Bangbae Dermatology: Can Deep Acne Scars Be Removed?

Many people are dealing with acne scars more than you might think. Acne that has been picked at the wrong way can remain as scars for a long time, becoming a source of stress that is hard to ignore. It is important to treat scars consistently with patience.

Scars after popping acne?

When acne appears, many people habitually touch it with their hands or forcefully squeeze it. If the inflammation is not severe, it may naturally subside over time, but in most cases, people try to remove only the visible acne, leaving the acne pocket inside the skin completely unresolved. As a result, the inflammation can worsen or infection can occur more easily. In addition, squeezing with your hands is often not managed hygienically, so marks such as scars or pigmentation may remain afterward.

Unattractive pitted scars

Among the marks left where acne once was, the most unattractive and longest-lasting are scars. Acne scars are divided into red marks, brown pigmentation, raised scars, and pitted scars. Among them, pitted scars are a major concern for many people because they remain as sunken areas on the skin surface and are highly visible. Pitted scars occur when damage reaches the dermis layer beneath the skin, and depending on their shape, they are sometimes classified as ice pick, box, or rolling scars. Because the dermal tissue is damaged, collagen does not regenerate properly and the skin surface remains lower than normal, making it difficult to improve enough with self-care alone.

To help new skin grow over scars

Because pitted scars have hardened with boundaries formed inside the skin, it is difficult to expect them to heal smoothly on their own as new skin grows over them naturally. Treatment is needed that stimulates the tissue around the scar to induce new collagen production and reorganize the structure within the skin. Laser treatment is widely known for this purpose, and a representative example is PicoPlus laser.

PicoPlus delivers strong energy to the skin in an extremely short time unit of picoseconds, stimulating pigment and scar tissue beneath the skin while minimizing damage. By giving a micro thermal shock, it induces skin regeneration and activates collagen production in the dermis, helping to gradually refine the skin surface. In addition to laser treatment itself, combining it with soothing care or skincare suited to the skin condition before and after treatment is also an important part of scar improvement. Rather than repeating treatment indiscriminately, a plan should be made by considering the current skin condition, the depth of the scars, and the skin’s response. It is helpful to confirm these factors through a consultation.

Even small acne should not be taken lightly

To prevent scars, the first thing is not to touch the skin. Even small acne should not be taken lightly, and it is important to manage it properly. When a pimple appears in a noticeable area, it can be stressful, and the urge to get rid of it quickly makes it tempting to touch it. But improper extraction can cause scars. Rather than managing acne based on methods seen online or other people’s experiences, it is most important to accurately understand your current skin condition and receive appropriate treatment. In particular, if you are worried about scars, you should start proper care as soon as acne appears, and if scars have already formed, improvement through a dermatologist’s consultation is necessary. Skin is more sensitive than you might think, and recovery takes time, so consistent care is more important than impatience.