Key Takeaways

• Acne scars: vary by type—icepick, boxcar, rolling, hypertrophic, and keloid. Each requires a specific treatment approach.
• Advanced treatments: like Pico Laser, Sylfirm X, and Potenza RF are now widely available in Malaysia with minimal downtime.
• Topical creams: with retinoids and niacinamide can help mild scarring but are less effective for deeper scars.
• Injectable fillers: work best for atrophic scars, offering immediate contour improvement with minimal invasiveness.
• Combining treatments: often delivers the best results, but personalised consultation is key for safety and efficacy.

Introduction

Acne scars leave permanent marks on the skin, affecting individuals’ self-esteem and aesthetics. In fact, the psychological impact of acne scars during adolescence often results in social withdrawal and avoidance behaviours.

This is only exacerbated by societal beauty standards that set unrealistic ideals of flawless skin.

Addressing acne scars is highly challenging due to their persistent nature and the lack of a universal cure. While various interventions exist, the mental health effects often linger even after the scars are treated. As such, they require an integrated approach that encompasses early intervention, dermatological treatment, and mental health support.

The demand for acne scar treatments in Malaysia is rapidly growing due to increased awareness of skin health and its impact on quality of life.

In tandem, advancements in aesthetic medicine, including new innovative laser therapies, have revolutionised acne scar management. Malaysians can now access more effective, less invasive, and customisable acne scar treatment options that minimise downtime.

What are acne scars?

Acne scars are an inflammatory response to the skin’s healing process when affected by acne lesions. When one’s pores become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, they may swell and rupture. Thereby, damaging the follicle wall and surrounding tissue.

This damage consequently triggers the skin to repair itself by producing new collagen fibres. However, this repair is often imperfect, resulting in acne scars. In practice, the depth of the acne lesion and the person’s healing process determine the type and degree of scarring.

Types of acne scars

Acne scars come in three primary varieties, namely:

• Hypertrophic scars: Hypertrophic scars are raised, thick, and red scars caused by an overabundance of collagen during the healing process. However, they remain confined within the boundaries of the original wound.
• Keloid scars: These are a more severe form of hypertrophic scar commonly found in darker skin types. They grow beyond the original wound site and form reddish-purple, raised nodules that can be challenging to treat.
• Atrophic scars: As the most common acne scar type, these manifest as depressions or indentations caused by tissue loss. They are further subdivided into three subtypes:

• Icepick scars: These are narrow (<2 mm), deep, and sharply defined atrophic scars that extend vertically into the dermis. They create a “V”-shaped, punctiform appearance and represent about 60–70% of acne scars.
• Boxcar scars: These appear as round or oval depressions with sharply demarcated vertical edges. Wider than icepick scars, they can be shallow or deep and usually range from 1.5 to 4 mm in diameter.
• Rolling scars: These broad, shallow scars with sloping edges are caused by dermal tethering to subcutaneous tissue. As such, they give the skin a wavy or undulating appearance (usually wider than 4–5 mm).

Causes of Acne Scars

Acne scars primarily develop due to the body’s attempt to natively repair damage caused by inflamed or deep acne breakouts. However, they can be exacerbated by factors such as:

• Deep inflammation from severe acne types, such as cysts or nodules.
• Picking, squeezing, popping, or scratching acne lesions.
• Genetic predisposition, as individuals with a family history of acne scarring, are more prone to developing scars themselves.

Acne scar treatment technologies in Malaysia

Early intervention is the best way to minimise their appearance due to the strong correlation between the duration and severity of inflammation in scar formation. Malaysian patients can typically choose between topical treatments and professional therapies administered by board-registered dermatologists.

Topical treatments

Acne scar treatment products, including acne scar treatment creams, form an accessible first line of defence for mild acne scarring. These topical interventions often contain active ingredients like retinoids, niacinamide, and silicone gels that help lighten pigmentation and promote collagen synthesis.

However, results from these creams are gradual and less dramatic compared to procedural treatments. Nonetheless, they are affordable and convenient for individuals starting their acne scar management journey.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments exploit focused light energy to break down acne scar tissue whilst simultaneously stimulating the production of new collagen. Consequently, these actions appreciably augment skin texture and even out discolouration, leading to a clearer and more uniform complexion.

