How Visible Are Acne Scars After a Facelift?
Acne scars are often the biggest concern of people who have suffered from acne at some point in their life. And understandably so! Who wants to walk around with dark, uneven patches of skin or sunken-in scars?
While most people outgrow acne by their 20s, it can be a chronic problem for some that can last much longer — even during adulthood. And if you are in your 30s, 40s, or 50s and still struggling with acne, the idea of getting a facelift might have crossed your mind. After all, if it can get rid of wrinkles, why couldn’t it get rid of acne scars?
In this blog, we discuss whether or not a facelift can get rid of acne scars and what other options are available to treat them.
Acne Scars and Facelifts: What You Need to Know
When the skin is repeatedly or severely inflamed in one area, the resulting damage can lead to scarring. Acne scars occur when the inflammation is deep enough to damage the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin. The older you get, the more collagen and elastin the skin loses. This is why acne scars can appear more sunken and visible as we age.
In some patients, a facelift can improve the appearance of acne scars depending on the type of scarring and the depth of the scars. One of the most effective techniques for addressing acne scars is known as a deep plane facelift. This type of facelift works by releasing the deeper layers of the skin and soft tissue from the underlying bone. This allows the surgeon to loosen and reposition the skin instead of pulling its top layer.
A deep plane facelift can effectively improve the appearance of acne scars that are sunken in or have an indentation. It can also improve scars that are raised or have a rolling appearance. So, we recommend consulting a trusted board-certified plastic surgeon to see which type of acne scar you have and develop a treatment plan that is best for you.
Below are the two most common types of acne scars and how you can spot them:
Atrophic Scars
Atrophic scars are pitted or indented scars that can result from acne, chickenpox, or other skin conditions. There are three types of atrophic scars:
- Icepick Scar
- Rolling Scar
- Boxcar Scar
Ice pick scars are small and deep holes in the skin that look like they were made with an ice pick. Rolling scars are shallow and have a wave-like appearance. Boxcar scars are deep and wide, with sharply defined edges.
Hypertrophic & Keloid Scars
Keloid and hypertrophic scars are both raised off the skin, but there are some key differences between the two. Hypertrophic scars are usually found on the chest, back and shoulders, while keloids tend to form on the jawline. Both types of scars can be painful or itchy, but hypertrophic scars are typically smaller and less likely to cause long-term problems. Keloids, however, can continue to grow even after the injury has healed, often resulting in disfigurement.
Other Methods of Acne Scars Treatment
This non-surgical procedure uses small needles to create tiny holes in the skin. The dermis then produces collagen in response to these small injuries, which stimulates healthy skin growth and reduces the appearance of scarring on the skin. Microneedling can improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and other skin concerns.
Fillers
Dermal fillers form a popular cosmetic treatment that can help plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of scars. The fillers are injected under the skin, and they work by filling in the spaces between collagen fibers. This creates a smoother and more even appearance. In addition, the fillers can help stimulate collagen production, which can further improve the appearance of the skin.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion and dermaplaning are two common treatments that can help improve the appearance of acne scars. Dermabrasion involves using a rotating brush or other abrading tools to sand the skin’s surface. This can help to improve the appearance of acne scars by smoothing out the skin’s surface. Dermaplaning is a similar procedure that uses a sharp blade to remove the top layer of skin. This can also help improve the appearance of acne scars by creating a smoother surface.
Restore Your Confidence With the Help of a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Cyprus, Greece and Malta
Our skin is the first thing people see when they meet us, and it plays a significant role in our self-confidence. If you are unhappy with the way your skin looks, your self-esteem can suffer. Do not let acne scars hold you back from living your best life. A board-certified plastic surgeon can help you achieve the beautiful, smooth skin you deserve.
We welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Demetris Stravou to discuss your options for acne scar treatment. Dr. Stravou is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals. At EIPS Clinic, he and his team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and expectations.
Call Dr. Stravou at 70088002 & +357 97873787 or you can fill out the online form to book your appointment. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve the beautiful skin you deserve. Can you get facelift and browlift at the same time? Read our article and find out more.
Dr Stavrou is a board-certified and highly experienced plastic surgeon in Cyprus, Greece and Malta, with a keen interest in informing patients about the latest updates on reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.
- University of Athens Medical School
- Residency in Plastic Surgery at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Assistant Professor, St George’s, University of London / Medical School at the University of Nicosia
- Honorary Tutor at the University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, UK
- MSc with Distinction in “Wound Healing and Tissue Repair”, University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, U.K
- Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS)
- International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Instructor
- Fellowship in “Advanced Aesthetic Surgery” from the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery – Monash University, Australia
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
- Brow Lift
- Chin Augmentation
- Facelift
- Facial Cancer Treatment
- Neck Lift
- Otoplasty
- Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
