With up to 50 million Americans battling acne each year, acne is the most common skin condition. One out of every 5 of people who struggle with acne will also develop acne scars, leading to a permanent uneven complexion even after active acne has subsided.
Despite the fact that the majority of us will experience acne in our lifetime, it’s still clear that nobody wants acne. Active breakouts can knock your confidence at any age and acne scars can be especially difficult to cover up even with makeup.
Longing to clear your uneven skin and achieve picture perfect skin that lasts? Here’s everything you need to know about The Trifecta, a 3-in-1 acne scar treatment in Sterling Heights, from the skin specialists at Troy Laser Center.
The leading causes of acne
Anyone of any age, background, and lifestyle can experience acne for a range of internal and external reasons, from your skincare routine to hormonal changes. While every patient is unique, the most common root causes of acne include:
- Stress
- Genetic predispositions
- Hormonal changes/imbalances (including pregnancy and menstrual cycles)
- Dietary changes
- Some medications
- Oil-based beauty formulas
- Improper skincare
Types of acne
Acne forms as a result of over productive sebum glands, which traps dead skin cells and bacteria within your pores. This clogging creates a “bulge” that can appear as a blackhead, whitehead, pustule, or cyst.
Cystic acne is especially common among teenagers, although patients of all ages can experience it. This type of acne is more severe and can result in pain due to extreme inflammation. Despite the temptation, you should never pick at or pop pimples. Not only are your hands and skin likely unsanitized, but you can also push the pus and bacteria further into the dermis leading to further breakouts.
What are acne scars?
Upon a pimple forming, the skin is raised and stretched to accommodate the pus as it attempts to escape the surface. This inflammation takes place on the walls of your pores, however larger amounts can expel into surrounding pores leading to a longer healing time.
Another reason you shouldn’t pick at breakouts is that you put yourself at risk for developing lasting scars. Studies show that 33% of people with acne develop acne scars as a result, and these scars (like any) can’t fully go away on their own. Hence where an acne scar treatment in Sterling Heights that rebuilds your skin’s build-up comes in!
So, what does acne scarring reduction do exactly? As acne heals, your collagen levels react accordingly and become under or overactive. While acne scars do appear to different extents, customizing the levels of internal and external treatments through altering collagen production, boosting new skin production, and killing off bacteria is the key to smoothing out your complexion. If you’ve started to notice any lasting acne scars, don’t wait! Getting started now will reduce the lasting effects, saving you time and money in the long run.
Meet the Trifecta
Looking for the fast-track solution to breakouts? Look no further than the Trifecta! This unique acne scar treatment in Sterling Heights combines 3 treatments into 1 to address acne-causing bacteria at the source and rebuild acne scar tissue for a clearer and healthier complexion.
These technologies are used synergistically to minimize the treatment time and maximize your comfort! The average session duration is 1.5 to 2 hours, not including the application of topical numbing anesthetics 1 hour prior to mitigate any associated pain. Here’s a look at the 3 steps of the Trifecta treatment.
Deka Tetra Laser
Deka Tetra is a high peak short pulse energy laser that offers skin resurfacing with a fraction of the discomfort and downtime. This fully ablative laser simultaneously targets the epidermis and superficial dermis to reduce new and old scars at every level.
This treatment is highly customizable, featuring a range of settings and wavelength patterns to target each specific concern exclusively. This revolutionary form of laser skin resurfacing targets textual problems of all sorts, from deep set wrinkles to surface-level pores, and encourages smooth, glowing skin to help you look younger!
CO2 CoolPeel
During your acne scar treatment in Sterling Heights, we use the same Deka Tetra laser technology to perform a CO2 CoolPeel. By eliminating excess heat, this skin resurfacing treatment offers the benefits you love from CO2 facials without the not-so-pleasant recovery!
CO2 lasers harness the powers of carbon dioxide to remove superficial layers of skin that are damaged. The streamlined short pulse energy inflicts controlled micro-wounds on the dermis, at superficial and deep levels, reducing the appearance of fine lines, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars to encourage new skin cell growth.
