More than 90% of teenagers have acne and 1% of the population have acne scars.

Why do they happen? Acne scars are created by the wound healing process that occurs after the acute process of inflammation, follicular rupture, and periphollicular abscess formation.

There are different types of acne scars, 80% of them being atrophic, that is, associated with a net loss of collagen during the remodeling process of the matrix. The rest of the scars are hypertrophic or have keloid formation (see our article “keloids and microneedling”).

 

According to the degree of healing, the following are distinguished:

–Maculae: erythematous hyper or hypopigmented flat spots. They do not have a contour defect but a color problem.

–Mild: scars that are not obvious at social distances of> 50 cm and may be covered by makeup or facial hair.

–Moderate: Moderate scars that are obvious at social distances of> 50 cm and are not covered by makeup or facial hair. The scar can be flattened by manual stretching of the skin.

–Severe: severe scars that are obvious at social distances of> 50 cm and are not covered by makeup or facial hair. The scar does not flatten out with manual skin tightening.

To try to erase or reduce these scars, there are many treatments with their respective adverse effects, the main one being post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is usually more pronounced in darker skin types.

 

Treatment options:

At our clinic, we suggest treating them with microneedling because it leaves the epidermis largely intact. Microneedles are passed through the epidermis and stimulate endogenous collagen production and scar remodeling in the dermis. Of all the treatments, it is the one that presents the lowest risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and allows you to continue with your normal daily life without problems (you will only suffer some redness in the treated area for a maximum of 48 hours).

However, you should know that they can also be treated with:

1. Chemical peel: they are the ones that give the best results with macular scars. It has variable results with ice picks and rolling scars. Its side effects: hyperpigmentation or temporary irritation.

( This treatment is also available in our clinic )

2. Dermabrasion: Completely removes the epidermis up to the papillary or reticular dermis. It is used to treat ice pick and rolling scars. It presents risks of infection and requires general anesthesia. The recovery time and post-treatment inactivity of the patient is significant. Darker skin can discolor and blotchy.

(Treatment NOT available in our clinic)

3. Microdermabrasion: Eliminates the outer layer of the epidermis. It does not treat deep scars and has the advantage of presenting only rare complications.

(Treatment NOT available in our clinic)

4. Fractional laser treatment: The ablative is more effective than the non-ablative. This treatment provides a measurable improvement of 40-80% in the depth of the scar. To do this, the patient must stop taking isoretinoin. In dark skin there is a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, being up to 36% with conventional CO2 laser.

(Treatment NOT available in our clinic )

Prices:

They will depend on the size of the area to be treated

Bérénice Ibarra Ottino

One of the most requested treatments in medicine are those that lead to eliminating imperfections on the skin of the face to show a luminous and healthy-looking skin. However, as we age, fibroblast cells decrease their production of collagen and elastin, making our skin appear less plump, and wrinkles and fine lines begin to appear.

Dermapen (microneedling treatment) is a minimally invasive treatment that regenerates and rejuvenates the skin with natural results.

What is Microneedling?

The microneedling skin prick, or Dermapen, also known as microneedling, is one of the most innovative rejuvenation therapies available today to treat a variety of skin problems.

The Dermapen is a device with cartridges with microneedles (they can be 9, 12-18- 24-36 – 42 needles and Nanos) that penetrate more or less deeply into the epidermis and dermis (depending on the problem to be treated) at large speed (20,000 rpm).

 

How does it work?

Skin puncture with these microneedles creates micro-injuries in the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and the dermis (the inner layer of the skin) that stimulate the release of growth factors, thus initiating the healing process: fibroblasts are stimulated and they begin to produce collagen and elastin that will improve the quality and texture of our skin, giving it a smoother and more luminous appearance.

Ultimately, micro-punctures force the skin to repair itself after having suffered minimal physical damage. When we apply them on a pre-existing lesion (aged tissue, wrinkles, enlarged pores, acne scars, stretch marks, …), they will replace it with their own collagen and recent elastin.

This helps correct and blur wrinkles and fine lines, as well as acne marks, stretch marks, and some surgical or burn scars.

In addition, the microchannels allow the direct penetration of the active principles (growth factors, peptides, hyaluronic acid, …) in the areas to be treated.

 

Where can it be applied?

Dermapen routinely treats the face, neck and décolleté areas for skin rejuvenation, but is not limited to just those areas as it can also treat the abdomen, legs, arms and hands.

 

Why Choose Dermapen Skin Puncture Over Surgical Treatments?

-The Dermapen skin puncture gives you a rejuvenated and smoother skin without pain, with a minimum of discomfort and allows you to continue with your work activity (you will only present a redness and a slight swelling of the skin during the first hours after treatment).

-In this therapy, disposable needles are used that eliminate the risk of cross contamination.

-The depth of the needles is adjustable and this allows a personalized treatment to the needs of the patient. By applying, in addition to the adapted topical medical treatments, the active principles penetrate directly where they are needed, optimizing their action and effectiveness.

– the results are natural, the initial appearance of the face is not altered: it is simply allowed to stay younger and more luminous by stimulating its potential.

 

How long does each session last?

They can last between 30 and 60 minutes depending on several factors: the treatment to be performed and the patient’s skin. It is a personalized treatment so it can vary from one patient to another.

 

What treatments can we do and how often should it be repeated?

