Effective treatment for acne scars in Bethesda, MD

Acne scars are a common issue that many patients who have had active acne deal with. Acne scars are caused by large blemishes that failed to heal properly. They can be extremely deep, such as ice pick scars, or may appear as pitting that “rolls” across the face. When patients in the Bethesda, MD area visit Dr. Ron Prussick and his associates at Washington Dermatology Consultants, he is happy to educate them on the many acne scar treatment options available.

Before patients can fully address acne scars on the face, their active acne must be controlled. If patients are dealing with acne, they need to work with a professional who can help them achieve reduction or elimination of the condition, as new acne blemishes can create new acne scars. There are several solutions for acne, which include over-the-counter cleansers, prescription topical medications, oral medication and laser treatments.

Once the acne is under control, Dr. Ron Prussick can then offer acne scar treatment. For many patients with acne scars, facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion or dermal needling with a DermaPen can reduce their appearance. These treatments can rejuvenate the upper layer of the skin, stimulate collagen production, and improve texture and tone. Many of these may be effective on mild cases of acne scarring. Some patients may be able to try a few sessions of each treatment to see which one works best for their skin type and which one provides results that are more effective based on their unique needs.

However, patients with very large acne scars may be better suited for injectables. The team of the Washington Dermatology Center provides patients with a wide range of injectable treatments that can effectively reduce the depth of severe ice pick scars. Dermal fillers, made from hyaluronic acid, can be injected directly into the scars to add volume immediately thanks to the acid’s ability to attract water within the skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers are extremely safe, affordable, and effective at addressing acne scarring on the skin. Patients will enjoy the results of the injections for approximately six months before new injections are necessary for maintenance.