Acne Scarring | Stuart and Tequesta, FL

Acne is the number one skin condition affecting teens and adults in the U.S. Almost 50 million people are troubled by persistent mild, moderate, or severe acne, and often, this acne can leave scars on the face and body. These scars can negatively impact confidence and self-image. At Spyglass Dermatology, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ryan Alan Schuering and his team understand the frustration and embarrassment acne scars can cause their patients. That's why they offer a variety of cutting-edge, effective acne scar treatments in Stuart, FL and Tequesta, including laser treatments, skin resurfacing, dermal fillers, and more. If you're ready to address your acne scars for clearer, smoother skin, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Acne scars don't all look the same. Some acne scars are depressed, some are raised, and others make pitted indentions in the skin. The most common types of acne scars include:

• Rolling Scars – depressed scars with sloped edges that merge with normal skin and can be circular or linear. This is the most common type of acne scarring.
• Icepick Scars – sunken or pitted scars that deeply penetrate the skin and are more commonly seen on the cheeks.
• Boxcar Scars – shallow depressions with sharply defined edges that look like cutouts. Shallow boxcar scars can often be addressed with skin resurfacing treatments.
• Hypertrophic Scars – raised, firm scars that remain within the borders of the original acne.

At Spyglass Dermatology, Dr. Schuering provides only the latest, most effective treatments to reduce the appearance of acne scars. During your consultation. Dr. Schuering will examine your skin, listen to your concerns, and work with you to develop the most successful acne scar treatment plan. Depending on your unique type of acne scarring, you may need only one type of treatment or a complimentary group of treatments. Our acne scar treatments include surgery to break up and/or remove scar tissue, laser skin resurfacing, RF (radiofrequency) microneedling, IPL (intense pulsed light), dermal filler injections, chemical peels, retinoid creams, and more. With so many effective treatments to choose from and combine, we can customize your acne scar treatment to achieve maximal outcomes for smoother, softer, and clearer skin.

Can acne be permanently cured?
While acne may be reduced and temporarily relieved, no "permanent" cure exists. Practically everyone will experience some outbreaks of acne throughout their lives. For some people, it can be significant, but for others, it is occasionally, if ever, a concern. So, Dr. Schuering takes a multifaceted approach to alleviating acne that can be tailored to your own needs.

Do particular foods cause acne or make it worse?
In general, consuming specific foods does not cause acne. Much research has been carried out into the connection between specific foods and acne. However, the chief cause of acne is hormonal changes that can encourage the oil glands within the skin to overproduce sebum, which can plug pores, causing acne outbreaks. While unverified, there are certain foods that are said to make acne worse, such as heavily fried foods, dairy products, food that contains saturated fats, foods high in processed sugar, and milk chocolate. The triggering factor between acne and these items is that they may impact hormone numbers, which might lead to acne.

What causes acne scarring?
The chief trigger of acne is hormonal changes, which can induce the oil glands in the skin to produce too much sebum (skin oil), which can block pores and create irritation leading to scarring. At Spyglass Dermatology, Dr. Schuering specializes in a personalized approach to reducing acne scars that take into consideration multiple factors to verify that your acne treatment addresses the root drivers of your acne rather than just the blemishes themselves.

How long does it take to see improvement in acne scars after treatment?
The timeline for seeing results from acne scar treatments varies depending on the method used and the individual's skin response. For treatments like chemical peels or microneedling, visible improvements can start to appear within a few weeks, but full results may take a few months as the skin heals and regenerates. More intensive treatments like laser therapy or fractional resurfacing may require several sessions, and significant improvement can be seen after a few months. It's important to maintain patience and follow the recommended treatment plan, as collagen remodeling and skin regeneration take time.

How can I prevent further acne scarring while treating existing scars?
To prevent further acne scarring, it's crucial to manage active acne effectively while undergoing treatment for existing scars. Avoid picking or squeezing acne lesions, as this can worsen scarring. Consistent use of non-comedogenic skin care products, including gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and acne-targeted treatments, can help keep acne under control. Additionally, applying sunscreen daily is vital, as sun exposure can darken scars and prolong the healing process. Working with a dermatologist can help tailor an acne management routine that prevents new breakouts and minimizes the risk of future scarring.

Does skin type affect the treatment options for acne scars?
Yes, skin type plays a significant role in determining the most effective treatment options for acne scars. For example, people with darker skin tones may be at a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation after treatments like laser resurfacing, so gentler methods such as microneedling or chemical peels may be preferred. Lighter skin types might be more resilient to laser treatments but still require careful consideration of the depth and intensity of procedures. Our practitioners will assess your skin type and suggest the safest and most effective treatments tailored to your needs.

You don't have to accept living with acne scars. At Spyglass Dermatology, our extensive assortment of cutting-edge acne scar treatments can create a treatment plan that is both unique and extremely effective. Dr. Ryan Alan Schuering and his team want to help you achieve a new level of confidence with clearer, smoother skin. Contact our offices in Stuart or Tequesta, FL today to learn more about our acne scar treatments and schedule a consultation.