Scaring

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Scars are formed by fibrous tissue in the skin in an area of trauma and is a normal part of the skins healing process. Scar tissue is a biological and complex process of wound healing that can forms differently in different skin type and in different parts of the body. This trauma can be from stretching the skin (from pimples- acne scaring or weight gain- stretchmarks), from an incision to the area (surgical scar) or from a burn (water, sun, chemical or laser) to the area.

Acne scaring is the most common type of scaring patients present with and the type of scaring that has the most successful results. 

Ice Pick Scars are characterised by tiny thin/narrow and deep toothpick holes in the skin. Sometimes mistaken for an open pore. Because of their depth, they’re perhaps the most difficult to treat and to disguise. Ice pick scars tend to be a result of severe, inflamed, cystic acne.

Rolling scars

Rolling scars appear as very shallow and wide indentations on the skin. With rolling scars it is more difficult to view where the scar begins and ends, the border is very much undefined. Rolling scars can be described as waves in the skins surface. These type of scars are a result of underlying damage to the skin and a lack of collagen. This means that as we age, this type of scar usually worsens and becomes more obvious. 

Boxcar scars 

Boxcar scars have a similar appearance to rolling scars however their edges are more defined and individual scars are easier to spot.

Keloid scars

Keloid scars are raised and bumpy in appearance. Keloid scars mimic the acne that caused them (without the red, inflamed appearance). They are a result of the body trying to heal, but is caused by the over production of cells and collagen and therefore the scar is more visible and sticks out.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation technically isn’t classed as a scar but does fit into the "scaring" category. Hyperpigmentation appears as flat marks on the skin, they’re neither raised nor depressed. They are discoloured and pigmented. They can range from a light pink to a purple/red tone. They are caused by trauma in an area, usually acne and pigmentation is left behind due to an overproduction on melanin. Hyperpigmentation may fade with time but this can take months/years and sun exposure can worsen the appearance of hyperpigmentation. 

Skin Needling is a successful treatment for improving the texture of all types scaring in the skin. It is a safer option then laser due to the fact that here is no heat applied to the skin and for this reason it is safe for all skin types including darker skins. 

Skin needling works by making hundreds of nanno puncture wounds into the scar, breaking up the scar tissue, increasing blood flow to the area and thus, resulting in repairing damaged cells. Am improvement can usually be seen after one treatment however anywhere between 3-8 treatments may be recommended depending on the severity of the scar, the life of the scar and the type of scar itself. For example: Hyperpigmentation scaring will need less treatments then Ice Pick scars. 

Hyperpigmentation may also be treated with the use of Chemical Peels to brighten pigmentation in the scar. Chemical Peels work by breaking down the pigmentation deposits in are areas of trauma, leaving the skin brighter and more even in complexation.