It will depend on the type of treatment proposed:

• If it is an INFUSION / “BB GLOW” treatment (where the corneal layer of the epidermis is treated, to give luminosity to the face): the treatment can be repeated every week.
• If we do a “MEDIUM treatment” (where we treat all the layers of the epidermis – without reaching the dermis – and allow, with the opening of microchannels, the greatest infusion of active principles, it improves the texture and tone / color of the skin) : the treatment can be repeated every 15 days.
• If we carry out a deep COLLAGEN INDUCTION treatment (to prevent aging, treat wrinkles, spots, stretch marks, scars… ..): it can only be done once a month. This is the time that the skin needs to finish its natural cycle of collagen production: repeating this treatment ahead of time would interrupt that cycle and would be counterproductive.

 

What are the expected effects?

Facial skin looks firmer and smoother, with a more unified, luminous and hydrated tone.

 

Is it also suitable for men?

For sure!

 

Does it have side effects?

After treatment, the skin shows redness as a result of the inflammation caused by the micro-punctures and that can persist between 12 and 48 hours.

 

Who shouldn’t get this treatment?

– pregnant or lactating women.

-people who are taking aspirin or blood thinners.

-presence of active skin infection (acne)

-Patients with skin tumors.

PRICES:

Treatment INFUSION/ “BB GLOW”	“INTERMEDIATE” Treatment	COLLAGEN INDUCTION	Monthly pack:
Only the corneal layer of the epidermis is treated	All layers of the epidermis are treated – without reaching the dermis. The treatment allows, with the opening of the microchannels, the greatest infusion of active princes	It is a MEDICAL treatment, which treats the dermis Stimulate endogenous collagen production.	1 collagen induction treatment + 2 surface treatments (BB Glow or intermediate)
To give luminosity to the face.	Improves texture and skin tone.	Prevents aging, wrinkles, blemishes, stretch marks and scars.
The treatment can be repeated every week.	The treatment can be repeated every 15 days.	It can only be done once a month.
85 euros / session	85 euros / session	95 euros / session	250 euros / month

 

Advice on how micro needling aftercare

-DO NOT EXPOSE TO THE SUN: After undergoing your microneedling procedure, stay out of the sun and do not apply any sunscreen. After the procedure, the skin channels are completely open and only the products indicated by the doctor should be applied.

-DO NOT USE ANY “ACTIVE INGREDIENTS” SKIN PRODUCTS: After the procedure, avoid any skin care products that have active ingredients. These commonly include things like alpha hydroxyl acids, retinol, and other similar agents. The skin will be very sensitive and these products only irritate it more.

-USE COLLAGEN-STIMULATING PEPTIDES (the doctor will indicate them): As the microneedle serves to stimulate the production of collagen, the skin needs higher amounts of collagen than normal to recover optimally. Collagen-stimulating peptides aid in that process, further assisting in the stimulation of collagen production.

-AVOID THE USE OF MAKE-UP AFTER TREATMENT: During the first 24 hours post-treatment, it is important that you let your skin “rest” and recover. The channels of the skin are open and the use of a makeup brush can penetrate the pores, especially if they are very fine, causing further irritation or can even contaminate the skin and, consequently, cause infections. Wait 24-48 hours before applying face makeup.

-You can USE A COOLING MASK to relieve inflammation or redness of the skin, normal after treatment.

-AVOID SWEATING: As you sweat, the pores on your skin will reopen and bacteria on your skin can penetrate it and cause a reaction or infection.

-DINK WATER: since good hydration (before and after treatment) will help your skin heal faster.

Bérénice Ibarra Ottino

What is a keloid?

Keloids are larger and more pronounced scars than usual, extending beyond the edges of an original wound or incision. They should not be confused with a hypertrophic scar where the tissue remains within the edge of the wound.

Why do they occur?

Their cause is unknown, but they are more common in people with darker pigmentation (especially African-American skin) and can develop after acne blemishes and boils, body perforations, burns, lacerations, and surgical wounds. Therefore, people prone to developing keloids should avoid unnecessary piercings, tattoos, and surgeries.

The presence of infection increases the risk of development, which is believed to result from an alteration in the activity and / or control of fibroblasts (cells responsible for the production of collagen from scars) .It is a complex mechanism in which hormones, genetic factors, and problems with the immune system are involved.

There is also evidence that a family history of keloid plays a role in the development of an individual keloid.

 

What are the symptoms of a keloid?

Keloids can occur anywhere on the body, they tend to be more frequent where there is little underlying fatty tissue (face, neck, ears, chest or shoulders).

It usually begins to develop between three months and up to a year after the original skin damage. So a gummy scar tissue appears beyond the edges of the original damage. It can become tender, painful, itchy, or even give a burning sensation. Over time, the red color changes to brown or turns pale.

Keloid growth over a joint can restrict movement.

What’s the treatment for keloids?

A keloid scar can shrink over time, but it rarely goes away completely. To reduce the occurrence of keloids, a wide variety of treatments can be effective: steroid infiltration, surgery, occlusive dressings, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, laser treatment, interferon treatment, cytotoxic drugs, and microneedles (dermapen).

Of all these modalities, the dermapen is the one that carries the least risk and side effects.

Your doctor will be the most informed on whether it is a valid option for your type of problem, or to propose the most appropriate one.

Bérénice Ibarra Ottino