Scars and acne marks, left behind after healing from skin injuries or severe acne, can leave your skin with visibly uneven texture and color. They can severely impact one’s self-esteem and confidence. The type, depth, and size of these skin imperfections can vary widely, which influences the choice of treatment.
Dermal fillers are a popular and widely available option for addressing these types of skin imperfections. This blog post discusses how fillers can help in minimizing the appearance of scars and acne marks.
How Fillers Can Minimize Scars and Acne Marks
When used to treat scars and acne marks, fillers primarily raise any indented areas to the level of the surrounding skin. By injecting filler beneath the scar or acne mark, practitioners can effectively ‘fill out’ these depressions, making them less noticeable. This leads to a more even skin surface and improved skin texture.
Types of Dermal Fillers and Their Application
Hyaluronic-Acid Fillers
There are a very large number of hyaluronic acid-based filler products on the market, with many different formulations. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are the most popular choices, and are regarded as both safe and effective. Hyaluronic acid also occurs naturally in the body, so these fillers are generally well tolerated when injected.
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are primarily used for shallow scars and fine lines due to their softer consistency. These fillers are temporary, as the body naturally breaks down hyaluronic acid over time. They also provide immediate benefits and can be reversed if necessary. Variants are also available with thicker consistencies, allowing them to also be used to help conceal deeper and more visible scars.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers
These fillers are synthetic and have the ability to stimulate the body’s production of collagen. They’re typically used to fill in larger and deeper areas. The benefits of PLLA fillers can last longer than hyaluronic acid-based fillers but will also eventually degrade and require touching-up. Benefits occur gradually after treatment, and so changes appear more natural as they develop over time.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers
PMMA-based fillers are sometimes recommended, especially for deep or visible scars. They use collagen with PMMA microstructures that can provide extra support to the surrounding skin. They provide especially long-lasting results but run a higher risk of complications as PMMA is a synthetic substance that can trigger the body’s immune system.
Choosing the Right Practitioner
It pays to select a practitioner who has experience performing procedures using a large number of different dermal filler products – they will be able to help you select the best product (or products) to address your specific needs. As is the case with all noninvasive cosmetic procedures, choosing a medically trained and qualified practitioner will also increase your chance of a positive outcome while avoiding the various complications that can occur when inexperienced or unqualified people perform these procedures.
Your Laser Skin Care
Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing dermal filler procedures using a large number of different products. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.
