Acne scar treatment is an individualized procedure that targets the scars left behind by d tryf after an individual has experienced acne breakouts. Acne, a common skin condition affecting millions of people worldwide, can leave unsightly scars that can impact an individual’s self-esteem and confidence. Acne scar treatment aims to improve the appearance of these scars by using various techniques and technologies to promote skin renewal and collagen production.

Board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained laser and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Monika Kiripolsky’s acne scar treatment program is meticulously designed to cater to your individual needs. Tailoring a precise approach, Dr. Kiripolsky determines the most effective strategy by considering the specific type of scarring you present with and often involves a combination of advanced techniques.

Visit our Beverly Hills dermatology clinic to consult with our board-certified dermatologist and discover a personalized solution to alleviate your acne scarring concerns. Residents of Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, and beyond can schedule an appointment today for a thorough assessment and embark on a path toward achieving a smoother, more confident complexion.

Call (424) 652-6563 or book your consultation using our online form. We understand the impact that acne scars can have on a person’s well-being, and we are committed to helping you achieve smoother, more radiant skin.

About Acne

Acne affects more than 80% of adolescents ⁽¹⁾ but contrary to popular belief, it is not a condition limited to teenagers. Changes in our hormones, lifestyle, and diet can all impact acne breakouts as we continue to age. If acne breakouts go untreated, inflammation can lead to permanent scarring, red and brown skin discoloration (“post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation” aka PIH), textural irregularities, and enlarged pores. ⁽²⁾ This is why consulting with a board-certified dermatologist is the best practice for people interested in addressing their acne concerns and preventing future breakouts.

Dr. Kiripolsky is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained laser and cosmetic surgeon specializing in the treatment of acne scarring using a combination of multiple modalities including:

Dr. Kiripolsky has an arsenal of treatment options for acne and acne scarring. Whether you are 13 experiencing teenage acne or 30 experiencing adult acne, Dr. Kiripolsky will work with you to find a solution. Depending on your skin type and severity, she may recommend one or more treatments in combination. To help you make more informed decisions about your skin, here are some of the common treatment options we have for addressing various severities of acne scarring:

Lasers & Light for Acne Scars

Intense Pulsed Light

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL or photo facial) utilizes a cutting-edge device that delivers a spectrum of wavelengths, effectively targeting both browns and reds in the skin. Dr. Kiripolsky employs the M22 IPL, recognized as the most powerful and effective IPL available. This treatment, characterized by minimal discomfort and zero downtime, not only harmonizes skin discoloration but also stimulates increased collagen production, leading to a noticeable tightening effect.

CO2 Laser

CO2 laser resurfacing employs a procedure that generates microcolumns of destruction in the skin. The surrounding areas of spared skin respond by filling in these columns with collagen and elastin, resulting in the emergence of fresh, healthier skin. As an ablative laser, CO2 selectively removes and resurfaces targeted portions of the skin, making it the unequivocal “gold standard” for addressing moderate to severe acne scarring. While it entails approximately a week of downtime, the transformative effects make it a formidable choice for achieving significant skin rejuvenation.

ResurFX

ResurFX is a non-ablative fractional laser designed to rejuvenate the skin and address various concerns, including acne scars, pigmentation issues, and uneven skin texture. Using advanced laser technology, ResurFX delivers precise microbeams of energy into the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting cellular turnover. This results in smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin with minimal downtime. ResurFX is safe for all skin types and can be customized to target specific areas of concern, providing long-lasting results and a refreshed complexion.

Other Treatments for Acne Scarring

Microneedling

Microneedling induces a strategic “controlled wounding” of the skin, employing fine needles to mechanically remodel the skin’s structure. This process stimulates heightened production of collagen and elastin, two main components that keep your skin looking young. The outcome is a remarkable improvement in skin texture and tone, accompanied by an overall reduction in pore size.

Before the microneedling process begins, Dr. Kiripolsky applies a topical numbing cream to the skin to minimize discomfort. She then places the microneedling device over the skin, creating tiny channels. These micro-injuries trigger the skin’s natural healing processes, prompting the production of new collagen and elastin fibers. Dr. Kiripolsky adjusts the depth of microneedling treatments based on individual skin characteristics, the severity of the scarring, and the patient’s desired outcomes.

