Treatment modalities of atrophic acne scars

Abstract

Acne scarring is a prevalent dermatological concern, often resulting from delayed or inadequate treatment of acne vulgaris. These scars can be challenging to manage, frequently leading to patient dissatisfaction due to suboptimal treatment outcomes. Approximately 90% of acne scars are atrophic, characterized by a loss of collagen, while the remaining 10% to 20% are hypertrophic or keloidal, involving excess collagen deposition. Atrophic scars manifest as depressions in the skin due to fibrous tissue contraction. A variety of therapeutic interventions are available for atrophic acne scars, including chemical peels, laser resurfacing, radiofrequency treatments, subcision, microneedling, and soft-tissue augmentation. Microneedling, in particular, offers a balance between efficacy and minimal downtime, making it a favorable option for patients seeking noticeable improvements with limited recovery periods.