Acne scars can serve as unwelcome reminders of past breakouts, affecting both your skin’s texture and your self-confidence. At Queen City Dermatology, Dr. Kristine Zitelli offers advanced treatments to minimize the appearance of acne scars and help you achieve smoother, more even-toned skin.
Not only provides excellent care but truly cares.
Understanding Acne Scars: Beyond the Surface
Acne scars develop when inflammation from moderate to severe acne damages the skin’s collagen, creating textural changes that persist after the acne itself has healed. Research shows that approximately 95% of people with acne will develop some degree of scarring, with factors like genetics, delay in treatment, and severity of inflammation influencing scar development.
These scars typically fall into several categories:
Atrophic Scars
Depressed scars that sit below the surrounding skin, including Ice Pick Scars, Boxcar Scars, and Rolling Scars.
Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars
Raised scars that extend above the skin surface and can be hereditary
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Flat, discolored patches that may fade gradually over time
Dr. Zitelli’s Customized Approach to Scar Treatment
As a board-certified dermatologist with specialized training in skin texture and appearance, Dr. Zitelli develops personalized treatment plans that often combine multiple modalities to address different types of acne scars simultaneously.
Advanced Acne Scar Treatments Near Montgomery
At Queen City Dermatology, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments to address acne scarring:
Microneedling with PRP
This innovative treatment combines microneedling’s collagen-stimulating effects with the regenerative power of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your own blood. The controlled micro-injuries created by the microneedling device trigger the skin’s healing response, while PRP accelerates tissue regeneration and enhances results.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Our advanced lasers precisely target scar tissue, removing damaged skin cells and stimulating the production of new collagen.
Chemical Peels
Medical-grade chemical peels remove damaged outer skin layers to reveal smoother, more evenly toned skin beneath. For acne scarring, Dr. Zitelli may recommend a series of medium to deep peels to progressively improve skin texture and tone.
Dermal Fillers
For certain types of atrophic (depressed) scars, injectable dermal fillers can temporarily elevate the depressed area to match the surrounding skin.
This provides immediate improvement in skin appearance while other treatments work to remodel the scar tissue.
What to Expect During Acne Scar Treatment
During your initial consultation, Dr. Zitelli will thoroughly examine your skin, discuss your concerns and goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach. She’ll explain:
- Expected results and timeframe
- Number of treatments typically needed
- Preparation instructions
- Downtime and recovery considerations
- Post-treatment skin care recommendations
Most acne scar treatments involve multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart. Results develop gradually as your skin rebuilds collagen and remodels scar tissue, with improvements continuing for several months after your final treatment.
Is Acne Scar Treatment Right for You?
Ideal candidates for acne scar treatment:
- Have stable, well-controlled acne with minimal active breakouts
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about gradual improvement
- Are committed to following post-treatment care instructions
- Can protect treated skin from sun exposure
During your consultation, Dr. Zitelli will determine if you’re a good candidate for acne scar treatment and which approaches might work best for your specific scar types and skin condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acne Scar Treatment
Most patients require a series of 3-6 treatments, depending on the severity of scarring and the specific treatment methods used. Dr. Zitelli will create a customized treatment plan during your consultation with a recommended number of sessions for optimal results.
Patient comfort is a priority at Queen City Dermatology. Most treatments involve topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort. Some procedures may cause mild to moderate discomfort during treatment, but this is typically well-tolerated. Dr. Zitelli will discuss what to expect during your consultation.
Recovery time varies by treatment type. Microneedling typically requires 1-3 days of redness and mild swelling. Chemical peels may involve 5-7 days of peeling and redness. Laser treatments might require 3-10 days of downtime, depending on treatment intensity. Dr. Zitelli will explain the specific recovery timeline for your recommended procedures.
Results develop gradually as your skin produces new collagen and remodels scar tissue. Some improvement may be visible within a few weeks of treatment, but the most significant results typically emerge 2-6 months after completing your full treatment series as collagen remodeling continues.
While today’s advanced treatments can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars, complete elimination is not always possible. Most patients can expect a 50-75% improvement in scar appearance after a full treatment series. Dr. Zitelli will provide realistic expectations based on your specific scarring and chosen treatments.
Ideally, acne should be well-controlled before beginning scar treatment. Active inflammation can interfere with healing and potentially create new scars. Dr. Zitelli may recommend treating active acne first or concurrently with a separate treatment plan to optimize your results.
Why Choose Queen City Dermatology for Acne Scar Treatment
Dr. Zitelli takes a comprehensive approach to acne scar treatment, addressing not only the visible scars but also any ongoing acne to prevent new scars from forming. Her specialized training and artistic eye ensure that treatments are both medically sound and aesthetically optimized for your facial features.
Our practice offers the latest technology and techniques in a comfortable, supportive environment where your skin concerns are taken seriously and addressed with expertise and compassion.
Begin Your Skin Transformation
Take the first step toward smoother, more even-textured skin. Contact Queen City Dermatology today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Zitelli and discover how our comprehensive approach to acne scar treatment can help restore your skin’s appearance and your confidence.
