Acne is embarrassing, can crush confidence and eat away the self-esteem in the most sensitive teen years. Most teens get acne. But did you know that almost 50% of adults up to age 49 suffer with acne!

To keep acne from ruling your life, it is important to get treatment from a sympathetic dermatologist like Dr. M. David Cole, MD in Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Buena Park, and Torrance, CA. Early acne treatment is the best way to prevent scars. Did you know that up to 95% of people with acne will suffer with some scarring? Without treatment the result can be dark spots and permanent scars. Dr. M. David Cole, MD can offer you professional acne care.

Acne scars and skin discolorations are unfortunate complications of acne. They can make you feel ugly and distressed for years. Worse yet, as we age, acne scars can become more visible. Yet there are safe and effective treatments to diminish the appearance of acne scars.

Ask yourself:

• Do you wish your acne scars would go away?
• Do you believe that your scars limit your opportunities for socializing, dating, and school and job performance?
• Are you less social than you would like to be because of your embarrassing acne scars?

If the answer is yes to any or all of these questions, acne scar treatment can help.

Only a board-certified dermatologist can determine the best treatment approach because treatment is based on the types of scars you have.

To learn the best treatment for your acne scars it is important to consult a dermatologist like board – certified Dr. M. David Cole, MD. With a simple evaluation, Dr. Cole will list you the treatment options and help you choose the best one for your needs.

Types of acne scars and treatment approaches:

• Depressed scars can be treated with scar surgery, laser therapy, chemical peels, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, fillers, skin tightening and collagen induction therapy or electrodessication
• Raised scars are most effectively treated with injections, scar surgery, laser surgery and cryosurgery
• Icepick scars are sharp, pointy scars that deeply penetrate the skin
• Boxcar scars look like cut outs and are large in size
• Rolling scars are the most common type and have the appearance of small round or oval skin depressions 

Multiple Treatment Options at Horizon Dermatology and Laser Institute

Acne scar surgery involves a minor procedure that makes the scar less noticeable by lifting the scar or breaking up the scar tissue. Punch excision is best for icepick scars that are deep and have jagged edges. The scar is removed and the wound in sutured closed. There will be a tiny scar that can fade on its own or be followed by a chemical peel or laser resurfacing for improved results when needed.

Breaking up the scar tissue is called subcision or subcutaneous incisionless surgery, which induces new collagen formation. It may be combined with laser treatments for improved results. This approach is best for a few depressed or raised scars. When used for raised scars, the surgery is often followed by injections of corticosteroids.

Skin resurfacing, chemical peels, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, are best for patients with widespread shallow depressed scars, and raised scars. Resurfacing will make these scars less apparent.

Skin fillers or dermal injectables can effectively plump depressed scars. The fill may be with a collagen- stimulating hyaluronic acid filler, or your own fat. Some fillers are permanent and some are only temporary.

Radiofrequency skin tightening heats the skin to cause collagen stimulation and remodels scars making depressed scars less obvious. It is best for mild to moderate scarring.

Microneedling causes the skin to produce collagen to fill in depressed scars.

Icepick scars may be most suitably treated with punch excision or grafting followed by resurfacing.

Finally, topical vitamin A creams can stimulate collagen formation and improve the appearance of acne scars.

Successful treatment depends not only on the treatment chosen but also on the skill of the dermatologist. Patients in Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Buena Park and Torrance, CA, are fortunate to have access to Dr. M. David Cole, MD; a dermatologist who has trained hundreds of physicians in facial cosmetic surgery and has a sterling reputation for minimally invasive cosmetic dermatology treatments, dermal fillers and laser resurfacing and chemical peels.

As you can see, there are numerous options that are safe and successful in the hands of Newport Beach Dermatologist Dr. M. David Cole, MD. He understands that when you look better you will feel better.

Call now to schedule a consultation at 949-439-9288 to meet Dr. M. David Cole, MD and discuss your concerns. He is here to help you achieve your goals.