Acne scars are the most common memory your pimples leave on your skin. They can be of 5 different types ….box scar, rolling scar, ice pick scar, papular scars, and macular scars.
Of the lot Ice pick scars are the most difficult to treat as they are very deep and appear like holes in the skin. These also indicate that the collagen production in the body is very less in response to injury or acne.
Rolling and box scars are the most common once. Rolling scars are usually jagged shape scars with sloping edges and box scars are depressed, deep and boxier than an ice pick scars.
Papular scars are raised and usually are grouped and seen over the chin region.
Keloidal scars are also rare and mostly seen on the back and chest.
Macular scars can be pigmented – black or brown in color, flat on to the skin surface or Erythematous scars are also flat or slightly depressed but red in color. These two types are the easiest to treat and can be erased almost completely.
There are different modalities to treat acne scar. The most effective being Lasers and Derma roller treatment for acne scars.
Q1. What is a Dermaroller treatment for acne scars?
Dermaroller is an instrument which has multiple, fine needles which when rolled on the skin, it causes multiple pinpoint wounds which are deep enough to stimulate collagen production. Once the collagen gets stimulated the scars start healing better.
Q2. Advantages of Derma Roller treatment for acne scars.
a. Improvement in scars.
b. Enhances skin tone and makes the skin look brighter and healthier.
c. Works as anti-aging closes pores, reduce fine lines.
d. As the skin becomes healthier further acne heals faster with no or minimal scarring.
Q3. Who can get Derma Roller acne scar treatment?
Anybody with acne scars irrespective of the type of scar and skin type can get this treatment.
It’s very safe and can be done at any age.
Q4. Who cannot get a Derma Roller acne scar treatment?
People with
a. Active pimples
b. Infection in the treatment area.
c. Pregnant and breastfeeding
d. People with keloidal tendencies.
Q5. What are the types of Derma Roller?
Derma Roller comes in different sizes depending on the needle depth. The depth of the needle is determined by the depth and type of the scar. The depth varies between 0.5-3.5 cm.
To make the treatment more effective DERMAPEN is the new modification. It comes as a motorized device so as to maintain uniform depth across treatment area and makes the treatment more effective.
Q6. How many sessions would one require and how painful is the procedure?
On an average one would require 6-8 sessions at a gap of 4-6 weeks. With every session, there is an exponential improvement in collagen production and scars.
Prior to Derma Roller/Derma Pen treatment local anesthetic cream is applied and kept on the skin for 45 min. This would numb the skin and makes the treatment very comfortable.
Q7. What is the post care?
Patients will have a downtime of 2-3 days, where one will have slight swelling and redness on day1. Day 2 & 3, one will see small scabs which represent the healing of micro wounds created by the treatment. Day 4 & 5 skin is back to normal.
Patients are expected to use sunscreen and a healing cream for 2-3 days.