Twenty percent of acne suffers will be left with permanent scarring. That’s a lot of people, when you consider that 90% of teens get acne, in addition to some pre-teens and many young adults. Acne can leave you with different types of scars as well as blotchy discoloration. Here at Eterna Cosmetic Surgery we offer skin rejuvenation treatments that reduce the appearance of acne scars, one of which is dermal filler.
Studies have shown that fillers can improve scarring on the cheeks, for example, by more than 50%. Rolling scars are wide, circular, depressed areas on the skin and respond best to treatment with fillers. However, Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez can treat all types of acne scars with subcision and fillers, most commonly Bellafill.
Why Bellafill?
Bellafill is safe for all skin types, textures and colors. Dr. Hernandez uses it to restore volume so that the skin’s surface looks smoother. She says Bellafill is best for treating acne scars because of the consistency of the product (soft like honey) and the longevity of the results.
Bellafill is FDA approved — the only filler on the market approved in the US for the treatment of acne scars. It is a different type of product, in that it is made from bovine collagen and includes tiny polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) beads that provided added structural support for the skin. Age and gender do not affect Bellafill results or longevity.
Why subcision?
Dr. Hernandez combines subcision of the scars as needed, to release the fibrous scar tissue bands that tether the skin down. Then, Bellafill injections to fill the area and provide both immediate as well as long lasting results. This treatment combination is effective for improving acne scars anywhere on the face or body.
Some patients with just a few acne scars need only one Bellafill with subcision treatment. Some patients undergo one more extensive treatment with 4 to 6 or more syringes at a time. Most patients start by treating the more severe acne scars with 1 or 2 syringes and then return for several more sessions.
Morpheus8 May Be an Even Better Choice
Dr. Hernandez notes that a series of Morpheus8 with Plasma treatments is the most effective to reduce acne scarring because patients can achieve more comprehensive skin improvement results. Many patients start with a series of 3 or 4 Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling treatments to improve the look of acne scars and pigmentation issues and then undergo Bellafill with subcision treatments to treat the residual acne scars.
Results You Can See Right Away
Following Bellafill with subcision, patients can expect some immediate improvement in the look of acne scars right after the treatment. Bellafill results continue to improve with time, typically over 4 to 6 months — as the bovine collagen is gradually replaced with the patient’s own collagen in the treated scars. Although other types of fillers, especially those made of hyaluronic acid, are resorbed by the body, Bellafill is not. The tiny beads remain in place, so results are considered semi-permanent.
Fillers are so commonly used now, they are known for being simple, safe and effective. However, because acne scars can vary significantly in type and severity (even on an individual person), achieving the best results requires a provider who has extensive knowledge and experience treating acne scars can produce the best results. Dr. Hernandez not only has the right skills, she herself suffered from acne. She understands just how much the right treatment can boost not only your skin’s appearance but your self-confidence.
If you’re excited to learn whether your acne scars can be improved with filler, it’s time to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Hernandez.
