Acne Scars

Acne Scars Before and After 1 CO2 Laser Resurfacing
(All the patients above were treated by Dr. Robert Motazedi, M.D.)

Acne Scars

Acne and other facial scar can be distressing.These scars are caused from damage that occurs in the deep dermis either from infection or trauma. Acne scars begin deep within our skin with our sebaceous glands. These glands are located at the base of our hair follicles and the pores that support them. When our pores become plugged and the oil is not able to wick out, an infection ensues. As our body attempts to expel the oil and fight the bacteria, inflammation sets in and the pustule or comedone enlarges. If the lesion or pustule erupts within the dermis the infection can spread into the surrounding tissue and acne scarring can occur.

There are different grades of acne, ranging from small open/or closed comedones all the way up to deeper cystic and nodular lesions. Treatments for all grades of acne are designed to control the outbreak because as of yet there is no cure for this condition. Patients need to be evaluated in order to determine which method of control will best suit their particular condition. Grade 1 or acne simplex is very unlikely to cause scarring. It is the patient with Grades III and IV acne that have the greatest risk of scarring.

Before After 4 Fraxels Ethinic Skin Before After 2 Fraxels

(The above patients were treated by Victoria Motazedi, PEP,PE)

For patients with mild to moderate scarring, Fraxel™ or fractionated resurfacing may be needed to shave and smooth the scarred areas. Fraxel can be used on most skin types including ethnic skin. Fractionated resurfacing works by removing some of the epidermis, thereby shaving down the scars and sends columns of heat into the scar tissue causing it to tighten and smooth out. Most patients with acne scars can expect to have between four to six treatments to achieve maximum results. Fraxel™ will also tighten the skin and help with pigmentation problems caused by the sun or trauma. Patients can expect a minimal downtime (usually 2 -3 days) after treatment and only a topical anesthetic is needed prior to treatment. Patients will also be required to take oral antibiotics and antivirals to cut down on the risk of infection.

Moderate to heavy acne scars will do best if treated with CO2 laser resurfacing. CO2 is still considered to be the best way to treat acne scars on the face. Patients may only need one to two treatments with the CO2 to achieve maximum results. Because CO2 goes much deeper than fractionated resurfacing, patients must be on Retin A and fading cream for two to four weeks prior to treatment and must remain at home for 7 to 10 days after treatment. Patients also must be on oral antibiotics and antivirals to reduce the risk of infection. Dr. Motazedi has performed over 1,000 full face laser resurfacings in his Colorado Springs clinic and is considered to be one of the most experienced laser surgeons in the United States.

Patients with deep pits or ice pick scars may benefit from surgical scar revision prior to receiving either fractional or traditional CO2 resurfacing. Scar revision is a great way to get rid of deeper scars that will not improve substantially with laser resurfacing. This procedure is performed prior to the laser treatment and is virtually painless. The area to be revised will be numbed with a local anesthetic prior to treatment. The scar is removed surgically and the wound is stitched closed. Most areas require only one or two stitches. Laser resurfacing treatment can be done as soon as 7 days after the stitches are removed. Patients can expect to return to work immediately after the revision.

Please contact our office at 719-596-4000 to schedule a no charge consultation to see if you are a candidate for one of the above treatment options. If you are still suffering from acne and breaking out you will need to schedule to see Dr. Motazedi prior to your acne scar consult. Our standard office charge is $75.