For depressed scars: Both makeup artists we spoke with recommend using a filling primer to help fill in pitted, atrophic scars (often the result of deeper acne blemishes). “These are thicker and can actually fill up the hole,” says Adivi.
Soft tissue fillers.
Injecting collagen, fat or other substances under the skin can plump the skin over indented scars. The goal is to make the scars less noticeable. Results are temporary, so repeat treatments are needed to retain the effect. This method has little risk of changes in skin color.
While some scars may undergo some level of fading, atrophic scars are particularly stubborn and don't resolve over time.
Available scar treatments include fractional ablative laser treatments, intense pulsed light (IPL), subcision (loosening the scar tissue under the skin that is pulling it inward), dermal filler, microneedling, and injections of medications.
The filler of choice for filling indented scars is generally a biostimulator to lay down a new layer of fresh collagenous tissue that will continue stimulating your body to create new collagen. Radiesse® and Sculptra® are examples of fillers used to treat acne and other depressed scars.
The scar area will require a layering method of application. So using a small concealer brush for precise application, dab the concealer over the scar until the color matches the rest of your skin tone. This may take a couple of layers. Keep the layers thin, and use a very delicate dabbing motion.
And vitamin C is a key player when it comes to creating collagen. Even though collagen and wounds are usually discussed in the context of repairing fresh injuries, since collagen helps make healthy tissue, it can impact older scars as well and improve their appearance.
Retinol is also found in many acne scar treatment products because it promotes new skin cell growth and helps even out skin texture and skin tone — all of which can help reduce the appearance of newer, red acne scars and older scars.
For best results, you should perform scar massage for at least 10 minutes, twice a day, for six months. You should only stop sooner than that if the scar starts showing signs of infection or you experience intolerable discomfort.
Atrophic scars rarely go away completely, but with the help of a dermatology provider, you may be able to successfully reduce their appearance. While some at-home treatments may be marginally effective, to truly address these scars, you'll need in-office treatment from a dermatology provider.
Atrophic depressed facial scars can be effectively treated with hyaluronic acid fillers with esthetically satisfactory clinical outcome with a low risk or complications.
Depressed (atrophic): These sunken scars often result from chickenpox or acne. They look like rounded pits or small indentations in the skin. Also called ice pick scars, they develop most often on the face. Acne scars may become more noticeable as you age because the skin loses collagen and elasticity over time.
Skin purging can show itself as red bumps, whiteheads and blackheads on the face. In addition, it causes dead skin cells to surface, which results in flakiness and dryness. These signs can also indicate your skin is getting accustomed to a product.
Silicone strips can be particularly effective for surgical scars as they can be cut to size to fit the scar area. Atrophic Scars: These are indented scars that form when underlying structures supporting the skin, such as fat or muscle, are lost.
While Bellafill is the only FDA approved injectable filler for the long-term correction of acne scars, other fillers such as Juvederm, Radiesse, Belotereo, Retylane or Sculptra may be used. These typically will need to be injected every few months to maintain their effect.
Whether they're from childhood accidents, surgery or illness, some scars will fade over time but it's unlikely they'll completely disappear by themselves. If you're looking to reduce their appearance, you'll need to look into scar treatment. Keloids and sunken acne scars are least likely to fade.