Acne Scar Removal in Singapore – What They Are And How To Get Rid of Them
Acne can be annoying to deal with but if you have acne scarring it can be even more so. Acne scars can cause low self-esteem and make you feel self-conscious about the way you look. This can be hard to deal with but the good news is that there are lots of treatment options for acne scars. From popular home remedies to treatments you can get at your doctor’s office, this article will give you all the necessary information for treatments in Singapore.
But first things first, let’s get into the basics of acne scar and how to treat it.
What types of acne scars are there?
There are several types of acne scars that might require different types of treatment. For some types, for example, it’s best to opt for chemical peels while for others its best to go for lasers. Let’s see more below:
- Ice-pick scars: Tiny, deep and sharp scars. They almost look like a deep dot.
- Boxcar scar: scars with a defined edge
- Rolling scars: scars with a less defined edge
- Hypertrophic scars: scars that bulge through the skin
There are several other types of scars that might disappear over time. Those include macules and skin discoloration. Macules are red spots that appear after a pimple and usually appear less visible on their own. Skin discoloration is a type of pigmentation that appears after acne and it can stay for a long time.
Can I treat it at home?
Acne scars can be stubborn to deal with and in some cases, the ingredients in DYI remedies can cause damage to the skin. That being said, if you don’t feel comfortable going to a professional you can try purchasing products aimed at reducing scarring. We don’t recommend trying any DYI face masks with apple cider vinegar or lemon because these are strong ingredients that can cause more damage than good if not used properly. So, try to get products that have been tested and are safe to use. Keep in mind that over-the-counter products are suitable for mild cases and won’t have much effect on severe acne scars.
Ingredients you can look out for are:
- Retinoid: Retinol is a great ingredient for various skin issues including acne scars and even aging. Retinol speeds up skin cells turn-around and gently exfoliates the skin.
- Salicylic Acid: It’s a type of acid that goes deep into the skin and helps clear the skin from within.
- AHA’s (Alpha hydroxyl acids): These are acids that penetrate the skin and remove dead skin cells.
- Lactic Acid: Similarly to other types of acid, lactic acid also works to remove dead skin cells and thus remove the appearance of scars.
What treatments for acne scarring are available in Singapore?
Singapore is home to great dermatologists and aesthetic clinics, Cambridge Therapeutics being one of them. Of course, keep in mind that it’s possible to find ones that are not as good, so take your time to research and find the best professional for your needs!
But let’s get to the point. What can you get as a treatment for acne scars in Singapore?
There is a great variety of innovative and high-quality treatment options for acne scar removal in Singapore. Just to list a few, those include laser treatments, micro-needling, subcision, and chemical peels. A lot of aesthetic clinics offer dermal fillers as treatment as well.
Laser Treatments
Lasers are one of the most popular ways to treat various types of scars, including acne scars. Lasers work by focusing light on the skin to break the scar tissue while promoting new skin cells’ growth.
It usually takes a couple of sessions to see results and in most cases, the laser can’t remove the scar completely but it significantly reduced the size and appearance of scars. Lasers promote collagen production and skin regeneration.
Different clinics use different lasers, so it’s up to you to research and ask a lot of questions during your consultation. Usually, the procedure takes up around 15-20 minutes and your skin might appear slightly red after. To see proper results, you’d have to wait a couple of days. Following your doctor’s advice, you can repeat the treatments after a couple of months.
The cost for laser treatment in Singapore varies but it’s usually around 400$ per session. Keep in mind that sometimes it takes up to 5 or more sessions to see the desired result.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a treatment using tiny needles inserted into the targeted area to stimulate collagen production. Inserting microneedles into the skin causes damage to the top layer which in turn stimulates collagen production and reduces the appearance of scars.
The procedure will take around 30 minutes and you might get redness and irritation after it. This should disappear with time.
Prices for micro-needling in Singapore are around 800$.
Subcision
Subcision is a treatment reserved for severe acne scarring. During the procedure, your doctor will separate the scar tissue with a needle. This helps with the appearance and remodeling of the scar tissue.
After the procedure, you might get some irritation or bruise but that should get better on its own.
The cost of subcision in Singapore is around 400$.
Chemical peels
Some types of acne scarring are treated better with chemical peels. Chemical peels are solutions that your doctor will put on your skin and then the top layer of skin will peel. This way even deeper acne scars can get treated and appear less and less with time.
After the procedure, your skin might get red for a couple of days.
The cost of chemical peels in Singapore is around 250$.
Dermal Filler
Dermal fillers are a quick way to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Fillers are injected directly into the scar and reduce their size and depth. It can also help break the scar tissue in the way a subcision works.
The cost of dermal fillers in Singapore is around 450$.