Acne is a reality for nearly everyone at some point in their lives. Most commonly it occurs around puberty and throughout the teenage years. While some never experience major acne breakouts, others may be left with permanent scars due to their acne. This is especially true for people who experience cystic acne or are prone to scarring. Acne scars do not have to be permanent though, there are options for fading them. PRP In Seattle provides the best PRP for acne scars Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland offer.
Overview: How Acne Scars Form
The key behind why and how acne scars form is collagen. Sometimes the skin under and around the acne can become so inflamed that it causes damage. Your body then needs to heal this damage. Depressed acne scars–either ice pick, rolling, or boxcar scars–happen when the body does not form enough collagen. Raised acne scars–hypertrophic or keloids–occur when the body produces too much collagen.
Depressed acne scars are the most common type of acne scar and the most responsive to treatments. Raised scars can be treated, but likely will remain somewhat permanent. Some people are more prone to raised scarring than others due to their genetics or certain medical conditions.
Understanding PRP
Platelet rich plasma, commonly shortened to PRP, is derived from blood. When the plasma is separated from the rest of the blood, there will be two types: platelet rich plasma and platelet poor plasma. Both have uses in medicine, but PRP is especially lucrative for cosmetic treatments such as acne scar treatment.
The platelets in your blood help it clot at a healing site. It also contains several growth factors. Therefore, when treating acne scars, it signals to your body that healing needs to take place. This kickstarts and improves the overall healing process.
Benefits Of PRP For Acne Scars
Platelet rich plasma offers many benefits for those wanting to treat acne scars. A few of the possible benefits and advantages include:
- Stimulates collagen production
- Uses your natural processes to conceal acne scars
- Reduces inflammation
- Plumps the skin in treatment areas
- Ability to be precise in treatment application
- Works for weeks following treatment
- Natural treatment
- Few risks
- Little to no pain
- Non-invasive
- Acne scars do not have to be new
- More effective than topical treatments
Types Of PRP Treatments For Acne Scars
At PRP In Seattle, we offer multiple platelet rich plasma based treatments to help treat and diminish acne scars. The best treatment will depend on several factors such as your skin quality, the type of acne scars you have, and your preferences. While most are non-surgical treatments, there are surgical ones that may be applicable for some patients.
Microneedling
Microblading with PRP is a commonly performed procedure that involves replacing the hyaluronic acid spread on the face before microneedling with PRP. This gets the PRP underneath the surface of the skin to help heal depressed acne scars. It also has skin rejuvenation benefits and can also help with fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and rough skin texture.
The procedure is non-surgical and the face is numbed before treatment. It can also work well in combination with chemical peels. Since this combination is so powerful, we created the Glow Up package for people looking to get the most out of their PRP microneedling and chemical peels regimen.
Injections
Depending on the type and number of acne scars, injections of PRP may provide a good result. PRP injections are often used to fill in hollows, especially under the eyes. The injected PRP stimulates collagen production on the skin to fill in the scarred area. If you have a few scars, injections may be the best option.
Like with many PRP treatments, it will likely take a few sessions to see results. This is because the PRP takes time to stimulate and build up the collagen to a visible level. When it comes to acne scars, we tend to recommend around three to four sessions.
Lasers
Laser resurfacing–both ablative and non-ablative–is the next stage of PRP acne scar treatment. In the surgical application, it involves a CO2 laser that removes the top layers of the skin. PRP is then applied to help the healing process and stimulate collagen. With a non-ablative laser, the upper layers are not removed, but dead skin is and small controlled damage is created. PRP is then spread on the face following treatment.
When done surgically, this is the most invasive technique for treating acne scars with PRP. However, it can be effective and for those who are older or with severe scarring, this may be the recommended treatment plan.
Determining The Right Acne Scar Treatment
Finding the right acne scar treatment can be difficult. Ultimately, you should schedule a consultation with a professional who can examine your skin and create a personalized treatment plan. At a consultation at PRP In Seattle, your provider will ask about your goals for treatment, medical history, lifestyle, and any preferences you have regarding your treatment.
Your provider will then examine your skin and scarring. This will help them identify the type of scarring you have and the quality of your skin which are both important factors to determine the right treatment. Your provider will then create a customized plan that involves one or more types of acne scar treatment. They may also give some advice on how to care for your skin at home for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Acne Scars Fade Over Time?
Most types of acne scars do fade throughout your lifetime. However, this takes decades and many will never permanently go away. Only professional, medical grade treatment can fade scars quickly and effectively. However, it should be noted that even with treatment, your acne scars may not completely go away.
How Long Do Results Last?
Generally, PRP results are fairly permanent. It cannot prevent acne scarring from recurring if you have more breakouts. Additionally, with age, collagen will continue to break down. You likely will need occasional touch-up treatments to upkeep your results. Otherwise, the results are subject to aging and damage from the elements.
Is There Any Recovery After PRP For Acne Scar Treatment?
It depends on the treatment you undergo. For microneedling and injections, there are no major changes to your routine. You will need to take a few days off working out and avoid alcohol and smoking. However, other than that, you can mostly continue with your daily routine.
Laser treatments may require more of a recovery. A surgical CO2 procedure will come with a typical surgical recovery. A non-ablative one may require a little downtime, but less surgical recovery. Post-procedure instructions will vary between patients.
Regardless of the procedure, you will need to continue protecting your skin from the sun and wearing sunscreen when going outside. Also, invest in a quality skincare routine and work with a dermatologist to address your acne if it remains an issue. These precautions will help prevent future skin damage and scarring.
Will I Need More Than One Session?
Probably, though after an initial round of sessions, you may only need occasional touch-ups. With surgical treatments, this will differ and you will likely only need one session to see results.
Is PRP Acne Scar Treatment Safe For All Skin Types & Tones?
There is a PRP acne scar treatment for everyone. Microneedling is safe for all skin tones and most skin types. Certain people with sensitive skin may tolerate injections better. Lasers are not suitable for darker skin tones but work with all skin types. This is why it is important to consult a professional who can advise you based on your unique skin.
The Best PRP For Acne Scars Seattle, Bellevue, & Kirkland
PRP In Seattle is a premier medical spa in Seattle, Washington that specializes in cosmetic PRP treatments. With plastic surgeons, injectors, and master estheticians with extensive knowledge and experience with platelet rich plasma, PRP In Seattle offers the best PRP for acne scars Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland can provide.
Located in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle, PRP In Seattle bridges the gap between medical and cosmetic treatments with its innovative use of platelet rich plasma. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online via chat or online form.
