Will collagen injections get rid of acne scars?
I have horrible acne scars, and a friend suggested that injections of collagen could help. How expensive it this? Will it work and does it last?
Asked by: Rikki, 23, from Los Angeles, CA
Answers (2)
Acne scars need a more permanent treatment
Collagen is one solution to acne scars. Unfortunately, it is a temporary solution for a permanent problem. There are other fillers which can last longer but if you are talking about scars that collagen would be able to treat - think multi-faceted approach for long term results.
For deep scars, which collagen would be used to treat, a deep chemical peel, ablative laser (CO2 or erbium) resurfacing, or dermabrasion/dermasanding may be necessary. For deeper scars, deeper solutions are necessary. Again, several options exist.
- Deeper scars can be surgically excised with the larger acne scar replaced with a surgically placed small line. This can later be refined with other rejuvenation techniques.
- Punch grafting affords a simple method for treating multiple scars. A circular punch is used to create an incision around an acne scar. The scar is then allowed to heal and the resulting skin irregularity is smoothed.
- Subcision involves releasing the tethering attachments underneath the scar and then filling the space with either a temporary or permanent filler to prevent the scar from reforming when it heals. With the advent of new temporary artificial fillers such as hyaluronic acid, this is a good option for larger depressed scars.
Whatever the treatment option, it is important to consult a physician with a large arsenal of treatment options – if a physician only sells a cheeseburger, then you get sold a cheeseburger, even if you need a bacon burger. It is also important to remember that just as acne scars did not form overnight, treatment can sometimes take months to get the desired result.
Once you find an experienced physician and decide on a treatment option, remember that it’s a long road but one that is usually worth the wait.
Collagen injections are one of many options to treat acne scars
Acne scars are the result of long time infection and inflammation of the skin’s glands; the result is an uneven surface with peaks and valleys.
There are many treatments for acne scars, and filler injections, such as collagen, are often helpful. Fillers help to raise the valleys so that there is less of a depression around the peaks. This means less shadowing and therefore the appearance of a smoother skin surface.
Collagen fillers, which can be of either human or bovine (cow) origin, are safe and effective to use if there is no patient allergy present. The injections usually last from 3-6 months, and can be repeated when necessary.
Other fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapetite, and polymethylmethacrylate beads, are also available for this purpose. The duration of these fillers is from 6 months to permanent. Each substance has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Still other treatments for acne scars include dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels. A qualified physician, with experience in all of these methods, should examine your scars before helping you choose the appropriate course.
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