Chemical Peels

At your consultation, Dr. Kiripolsky will evaluate your skin to see which solution is best for you.

Excision

This technique involves using a circular blade to remove ice pick scars (tiny, but deep) that are often resistant to other treatments. After Dr. Kiripolsky smooths the depressed scar out, she places a tiny stitch in the area and removes it after one week.

Subcision

This innovative approach entails the precise insertion of a needle with a minuscule blade at its tip into areas with depressed or pitted acne scars. This technique effectively releases the underlying scar tissue, alleviating the “tethering down” effect commonly seen in boxcars and rolling acne scars. Subcision is seamlessly integrated into sessions that may include microneedling and/or fractionated CO2 laser to ensure a comprehensive and optimal enhancement of results.

Topical Creams

Patients can potentially manage to combat the ruddy, brown discoloration and uneven texture associated with acne scarring at home by including resurfacing agents like AHAs and retinol, as well as lightening agents such as hydroquinone. Enhancing this regimen are the specialized products from our line, including the Triple Alpha Hydroxy Smoothing Gel and the Tretinol Radical Repair Serum. These carefully formulated products harness the power of proven ingredients to address hyperpigmentation, promoting a more even skin tone and texture.

Fillers

Dr. Kiripolsky can use small droplets of strategically injected filler to raise depressed acne scars, achieving a smoother skin surface. For thicker, more rigid acne scars known as hypertrophic scars and keloids, a targeted injection therapy using steroids and/or 5-fluorouracil is recommended. This specialized injection treatment effectively softens and flattens these elevated scars, providing a comprehensive solution. Additionally, Sculptra, recognized for its biostimulatory properties, has emerged as a valuable tool in addressing acne scarring. Through its unique mechanism, Sculptra stimulates collagen production, promoting natural tissue regeneration, and enhancing skin texture.

Medical-Grade Skin Care Products

Gentle Enzyme Cleanser

This refined cleanser marries salicylic acid with potent papaya enzymes, offering a gentle yet effective exfoliation that unclogs pores by eliminating dead cells. Its impeccably balanced formula ensures a thorough rinse, leaving behind no residue, making it an optimal choice for both combating acne and addressing signs of aging.

Body Acne Cleanser

This gentle yet potent benzoyl peroxide cleanser swiftly eradicates acne-causing bacteria upon contact, functioning as an antimicrobial shield to purify the skin and stave off breakouts. Setting itself apart, our exclusive blend employs micronized benzoyl peroxide, proven to be remarkably efficacious, less abrasive, and capable of penetrating deeper into the skin compared to larger particle sizes.

Polishing Scrub

Infused with potent resurfacing agents, this scrub is designed to gently eliminate dead skin cells and debris, unveiling a revitalized complexion. With the aid of pumice granules, it works to smooth away dullness and dryness, leaving the skin with a fresh, radiant glow. Utilizing advanced microdermabrasion technology, it effectively purges the skin’s surface of impurities, promoting a more even tone, refined texture, and enhanced elasticity.

Cost of Acne Scar Treatment in Beverly Hills

Dr. Kiripolsky’s acne scar treatments are precisely tailored to the individual, so the cost of treatment will vary according to your individualized treatment plan. To book your personal consultation in Beverly Hills, call (424) 652-6563 or complete a simple form to get started.

FAQ

References

1. Szepietowska M, Bień B, Krajewski P, Stefaniak A, Matusiak Ł. Prevalence, Intensity and Psychosocial Burden of Acne Itch: Two Different Cohorts Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023;12(12):3997-3997. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12123997
2. Callender VD, Baldwin H, Cook-Bolden FE, Alexis AF, Stein Gold L, Guenin E. Effects of Topical Retinoids on Acne and Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Patients with Skin of Color: A Clinical Review and Implications for Practice. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. Published online November 9, 2021. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-021-00643-2
3. Desai SR. Hyperpigmentation therapy: a review. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. 2014;7(8):13-17. Accessed May 10, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4142815/#:~:text=Superficial%20chemical%20peels%20are%20generally
4. Jin Y, Teh SS, Lau HLN, Xiao J, Mah SH. Retinoids as anti-cancer agents and their mechanisms of action. American journal of cancer research. 2022;12(3):938-960. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8984900/