Pico Laser Technology

Pico Laser technology is a cutting-edge laser technology known for its ultra-short pulse durations that minimise downtime and discomfort. This proprietary technology effectively targets both pigmentation and acne scars, breaking down melanin clusters and stimulating collagen and elastin production.

Read: Pico Laser Benefits and Downtime

Several pico laser options are available, each tailored to different skin concerns and scar types, namely:

• PicoSure® Pico Laser Treatment: PicoSure® was natively designed to produce less heat damage to surrounding areas than traditional lasers. This FDA-approved intervention exploits the FOCUS™ Lens Array to deliver ultra-short bursts of concentrated energy.
• PicoSure Pro: This is an enhanced version of the original PicoSure system. It delivers higher peak power and even shorter pulse durations for greater efficacy. Thereby, resulting in faster, more dramatic results for acne scars.
• Pico Majesty: This comprehensive picosecond laser platform stands out for its versatility in treating a broad array of skin concerns. It also has a lower risk of post-treatment complications.

Other Laser Options

• Sylfirm X: This laser therapy leverages dual-wave RF microneedling technology to soften scar tissue, improving pigmentation and skin texture.

• Digital Peel (MultiFrax): This therapy offers comprehensive skin quality improvement by combining multiple laser modalities to promote skin cell turnover.

Microneedling Treatments

Microneedling makes tiny, controlled wounds to promote the skin’s natural healing and collagen synthesis. Overall outcomes are improved when paired with radiofrequency (RF) technology, as demonstrated by Sylfirm X.

Potenza RF microneedling is appropriate for a range of scar types and skin sensitivities. This is primarily because it enables customised treatment depths. With little recovery time, this combination enhances scar stiffness, texture, and general skin renewal.

In Malaysia, Potenza RF is gaining traction due to its ability to provide a balance between recuperation time and effectiveness.

Also read:

Is Microneedling Beneficial For Acne Scars?

Dermapen Microneedling

Injectable Treatments

Dermal fillers are particularly effective for treating atrophic scars like broad boxcar or rolling scars. These fillers, derived from hyaluronic acid, are injected beneath the scars to lift the depressed areas. Thereby, improving the skin’s contour immediately.

The effects of fillers can range from six months to more than a year, depending on the product used. They can be either temporary or semi-permanent. Ideal candidates for dermal fillers are people with well-defined, deep scars seeking expedient results without invasive procedures.

Acne scar treatment price in Malaysia

The type of laser treatment utilised, the scar severity, and the number of sessions needed- all affect acne scar treatments in Malaysia.

For instance, topical acne scar treatment solutions are reasonably priced, often ranging from RM100 to RM200. More complex procedures, such as microneedling, cost between RM1,000 and RM2,000 per session.

Depending on the depth of the scar and the skin’s reaction, laser treatments can cost anywhere from RM1,500 to RM3,000 per session, with multiple sessions required.

Injectable treatments such as dermal fillers typically cost between RM1,000 and RM2,500 per syringe.

Overall, this cost variability makes personalised consultation mission-critical to determining the most effective and cost-efficient approach for each individual.

Choosing the right treatment for your scar type

When identifying the appropriate treatment for your scar type, it’s imperative to consider the following:

• Matching treatments: to scar types: Different acne scar types dictate specific approaches for best results. For example, boxcar scars benefit from laser resurfacing combined with fillers to smooth edges. Relatedly, rolling scars typically improve with dermal fillers and ablative resurfacing.
• Skin type considerations: Skin tone considerably influences treatment choice because of risks like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin types. As such, safer options like microneedling are recommended for darker Asian skin.
• Severity assessment: The depth, size, and number of scars determine the combination of treatments needed. In essence, mild scars may improve with topical products, whereas deep scarring often requires multimodal therapy.
• Professional consultation: A thorough evaluation by a dermatologist is essential to assess scar type, skin characteristics, and patient goals. It also helps set realistic expectations and tailor combination acne scar therapies as needed.

Why choose Clique Clinic for acne scar treatment?

Clique Clinic offers several perks, making it a premier destination for those seeking effective acne scar treatment. Clique Clinic employs LCP-certified doctors with proven expertise in treating various types of acne and acne scars.

The clinic is also equipped with advanced technology, including Sylfirm X, Tixel, PicoSure, PicoSure Pro, and PicoGenesis lasers, to ensure effective and minimally invasive treatment outcomes.

