Ice pick scars are caused by an inflammatory breakout, such as a deep papule or cyst, that has damaged the skin's structures. They are most common on the cheeks. These scars extend—sometimes by a few millimeters—into the second layer of the skin (the dermis).
Skin and the tissue beneath it are damaged by outbreaks of acne because the breakouts penetrate the skin deeply. Your body tries to repair the damage by producing collagen. When too little collagen is produced, ice pick scars develop and leave behind noticeable pits or depressions in the skin.
Ice-pick scars are a common type of scarring that can occur as a result of the acne healing process. They appear as small, sharp indentations that are wider at the skin's surface and narrow into a point as they reach down into the skin.
Laser skin resurfacing is one of the most common resurfacing techniques that dermatologists use to treat ice pick scars. The procedure involves using monochromatic light to deliver thermal energy to the scar, which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.
Treatment options for Ice Pick scars include punch excision and this can be an option with a broad price range, as you might pay between $500 and $1000 per individual scar.
Although results can be seen immediately with Juvéderm, most people see their most impressive results three to five days after injection, as swelling and bruising disappear. Juvederm is most effective on depressed acne scars, especially ice pick scars.
If you are looking for an affordable and save concealment solution, Dermaflage is a topical filler that can conceal ice pick scars.
Retinol: Your best bet, according to Dr. Maiman, is to choose active ingredients known to stimulate collagen production, like retinol, to reverse the collagen deficiency that creates the appearance of those scars.
The pitted scars are particularly troublesome. Not only can they require a variety of treatments, but they can also take quite a while to fade. And, in some cases, they'll never disappear completely.
“Chemical peels, micro-needling radiofrequency and intradermal radiofrequency, fractional minimally ablative CO2 laser and dermal fillers are some of the recommended treatments for long-term reduction of acne scars,” she adds.
For acne scarring, the most commonly recommended chemical peeling agent is glycolic acid. This has been proven to provide optimal results when used to treat atrophic acne scarring, reducing the differences in profile between the scarred area and the surrounding tissue.
Deeper scars like an ice pick and boxcar scars, for example, cannot be treated with microdermabrasion, as they penetrate below the epidermis and cannot be reached with this surface-level procedure.
So, does microneedling help with ice pick scars? In general, the answer is yes – microneedling may be an effective treatment for ice pick scars. In fact, in a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, microneedling was found to be more effective than pulsed laser therapy for the treatment of ice pick scars.
“In general, ablative lasers such as the Erbium or CO2 are the most effective for indented scars.
Pockmarks, which are also called pick marks or acne scars, are blemishes with a concave shape that can look like holes or indentations in the skin. They occur when the deeper layers of the skin become damaged. As these deeper layers heal, extra collagen is produced.
A lack of collagen can lead to atrophic scarring, those indented scars left behind after acne. Supplementing your body with high-quality marine collagen will help it to work at repairing the skin from the inside, minimising the appearance of depressed scars for a smoother complexion.
In general, most acne scars will not go away by themselves or even with at-home treatments with chemical exfoliants like lactic or glycolic acid. For true acne scar removal, you will need acne scars treatments to achieve even-toned skin with a smooth texture.
Answer: Retin A does not make old acne scars worse
Retin A can actually help improve the appearance of acne scars, although it works much better on new scars than on old.
It's natural to wonder, “Do indented scars fill in over time?” Unfortunately, these scars won't disappear on their own. Atrophic scars rarely go away completely, but with the help of a dermatology provider, you may be able to successfully reduce their appearance.
Salicylic acid can help treat all scar types. However, people with sensitive skin should do a patch test on a small area of skin before using it on their entire face, as it may cause dryness or irritation.
Vitamin C is another powerful ingredient. Not only will it brighten and even skin tone, but research has suggested that it can also work to increase collagen synthesis. This increase will help rejuvenate skin and repair any damage, especially in areas where you experience dented or pitted scars.