Fillers for Acne Scars: Before and After, The Efficiency, and More
Looking for effective acne scar treatment? Dermal fillers, also known as soft-tissue fillers, can offer skin-saving solutions that are all natural. They are gel-like substances made from natural and safe ingredients, i.e. hyaluronic acid, which helps to manage skin laxity and volume.
In this article, we are going to discuss the efficacy of dermal fillers for acne scars, the before and after effects, how they work and the best available fillers for treating acne scars.
Before We Begin…
Before starting, it’s very important that you do a full skin and body check-up and consult a dermatologist. Don’t try anything drastic on your own or buy a treatment without consulting the expert. Also, take adequate note of the risks involved, such as anesthesia, injections, bruising, swelling and other complications.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are substances that are injected into the skin to create a more youthful appearance, decrease facial wrinkling, reduce acne scars, as well as give a smoother, fuller appearance.
Although dermal fillers cannot completely eliminate scars, they do help reduce their appearance. Acne scars may be softened and, in turn, make them less noticeable.
How Do Dermal Fillers For Acne Scars Work?
Dermal fillers are used to create volume, restore skin elasticity, and change the appearance of a scar. When injected into the skin, they can help fill the existing voids of missing or damaged skin.
They can make your skin look better after scars have been formed, fade away the severity of the marks and create a smoother texture. They are easily absorbed into the skin and make them look more youthful and supple. They are also proven to be helpful in improving skin laxity in the epidermis and the underlying dermis.
Most fillers have biostimulatory properties which means that they stimulate the skin to grow and develop faster. They also help in accelerating the natural collagen production and they stimulate the production of fibroblasts and elastin, thereby improving the absorption of nutrients and skin-building components.
Efficacy of Fillers versus Other Acne Scar Treatments
All over the world, dermal fillers are becoming a popular alternative treatment for patients suffering from acne scars. The newer, non-invasive treatment are a lot less painful and are very efficient.
Take note that the efficacy also depends on the severity of the scars but it doesn’t mean that other procedures, like laser for acne scars, are ineffective as they work just as well, if not better. No matter, research shows that fillers do show more progression and results compared to microneedling and chemical peels.
Before and After Results
The use of dermal fillers have been shown to be very effective with many patients reporting improvement in their scarred skin. Results are shown in the form of gradual improvements in thickness and reduced pigmentation after treatment. The procedure itself takes around 30-45 minutes and results tend to show up within several months of procedure.
Just like any other treatment, a combination of treatments is recommended for best results.
The skin specialist will guide you thoroughly on the process and you’ll begin to see the difference visually, depending on the severity of the scars.
Types of Dermal Fillers for Acne Scars:
Here’s a quick review of the effectiveness of some dermal fillers for acne that you can try:
Bellafill
This filler is the first dermal filler approved by the FDA for the treatment of acne scars. Bellafill contains bovine collagen and PMMA microspheres. The filler acts like a sponge which sits on top of the scar, providing a cushion which helps diminish the appearance of skin texture and smoothness.
Fillers usually show visible results after 3-5 months of procedure, depending on the severity of the scar. In general, results of this filler are visible right away, and they can last for up to 5 years depending on the patient’s tolerance for the filler and treatment duration.
Off-label fillers
Off-label means using a product or medication that is not approved by the FDA or for its intended purpose. However, this does not mean that a dermal filler that is off-label is ineffective or harmful. Instead, these can be considered as the safest and best options for patients with prominent acne scars, as they are not as invasive as other options available on the market.
Some of the off-label fillers include radiesse, juvederm, and sculptra. Each possess its own benefits and effects. To know the type of dermal fillers you’re going to opt for, speak to your dermatologist.
Who is a good candidate for a dermal filler for acne scars?
The decision to use dermal fillers is a very personal one. Some people who are experiencing severe acne scarring can opt for any type of filler, as long as they are committed to the recovery process and treatment. Others may be scared of trying something new, but it doesn’t mean that a non-invasive procedure is not worth the try.
Takeaway
Developments are constantly being made in the field of cosmetic procedures and this is the proof that the way to go is not to ignore what the experts are saying. As with all treatments, there are pros and cons associated with each type of dermal fillers. The key is to talk to your dermatologist and do your research before proceeding with any of the treatments.