In fact, Clique Clinic emphasises personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique skin needs. This holistic approach regulates sebaceous gland activity and avoids medication overuse, ensuring the best patient outcomes.

The award-winning clinic is also known for delivering evidence-based aesthetic treatments. Its comprehensive aftercare support also ensures optimal healing and long-term results.

Lastly, Clique Clinic offers a results guarantee policy, working towards scar reduction with little to no downtime. Their approach to only using state-of-the-art treatments focuses on expediting scar tissue healing and normalising skin tissues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an acne scar look like?

Acne scars typically manifest as irregularities on one’s skin’s surface, varying in shape, size, and depth depending on the scar type. In practice, acne scars can significantly alter skin texture and appearance, causing visible pits, waves, or raised areas.

How many sessions are typically needed for acne scar removal?

Most people need three to six sessions spaced a few weeks apart to see appreciable results. The precise number of sessions is determined by the scars’ degree of severity, the laser type, and the patient’s skin type.

While less invasive treatments could need multiple sessions, stronger ablative lasers might require one session only. However, these frequently have more side effects and downtime. Getting the most out of laser treatments involves patience, and the results are not always noticeable right away.

What’s the difference between treatments?

Acne scar treatments differ primarily based on the scar type, severity, and the technology used. For example, atrophic scars often require microneedling to stimulate collagen production and skin remodelling.

Hypertrophic and keloid scars are better treated with pulsed-dye lasers (PDL), steroid injections, or silicone gel sheets. Generally, the choice of treatment largely depends on scar characteristics, skin type, downtime tolerance, and desired results.

Are treatments painful?

Acne scar treatments generally cause mild to moderate discomfort. However, pain levels vary depending on the intervention and individual pain tolerance. For example, most laser treatments involve sensations described as tingling, warmth, or a rubber band snapping against the skin.

Overall, while some discomfort is expected, modern techniques ensure that acne scar treatments are manageable and safe.

When will I see results for acne scar treatment?

After commencing therapy, the majority of patients observe a noticeable improvement in their acne scars within three to six months. The best benefits usually show up six to nine months later, when skin regeneration and collagen remodelling gradually smooth scar tissue.

The scar type and intensity, the treatment method, the patient’s skin type, and follow-up care compliance affect outcomes. Since the skin’s natural healing process takes time, patience is crucial.

Can treatments be combined for acne scar removal?

Combining treatments for acne scar removal is recommended to achieve superior results. Different scar types and severities respond better when multiple modalities are employed together. This is because each treatment targets specific aspects of scarring.

Furthermore, multimodal approaches can appreciably reduce overall downtime and side effects by utilising lower intensities of each treatment. However, successful combination therapy requires careful assessment by a skilled dermatologist to tailor the plan to individual scar types and patient goals.

What’s the downtime for each treatment?

Laser treatments typically have the longest downtime, often requiring 7 to 14 days for recovery. Microneedling generally involves shorter downtime, with redness and mild swelling subsiding within 72 hours.

The downtime is an important factor to consider when choosing a treatment, as it can impact daily activities and social commitments.

Which acne scar is hardest to treat?

Ice pick scars are widely regarded as the hardest type of acne scars to treat. This is primarily because of their deep, narrow, and V-shaped nature that extends far beneath the skin surface. In fact, these scars resemble small, deep holes or punctures, making them exceedingly difficult for many treatment modalities to reach effectively.

Conclusion

Acne scars can significantly undermine self-esteem and social interactivity. They can cause anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which may persist long after the physical scars have formed.

Fortunately, several therapies offer the best chance for meaningful improvement. For example, advanced laser technologies like PicoSure can target deeper scars, microneedling can help with collagen stimulation, and injectable fillers can provide immediate improvement of atrophic scars.

Each treatment modality is designed to target specific scar characteristics. However, a combination of therapies often yields the best results by addressing multiple aspects of scarring.

However, a patient-centred, multi-step approach that considers the type of acne, scarring severity, skin tone, and patient goals is key to achieving the best cosmetic results.

Clique Clinic offers personalised assessments to ensure that patients receive the safest and effective treatment plan, minimising risks and maximising results. Our multimodal and evidence-based strategies can significantly enhance patient outcomes, regardless of scar morphology and skin characteristics.

Our board-certified expert dermatologists utilise advanced technologies and a holistic philosophy, considering the patient’s lifestyle, expectations, and long-term skin health.