Acne can be a frustrating thing. Painful, red, irritating bumps under your skin can be embarrassing and difficult to treat. Then, even if you do get the acne under control, you may be left with unsightly scars that make you feel self-conscious. If you have a mild breakout every few weeks, you may not notice any visible scarring. On the other hand, severe, constant acne can have a damaging effect on the tissue below the skin, and this is what leaves you with permanent scars years after your acne has cleared up.

These types of blemishes cause deep tissue damage to form after the breakout has healed, but there wasn’t enough collagen produced to fill in the lost tissue made by the infection.

 

If this sounds familiar to you, there is hope for achieving smooth, youthful skin once again! Dr. Malena M. Amato in Austin, TX, offers rejuvenating skin care treatments like microneedling and laser resurfacing treatments to help resurface the skin. However, there is one more treatment that many people aren’t aware of— dermal fillers. Read on to learn how dermal fillers can be used to treat scars temporarily.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers, like the brands Juvéderm and Restylane, contain a viscous gel containing the skin-hydrating compound hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is produced naturally by the human body and is responsible for strengthening our skin and connective tissues. Since it is a naturally produced substance, adverse reactions to dermal fillers are infrequent. HA not only improves the condition of the skin, but it also aids in the formation of collagen, keeping the skin firm and supple.

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

When the HA gel is strategically injected into the skin, it smooths and raises the area around the injection site. It can do this because the HA draws water molecules into itself and binds them to the surface, improving fullness in a natural, subtle way. For example, when dermal fillers are injected into a deep wrinkle, the gel can replace the lost collagen and tissue, so the crease is no longer visible.

What Types of Acne Scars Are There?

The main types of scars caused by acne are boxcar, rolling, and ice pick scars. Boxcar or rolling scars respond the best to dermal fillers because they aren’t as deep as ice pick scars and are easier to fill. Because there are different variations of scars, the skin experts at Malena M. Amato MD in Austin will assess your skin and acne scars and determine if dermal fillers are your best option.

What Happens During a Dermal Filler Treatment for Acne Scars?

Before administering your dermal filler injections, Dr. Amato will first mark the injection locations with a felt-tipped pen where the acne scars are the worst. Once the specific locations are determined, she’ll apply an anesthetic cream to the skin so that you won’t feel discomfort during the injection process. Finally, she’ll begin the injection process by inserting a controlled amount of filler into the scarred area. You should notice a remarkable difference in the texture of your skin immediately.

What Treatments Can Be Combined with Dermal Fillers to Treat Acne Scars?

Dermal fillers are an excellent treatment to use in combination with other skin rejuvenating treatments to completely restore the structure, integrity, and appearance of your skin. Dr. Amato offers laser resurfacing treatments and microneedling that will work in tandem with your dermal filler injections to erase stubborn acne scars.

Laser resurfacing involves the use of a specialized medical laser that penetrates the skin and breaks down damaged skin cells. The body then replaces these cells with healthy new cells, creating a smoother, brighter appearance. Microneedling, also known as “collagen induction therapy,” creates micro-injuries using super fine needles. These injuries trigger the body’s natural production of collagen and smooth away your acne scars.

Don’t Live with Your Acne Scars. Treat Them at Malena M. Amato MD in Austin, TX

Ready to get started? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Amato by calling (512) 501-1010 or contacting us through our website today. We will assess your scars and medical history and provide you with a list of ways to care for your skin after dermal fillers in order to prolong your results. We look forward to meeting you soon!