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Acne Scars Specialist

District Dermatology

Dermatologists & Mohs Surgeons located in McLean, VA & Vienna, VA

Acne is difficult to live with, but the scarring can linger for many years after your outbreaks cease. Residents near McLean, Virginia have a valuable resource in District Dermatology and the services of its board-certified team of dermatologists. If you’re uncomfortable with the appearance of acne scars, book a consultation to learn about acne scar removal treatments. Online scheduling makes it easy to find a time that fits your busy schedule, or you can call the office to book your visit.

Acne Scars Q & A

What causes acne scars?

Acne scars occur when an inflamed acne lesion causes a deep break in the wall of your follicle. That allows the infection to spread to nearby cells, destroying healthy tissue. In response, your skin forms new collagen fibers to repair the damage.

Some acne scarring creates small masses of raised tissue on the surface of your skin. This is called keloid, or hypertrophic, scarring. It’s also possible for acne scarring to appear as depressed areas on the surface of your skin, which are known as atrophic scars.

Can chemical peels improve acne scarring?

Chemical peels remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells and promote deeper cellular turnover. They are called “peels” because they cause a portion of the treated skin to peel off a few days after treatment.

The District Dermatology team use VI Peel, VI Precision, and VI Precision Plus to improve the appearance of acne scarring. After treatment, you can expect your skin to begin peeling within 3-4 days, and the peeling process usually lasts for around 4 days.

There’s no extensive recovery time needed after a VI Peel. You may experience some redness or tenderness as your skin peels, and it’s important to avoid sun exposure, excess sweating, and any activity that causes your skin to heat.

Can microneedling help with acne scarring?

Microneedling is a great treatment option for acne scars. The process uses thousands of tiny needle pricks to create microscopic injuries in the deeper layers of your skin. That prompts your body to create new collagen, plumping your skin and smoothing depressed acne scars.

The INFINI™ skin microneedling and radiofrequency technology introduces radiofrequency energy to the equation, taking microneedling to the next level. The system allows your dermatologist to select the depth of the treatment needles as well as the energy level, creating a customized experience.

INFINI skin microneedling and radiofrequency creates impressive results without damaging the outer layers of your skin, minimizing downtime and helping you resume normal activities just a few days after treatment.

To learn more about these and other acne scar treatment options, schedule a consultation with District Dermatology at your earliest convenience.