Acne Scars: Minimizing Their Appearance at Ambrosia MD
Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people during their teenage years and can continue into adulthood. While most cases of acne eventually resolve on their own, some individuals are left with permanent scarring that can significantly impact their self-confidence and daily life. Acne can lead to various types of scars, including ice pick, rolling, boxcar, hypertrophic, and keloid scars, each with its own unique appearance and challenges.
The good news is that there are minimally invasive treatments available to help reduce the appearance of these scars, allowing individuals to regain confidence in their skin. At Ambrosia MD in Ottawa, we offer advanced treatments like microneedling (SkinPen®), combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) or exosomes, to improve the look and severity of acne scars. These treatments work together to stimulate the skin’s natural healing processes, promoting the production of collagen and elastin for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
How Microneedling Works to Treat Acne Scars
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that creates tiny micro-injuries in the skin’s surface. These controlled injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing response, leading to increased collagen and elastin production. As new collagen forms, it helps to repair damaged tissues, improving the texture and appearance of the skin, and reducing the visibility of acne scars.
When combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) or exosomes, microneedling becomes even more effective. PRF uses growth factors from your own blood to enhance the skin’s healing process, while exosomes deliver powerful regenerative signals that further boost collagen production and accelerate skin repair.
Acne Scars Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I treat active acne with microneedling?
Microneedling should not be performed over active acne, as it can potentially spread bacteria and infection across the skin. This treatment is best used to address old acne scars rather than active breakouts.
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How does microneedling work to treat acne scars?
Microneedling creates superficial micro-injuries on the skin’s surface, which jumpstarts the production of collagen and elastin. This process helps to heal damaged tissues and improve the texture and appearance of the treated area.
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What benefits do platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and exosome therapy add to my treatment?
Both PRF and exosomes enhance the skin’s healing response initiated by microneedling. They accelerate the improvement in collagen and elastin production, leading to quicker and more effective results in scar reduction.
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Are there any side effects of microneedling?
Microneedling is considered one of the safest and most effective treatments for acne scars, though minor side effects can occur. After the procedure, the skin may appear red and flushed, similar to a moderate sunburn. You may also experience skin tightness and mild sensitivity in the treated area. These effects typically subside within a few hours, and the skin usually heals completely within 24-48 hours. After 3-4 days, there is little to no evidence that the procedure took place.
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What products should I use after treatment?
Proper post-treatment skincare is essential. In the days following microneedling, we recommend using a gentle moisturizer and mineral sunscreen. It’s important to avoid products containing retinol, AHAs, BHAs, Vitamin C, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone for 4-5 days post-treatment. We will provide detailed post-care instructions during your treatment. For long-term skincare, consider incorporating a moisturizer, mineral sunscreen, retinol, and vitamin C into your daily routine. Skincare products are available for purchase at our clinic if needed.
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How long will it take to see results?
Results vary from person to person, but most people notice improvements in the appearance of their scars after 3-6 sessions.
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How often should I get microneedling done for my acne scars?
We recommend spacing treatments 4-6 weeks apart to allow the skin sufficient time to recover between sessions.
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Can microneedling get rid of acne scars permanently?
Microneedling has a high success rate in minimizing the appearance of acne scars. While it is not possible to completely remove a scar, the look of it can be significantly improved, making it less noticeable and more comfortable.
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