Dr. Michele S. Green M.D., FAAD., is a Board-Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist, Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and has been an international leader in cosmetic dermatology for over 25 years. Upper East Side patients and those from the surrounding areas of New York City flock to her practice for a variety of cosmetic dermatology treatments. A graduate from Yale University, with an MD from Mount Sinai Medical School in NYC, Dr. Green treats some of the most discerning, demanding women and men in the world, with issues ranging from premature skin aging to hyperpigmentation, rosacea, acne, skin laxity and sun damage. Haute Beauty discusses with Dr. Green the best ways that filler can be used to treat a variety of types of acne scarring.

Photo Credit: Dr. Michele Green

Female or male, young or old, acne is a condition that can affect almost anyone at any time. For most people, acne is a temporary issue that occurs and can be resolved relatively quickly. Unfortunately for some individuals, an acne outbreak can leave a person with residual scarring. In the past, acne scarring has been difficult to treat and there were few modalities available to correct acne scars, besides invasive plastic surgery. Thanks to the advent of dermal fillers and other cosmetic laser treatments, the acne breakouts which result in acne scarring, can now be safely and effectively treated.

It is critical to consult a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, for acne scar treatment with cosmetic lasers or dermal fillers. Acne scar treatment is a complex process and a combination of different modalities is used to have the best cosmetic results.

How it Works

Treating acne scars with dermal fillers is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure because it is a series of injections with various types of fillers. The results of these cosmetic injections can be appreciated immediately, although some dermal fillers take a few months to see the results. Treating atrophic scars can be done through subcision at the same time as dermal filler injections. By performing these two procedures concurrently with these tethered scars, scar tissue is released, new collagen production is stimulated, and the immediate cosmetic benefit of the dermal filler is realized. Over time, the dermal fillers will cause increased collagen production, and help to heal these depressed scars.

The Types of Dermal Fillers That Can Be Used to Treat Acne Scars

There are several different types of dermal fillers now used to treat acne scars, oftentimes it depends on the type of scar, which can be identified through a consultation.

Juvederm for Acne Scars

Juvederm is a popular dermal filler, which is often used to treat deep acne scars. Juvederm is composed of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance that occurs in the dermal layer of our skin. Through injections of hyaluronic acid, into the acne scars themselves, the depressed areas of collagen loss are replaced and restored. Depending on the depth of the scar, and the amount of collagen loss, Dr. Green will utilize Juvederm Voluma for larger areas of loss to Juvederm Ultra Plus for more discrete acne scarring. This non-invasive cosmetic technique has no recovery time and will leave you refreshed and the appearance of your acne scars improved even after only one treatment.

Restylane for Acne Scars

The Restylane family of products consists of Restylane L, Restylane Lyft, and Restylane Silk. Each different Restylane dermal filler has a specific thickness and can be used to restore lost volume in areas of collagen loss or small depressed atrophic scars. One of the key benefits of injecting Restylane, or other hyaluronic acid fillers into acne scars, is the continued production of new collagen. While providing an immediate improvement, these dermal fillers also provide lasting, long term results. Dr. Green has a unique technique where she undermines the acne scars and injects Restylane during the same treatment. This method maximizes the cosmetic results and new collagen production. Dr. Both Juvederm and Restylane are safe for all skin tones and skin types.

Bellafill for Acne Scars

Bellafill is composed of bovine collagen and combined with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). This FDA dermal filler is composed of 80 percent collagen and 20 percent polymethylmethacrylate. The collagen component provides immediate correction of the acne scars and the polymethylmethacrylate microspheres provide long term correction of acne scars. The chief benefit of Bellafill is its longevity, with results lasting up to five years. However, it is important to note that allergy testing is necessary for this product as the bovine component can cause allergic reactions.

Photo Credit: Dr. Michele Green

Sculptra for Acne Scars

Another unique dermal filler that is able to successfully replace collagen loss in acne scar patients, is Sculptra aesthetics. Sculptra® is an FDA approved dermal filler composed of Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) which helps stimulate your body’s natural collagen production and replace volume loss. Sculptra is especially valuable as a dermal filler in acne scar patients due to both its longevity and ability to replace volume loss in virtually any area of the face. Sculptra also has the added benefit of lasting for over two years after cosmetic correction is achieved. Because Sculptra slowly and naturally produces new collagen, it is the perfect product for those wishing to achieve subtle and gradual changes in a natural way.

Dr. Michele Green is an expert in acne scar treatments, both with lasers, microneedling, and dermal fillers. With over two decades of experience in cosmetic injections, Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, acne and treating acne scarring, it is no wonder that she is consistently voted as a “New York Super Doctor” by the New York Times, and one of the Best Dermatologists in NYC by Castle Connolly and New York Magazine. Dr. Green’s discreet private New York office offers cutting edge treatments to give you the best cosmetic results for all of the latest skin rejuvenating treatments.