Are my red or brown marks acne scars?
Not always. Red marks (PIE) and brown pigmentation (PIH) are often left after acne, but they are flat colour changes rather than true scars. A true scar is a change in the skin's texture caused by too little or too much collagen. Dr Lim checks which you have first, because each is treated differently.
What is the best treatment for acne scars?
There is no single best treatment. Ice pick, boxcar, rolling and raised scars each have a different target, and most people have more than one type at once. Clinical reviews support individual plans that combine methods, such as laser resurfacing, microneedling, RF microneedling, subcision, TCA CROSS or fillers, chosen for your scar types.
Can acne scars be removed completely?
Established acne scars can often improve significantly, but complete, flawless reversal is not realistic. The goal is improvement, and Dr Lim sets clear expectations at every consultation.
My friend's laser worked. Why not just do the same?
Your scars may be a different type from your friend's. A laser that helps shallow boxcar scars may not reach the bottom of deep ice pick scars, and it will not release the tethering under rolling scars. Matching treatment one-to-one between different people is not logical.
I've had laser before without success. Can I still be helped?
Often, yes. When someone says they have tried everything, the next step is finding out which scar types they actually have. A treatment that missed the real target, such as depth or tethering, can leave scars looking unchanged.
What is subcision?
Rolling scars are pulled down by fibrous bands under the skin. Subcision releases those bands so the surface can lift. It is usually combined with other treatments, such as energy-based devices, microneedling or fillers, depending on the patient.
Do you treat raised scars and keloids?
Yes. Raised scars involve excess scar tissue, so they are not treated like depressed acne scars. Options include intralesional corticosteroids, other intralesional therapies, and selected laser treatments.
How long until I see results?
Scar remodelling is gradual. The skin's remodelling phase runs from about three weeks to twelve months or more, so Dr Lim reviews results over time, allows collagen to remodel, and reassesses the plan before the next step.
Can you treat scars from surgery or injury?
Yes. Dr Lim also sees patients with scars from surgery or trauma that still concern them. The same approach applies: identify the scar type, understand what drives it, then choose and combine treatments.
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