Is acne scarring affecting your confidence? Have you cleared your acne but now feel frustrated by the scars left behind? Are you finding it difficult to conceal uneven skin texture with makeup? Do you miss the smooth skin you once had?
You’re not alone – many people face this same challenge and are searching for a solution to achieve smooth, even skin once again.
That’s why at Cosmetic Connection, we offer a range of treatments for acne scarring, including dermal fillers for acne scars.
Dermal fillers can significantly improve the skin’s surface and texture, reducing the appearance of uneven skin caused by acne-related pitting.
We understand how deeply acne scarring can affect your self-esteem, confidence, and mental well-being. It can even impact your social life, making some people feel too self-conscious to fully engage, take photos with friends, or enjoy life as they’d like.
If your primary concern is the pitting from acne scars, dermal fillers at Cosmetic Connection could be the perfect solution for you.
Understanding Acne Scarring
Acne scarring occurs due to the irregular production and arrangement of collagen fibres during the healing process. This can result in pitting and an uneven skin texture.
There are different types of acne scars, and identifying the type will help determine the most effective treatment options.
Atrophic scars are shallow depressions that sit below the skin’s surface, often caused by severe cystic acne but can also result from other forms of acne. The appearance of these scars can vary depending on each person’s acne history.
There are three main types of atrophic scars:
- Ice-pick scars – deep, narrow, and pitted
- Rolling scars – broad depressions with sloping edges. These can be softened with dermal filler.
- Boxcar scars – broad depressions with sharply defined edges. Boxcar scars typically cover smaller areas than rolling scars and respond well to dermal filler treatments.
Hypertrophic or keloid scars, on the other hand, are thick, raised scars caused by excess scar tissue buildup, sometimes from previous acne lesions. These types of scars are not ideal candidates for dermal fillers since they do not require volume restoration.
Dermal fillers have become a popular solution for diminishing the appearance of acne scars. Targeted injections of filler beneath the skin fill the depressions caused by pitting, helping to restore a smooth and even surface by correcting volume irregularities in the skin.
How Dermal Fillers Work
One of the great benefits of dermal fillers is that you can see results immediately after treatment.
Dermal fillers offer a fast and effective solution for a wide range of skin and facial concerns, including acne scarring and the uneven skin texture caused by pitting.
Fillers work by restoring lost volume due to acne-related inflammation, with the goal of filling the depressions and bringing the skin surface to a smooth, even level. As a result, acne scars and pitting become significantly less noticeable.
There are different types of fillers, each with varying thicknesses, and the right choice depends on the treatment area.
When it comes to smoothing and evening out skin affected by acne scarring, thin to medium thickness fillers are generally the most suitable and yield the best results. We may also use collagen stimulating injections where the tissue around the scar has been significantly weakened by your acne.
This can vary depending on individual needs, so it’s important to discuss the most appropriate option with your injector during your consultation.
The Treatment Process
The Procedure
Your treatment will be performed by one of our experienced medical professionals.
First, the treatment area will be thoroughly cleaned with disinfectant, followed by the application of a topical anaesthetic (numbing cream). In some cases, we may use a local anaesthetic injection before the procedure.
The dermal filler will then be carefully injected into the scar with precision. After injection, we’ll mould the filler ensuring a smooth distribution. Over the next few days, the filler will naturally integrate with the surrounding tissue.
After Your Appointment
For the first 24 hours post-treatment, it’s important to avoid alcohol, makeup, pressure on the treated area, and exposure to hot environments. These precautions help reduce swelling and bruising.
You should also avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment, as it can increase the likelihood of swelling and bruising.
In the Days Following
You may experience some tenderness in the treated area for a day or two, but this will quickly subside. You’ll see and feel that your acne scars are smoother.
Dermal filler for acne scars FAQ
Are Dermal Fillers for Acne Scars Painful?
Similar to other facial dermal filler treatments, fillers for acne scars are generally well tolerated, with minimal discomfort for most patients.
Before the procedure, we apply a topical anaesthetic (numbing cream) to the treatment area. Additionally, the dermal filler contains anaesthetic to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
After the anaesthetic wears off, you might experience slight tenderness in the treated area for a day or two, though some patients may not feel any discomfort at all.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers for Acne Scars Last?
The results of dermal fillers can last anywhere from 12 months to two years and beyond, depending on several factors, including the type of filler used, the amount applied, the placement, and your metabolism.
If there are concerns about longevity, we can use collagen stimulating injections, which give much longer lasting results (although unlike dermal fillers, they aren’t reversible).
How Long Does a Dermal Filler for Acne Scarring Treatment Take?
After a thorough consultation, the actual treatment for acne scars with dermal filler can take as little as 10–15 minutes.
Numbing cream will be applied beforehand to ensure your comfort, which takes a few minutes to take effect. In total, your visit to the clinic will typically last around 30–45 minutes.
How Do Dermal Fillers Help with Acne Scars?
Dermal fillers are injected beneath the scarred skin with precision, filling in the depressions caused by acne pitting. The goal is to restore a smooth, even skin texture by correcting the volume inconsistencies. The result is a more uniform surface, with pitting greatly reduced or no longer visible.
How Often Will I Need to Come Back for Treatment?
This varies from person to person, but many patients find that a single treatment can be sufficient.
Maintenance is usually needed every 12-24 months, although we have observed that repeated treatments seem to last longer for most people.
