Acne is a common condition that causes blocked pores, pimples, cysts, and other lesions on the skin. While it is most common in teenagers, acne can affect people of all ages, most often appearing on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. In many cases, acne can lead to acne scars, especially if it is severe.

For many patients, once acne lesions clear up or are removed, they leave behind discolorations and indentations on the skin. Scars may form after acne has healed and cleared, and may vary from person to person. Some people may have small flat scars that are not very noticeable and others may suffer from more visible indented scars on the face or affected area. Acne scarring is most often caused by larger acne lesions, such as cysts or nodules, which can swell and rupture, causing a break in the wall of the individual pore. Infected material from the inflamed lesion can spill out through this break and can affect the nearby healthy tissue, leading to the appearance of a scar.

Acne scars can vary in appearance and texture depending on the type and severity of the original acne lesions. Each type of acne scar may require a different type of treatment or combination of treatments in order to repair the damaged areas of the skin and produce a smooth, clear appearance.

Atrophic Scars

Atrophic Scars develop when there is a loss of tissue. Common types of atrophic scars include ice pick scars and boxcar scars.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are caused when the body produces too much collagen as acne wounds heal, which results in excessive amounts of raised tissue on the skin’s surface. Also known as rolling scars, hypertrophic scars create a wave-like appearance in the skin as a result of bands of tissue that develop deep within the skin and pull the epidermis down in certain spots.

Treatment for acne scars depends on the type and severity of scarring, as well as each patient’s individual skin and amount of correction desired. Treatment options may include:

  • Tissue fillers to fill in depressed scars for a smoother appearance
  • Dermabrasion to remove surface scars or lessen the appearance of deeper scars
  • Laser treatments to remove the skin’s surface layer and produce new skin cells
  • Punch excision surgery to remove indented scars which may include a skin graft
  • Chemical peels to exfoliate discolored scars and stimulate healthy collagen production

For many patients, a combination of treatments may be most effective in improving the appearance of acne scars. Treating acne scars is often a complex process that sometimes involves several different treatments.

Treatments: E-matrix for resurfacing and Juvederm injectable fillers to lift depressed areas

The most effective way to prevent acne scars from developing is to stop the formation of lesions. It is also important for patients to avoid picking or popping active lesions, as this can lead to infection and increase the risk of scarring. Picking at scabs should also be avoided to allow natural healing to occur without interruption. Sun exposure can lead to further skin damage. Therefore, it may delay the healing of scars and lesions. Sun exposure should be avoided as much as possible to maintain the health of the skin.

Some patients are naturally prone to developing scars from acne and won’t be able to prevent these scars from occurring. Fortunately, there are many treatments available to reduce the appearance of acne scars and revitalize the skin.

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Our Location

700 E. Michigan St.
Orlando, FL 32806

Tel: 407.481.2620
Fax: 407.992.7700

Testimonials

I consider Dr. Judge and her staff to be the epitome of Dermatology excellence AND outstanding customer service.

I consider Dr. Judge and her staff to be the epitome of Dermatology excellence AND outstanding customer service. On a surgical level, Dr Judge has treated me for skin cancer on more than one occasion, leaving no indication (scar). Her motto "the sun is not your friend" is one I have learned to practice daily.

F. C.

Central Florida Dermatology Associates
5
2020-08-07T19:48:28+00:00

F. C.

I consider Dr. Judge and her staff to be the epitome of Dermatology excellence AND outstanding customer service. On a surgical level, Dr Judge has treated me for skin cancer on more than one occasion, leaving no indication (scar). Her motto "the sun is not your friend" is one I have learned to practice daily.

I enjoy visiting this office, and the staff is excellent.

I enjoy visiting this office, and the staff is excellent. They respond really fast in time for refills. Thanks for your service.

H. M.

Central Florida Dermatology Associates
5
2020-08-07T19:47:49+00:00

H. M.

I enjoy visiting this office, and the staff is excellent. They respond really fast in time for refills. Thanks for your service.

A great practice run by caring professionals.

A great practice run by caring professionals. Dr. Judge asks questions, and listens to the concerns of patients. Highly recommended.

Matt Owen

Central Florida Dermatology Associates
5
2020-08-07T19:46:47+00:00

Matt Owen

A great practice run by caring professionals. Dr. Judge asks questions, and listens to the concerns of patients. Highly recommended.

Love love coming here!

Love love coming here! Staff is super nice. Dr. Judge is so knowledgeable and awesome at what she does. She cares about all her clients! The Balance spa is great as well! Monique is super sweet and knowledgeable. I highly recommend the hydrafacial! Thankful I found this wonderful place!

Liz Mole

Central Florida Dermatology Associates
5
2020-08-07T19:47:13+00:00

Liz Mole

Love love coming here! Staff is super nice. Dr. Judge is so knowledgeable and awesome at what she does. She cares about all her clients! The Balance spa is great as well! Monique is super sweet and knowledgeable. I highly recommend the hydrafacial! Thankful I found this wonderful place!
5
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Central Florida Dermatology Associates

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