Singapore, the most suitable option will depend on a patient’s individual skin condition and scar type/severity.
For instance, minor acne marks may be able to be addressed through gentler treatments like chemical peels or facials. While mild to moderate keloid scars or uneven skin tone may be best tackled using laser therapies. And deeper scars may respond better to injectable treatments that encourage deep tissue regeneration.
It is always best to consult with a trained dermatologist or skincare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific scar type and condition.
At Shens Medical, our Medical Doctors will conduct a thorough initial assessment of your skin condition and acne scars in order to recommend the most appropriate treatment option for you. A combination of procedures may be recommended, resulting in a customisable treatment regime tailored based on your skin’s needs. Our team understands the distress that acne scars can cause and are committed to helping you achieve your skincare goals; book a consultation for more information on acne scar treatments in Singapore.
MA, MB BCh BAO (NUI), MRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS
Board Certified Consultant Plastic Surgeon
American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Fellowship (Hanyang University Korea)
MBBS (Singapore)
MRCS (Edinburgh)
M.MED (Surgery)
FAMS (Plastic Sugery)
Dr Shens is an accredited Consultant Plastic Surgeon in Singapore with over 20 years of experience in the field of Surgery, including laser acne scar removal. He previously trained in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Singapore’s National University Hospital and in Reconstructive and Aesthetic at Seoul’s Hanyang University Hospital, acquiring specialised Korean surgical techniques in the field of medical aesthetics. Upon returning to Singapore, Dr Shens was recognised by the Registry of specialists for Plastic Surgery, Singapore, and remains a visiting consultant to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital, and Mount Elizabeth Hospital.
MD, Board Certified in Dermatology
MBBS (Singapore)
American Board of Aesthetic Medicine
Dr Joanna is a Ministry of Health accredited Doctor with over 24 years of medical experience. She has focused on aesthetic practice during her medical career, and aims to help patients restore their confidence and self-esteem through the latest medical aesthetic treatments.
Early intervention can prevent further damage to the skin and minimise the risk of additional scarring. Treating acne scars promptly can help break the cycle of inflammation and reduce the chances of developing new scars.
Treating acne scars early can yield better and faster results. Fresh scars tend to respond more effectively to various treatment modalities, making it easier to achieve significant improvements in their appearance.
Acting early can help minimise the duration and cost of pimple scar treatment. More severe scarring may require more intensive and extensive treatment approaches, which can be time-consuming and expensive. By addressing the acne scars early, you may be able to achieve desired results with less invasive and shorter treatment courses, reducing both time and cost commitments.
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