Dermal filler treatments are known for their anti-aging and skin rejuvenating benefits to make the skin appear tighter and plumper without the need for plastic surgery. It’s a fast solution offered in a minimally invasive and painless manner. What most people aren’t aware of is that dermal fillers can also be used for acne treatment.
So is dermal filler effective for acne scars? In the same way, as dermal fillers are effective in adding volume to hollow and sagging areas, they can also be used to plump up depressed acne scars. Among the different dermal fillers available, Bellafill is the only FDA-approved dermal filler treatment for acne scarring.
Acne scars cause the rough texture of the skin, leading to pitted and hollowed areas in the treatment site. With dermal fillers for acne scars, the skin’s natural collagen production will be stimulated, smoothening the scarred area and rejuvenating the skin.
In fact, dermal filler treatments were reported in some studies to have improved facial scars by over 50%. The following are the types of acne scars that can be treated with dermal fillers:
The severity of the acne scars is what will determine the best treatment plan for a patient which includes the number of maintenance treatments. It’s also important to thoroughly discuss your medical and allergy history in extensive detail to ensure safety from detrimental allergic reactions.
The contents of the filler injection must also be discussed by your aesthetic provider. If you’re vegan, you may not be comfortable using Bellafill dermal fillers as it contains collagen sourced from cows.
During the treatment session, the fillers that may be injected most likely contain lidocaine which can reduce any pain or mild discomfort experienced during the session. However, a topical numbing cream may be available upon the discretion of the patient undergoing dermal filler treatment. The cosmetic procedure can take approximately 15 minutes to an hour. This depends on the severity, depth, and size of the scarring in the treatment area.
Acne scar dermal filler treatments can be helpful for people who have been conscious about the appearance of their acne scarring. However, there are certain limits to who can have dermal filler acne scar treatments.
Patients aged 21 and above can have dermal facial fillers for acne scars, particularly individuals who will pass the 3 S’s test:
Individuals who are allergic to bovine collagen may want to consider alternative acne scar treatment options. Furthermore, it’s essential to consult with your aesthetic provider. In cases where the scarring is too severe, other alternative procedures such as cosmetic surgery may be a more recommended solution.
This dermal filler is usually used to correct atrophic acne scars on the neck and cheeks ranging from moderate to severe. However, this may also be applicable in the acne scar tissue in the forehead, chin, cheeks, around the mouth, and wherever scarring is possibly noticeable.
There are many kinds of dermal facial fillers that can be used for acne scarring. They differ in longevity, effectiveness, and approved usage. These dermal fillers for acne scar treatment are the following:
Bellafill is a polymethyl methacrylate microspheres with collagen filler, which lasts longer than other dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, and autologous fat transfer. Bellafill is the only FDA-approved dermal filler for acne scar treatment that works by using collagen to provide immediate volume below the atrophic scar.
This may be effective for the acne scar treatment of both men and women of different skin types and skin tones. In this treatment option, the scarring is lifted into the same level of the surrounding skin.
This dermal filler for acne treatment is made up of collagen from cows. However, it doesn’t simply provide collagen, it establishes a PMMA microsphere matrix to support the stimulation of new collagen production.
The collagen may eventually be metabolized by the body, but the PMMA structure remains to support the development of more collagen underneath the skin. This is why Bellafill lasts longer than other dermal facial fillers.
The effects of Bellafill injection are permanent. Although Bellafill is effective and long-lasting, some doctors recommend against it due to the fact that its permanent effects entail that any adverse effect may also be irreversible. If you prefer permanent results, then choosing a qualified and experienced aesthetic provider is essential to ensure the safety of the injectable treatment procedure.
If you’re looking for an option that guarantees more safety, other dermal fillers may be used for off-label use. This means that they are FDA-approved, just not for use in that specific target area. The dermal fillers under this section are usually used as facial fillers for the nasolabial fold.
Although the results of other dermal filler injections are temporary, they are safer for acne scar treatment. Some of the dermal fillers for acne scarring treatment are:
Results are usually visible within a few days of the first treatment. The results usually depend on the expertise of the aesthetic provider. The way the filler is placed in the injection site matters. Additionally, the kind of dermal filler used for the acne scar treatment can also have an effect.
Dermal filler treatments are usually safe, however, if you have allergies then you may want to have a skin test first before proceeding with the treatment. Moreover, allergic reactions to dermal fillers are rare as it’s mostly made up of components that naturally occur in the body.
Additionally, the expected side effects of the treatment include:
The side effects mentioned are expected to last for up to 2 weeks following your treatment session. If adverse effects persist or worsen, it may be best to consult with your aesthetic provider.
In addition, a rare risk of having dermal filler treatment is blood vessel occlusion which occurs when the blood vessel is blocked, which causes the skin to break down. But since dermal fillers are usually placed in the superficial layers of the skin, it’s unlikely to result in this rare side effect.
The aftercare instructions for post-treatment dermal fillers for acne scars are similar to any other dermal filler treatments. Make sure to keep in mind the following if you want to speed up your recovery from dermal filler treatments:
Acne scarring may negatively affect an individual’s self-confidence, so it’s essential to have them treated. Cosmetic surgery methods aren’t the only solution to scarring issues in the face. Over time, dermal filler treatments have proven themselves to be a safer and more effective minimally invasive counterpart of cosmetic surgery in acne scar treatment.
When it comes to effective cosmetic treatments, premium facial fillers, and safe skin care in New Jersey and New York, Ethos Spa is your trusted partner. We also offer acne treatment solutions, laser treatment (e.g, laser hair removal), breast augmentation, lip filler, lip injections, and chemical peel. As always, we strive to provide you with a dermal filler experience that is tailored to meet your cosmetic goals.
Get the results you've always wanted with dermal fillers for acne scars today by booking your first appointment.