Morpheus 8 Microneedling with RF
The final component of our Trifecta acne scar treatment in Sterling Heights consists of Morpheus 8 RF Microneedling. By combining radiofrequency energy with the powers of traditional microneedling, we broaden the treatable conditions, including sagging skin, acne scars, enlarged pores, and wrinkles.
This treatment also creates targeted micro-wounds to stimulate new skin growth, while radiofrequency penetrates up to 4,000 microns to stimulate collagen and kickstart your body’s natural healing process.
What to expect after your acne scar treatment in Sterling Heights
Immediately after treatment, our providers will provide more in-depth aftercare instructions, including:
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the treatment area to reduce swelling and redness
- Sleep face-up with your head elevated to minimize discomfort and swelling
- Do not scrub the treatment area or use exfoliants for 1 week (only use a gentle cleanser and lotion approved by your provider)
- Avoid direct UV exposure and wear SPF and protective clothing for 2 weeks
- Hold off on wearing makeup until your skin has fully healed or as directed by your provider
Contact Tri-County immediately if you are experiencing any abnormal healing or severe discomfort.
You may experience minor swelling and redness for 2-5 days after your Trifecta treatment. Your skin may also feel more rough and sandpaper-like for up to a week, but it is important to avoid picking at any scabbing or dead skin and allow your dermis to heal on its own.
You can start to see results in as little as one week and your complexion will continue to improve until peaking at 6 months when your collagen production has built up! While there’s no follow-up appointment required, our providers typically recommend scheduling 3 total treatment sessions, each spaced 4 weeks apart to maximize your results depending on the severity of your skin conditions, your goals, and your budget.
The importance of personalized acne scar treatment in Sterling Heights
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits all solution to acne. Working your way through aisles of drugstore skincare and hoping for the best likely won’t work out in your favor, now or in the long run (not to mention wasting your money). Many drugstore skincare products are found to contain harmful chemicals, fragrances, and comedogenic (pore-clogging) additives that can lead to the worsening of acne and your general skin quality, as they haven’t been meticulously tested.
Working with experienced skin specialists not only grants you access to medical-grade skincare and customized aesthetic treatments, but also gives you a helping hand throughout your skin journey! While topical products and some medications can reduce the appearance of current breakouts and scars, ablative treatments streamline healing and are more effective for deeper issues.
No matter what kind of acne or other skin condition you’re struggling with, our providers can help you create a one-of-a-kind treatment plan to suit your needs. Our office is proud to offer a new patient favorite: the Hollywood Spectra Laser Peel. This unique facial combines the natural benefits of a carbon mask with advanced collagen-stimulating laser technology to serve as an anti-aging laser treatment and melasma treatment in Sterling Heights!
Our patients’ other favorite acne scar treatments in Sterling Heights include:
- FrozenC Cryofacial (Cryotherapy)
- Photofacial with Lumecca IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
- Chemical peels
Ready to transform your skin? Visit Troy Laser Center for the leading acne scar treatment in Sterling Heights!
Tri-County Medical Clinic’s experienced and compassionate team of medical providers is dedicated to helping you thrive in your own skin. No matter your starting point or end goal, we’ll work with you to create your personalized treatment plan, including maintenance to optimize your results!
Why wait? Our Trifecta acne scar treatment in Sterling Heights can perfect your skin like no other. Not sure if you’re a candidate? Contact us today to schedule your appointment! We’ll take the time to analyze your skin and work with you to decide what’s best, providing educational resources and emotional support every step of the way. For instant treatment recommendations based on your aesthetic goals, don’t forget to try our convenient online assessment tool.
Our multi-faceted medical practice focuses on providing patients of the greater Troy area the proper resources to make the best decision for your situation. From children to geriatric patients, our team of board-certified professionals are here to not only provide unmatched results, but an experience to match.
We can’t wait to help you live more confidently!