Everything You Need to Know About Fillers for Treating Acne Scars

Filler for Acne Scars: Everything to Know About the Minimally Invasive Treatment

An acne scar is like the guest who you never invited to your party, but shows up anyway. After a pimple heals, your skin doesn’t always bounce back to how it looked before, and instead you end up with a mark that’s red, raised, pitted, or even discolored. “It happens when your skin tries to repair itself, but doesn’t quite do it perfectly,” says double-board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon Saami Khalifian, MD. If you’ve ever wondered if there’s anything you can do, we have good news: Increasingly, people are turning to dermal fillers for acne scars, using the injectable solution to fill depressions and grooves after a pimple heals.

Trying to wave goodbye to stubborn marks? Ahead, learn all you need to know about fillers for acne scars, complete with insights from dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

Meet the Experts

Ruth McTighe, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Waccamaw Dermatology in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.

Saami Khalifian, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon at Som Aesthetics.

Steven Dayan, MD, is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon at Impressions Chicago: Face + Body.

Why Choose Fillers for Acne Scars?

Dermal fillers are a helpful way to correct scars that appear after a breakout. With some dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid, you might even see results right away. “Using filler is a one of several ways to restore form and function to acne-scarred skin,” Khalifian says. “It is important to note, however, that using filler for acne scars does represent an advanced treatment technique and is considered an off-label use of these products.”

If you’re feeling frustrated or self-conscious about your acne scars, fillers are a treatment option to consider. But you’ll want to keep in mind that fillers only work on certain types of acne scars: “Fillers can be used for acne scars that have left a depression or pit in the skin,” Khalifian says.

What Fillers Are Available to Treat Acne Scars?

Bellafill

Bellafill is a type of dermal filler that’s FDA-approved for the long-term treatment of moderate or severe atrophic acne scars, which are indented scars.1 Bellafill fillers are only available to people over the age of 21. They’re made from bovine collagen, which is sourced from cows, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) beads.2 This type of filler works by supporting and adding volume to the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, are fast-acting acne scar treatments. These work by temporarily increasing volume and stimulating collagen production to improve depressed acne scars, says board-certified dermatologist Ruth McTighe. “The treatment is fairly painless when used with topical numbing agents, and you can walk out of the clinic with results the same day,” Khalifian says.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra)

Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) works gradually (meaning you won’t see results instantly) to improve the appearance of acne scars by stimulating collagen production, McTighe explains.

Radiesse

Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite-based filler that immediately enhances the volume of skin and promotes collagen production over time, McTighe tells us. Research shows that it’s effective for the treatment of depressed acne scars. “When Radiesse is diluted to specific ratios, it can provide a more immediate result than Sculptra, since it gives an immediate lift as well as collagen and elastin stimulation long term,” Khalifian says.

The Cost

Acne fillers vary in price, but they often range from $600 to $1200 per syringe of filler. “The number of syringes and treatment sessions needed depends on the individual and the quantity of scars,” McTighe says. “Most fillers are temporary, lasting from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler, the treatment area, and how quickly the individual’s body breaks it down.”

The Procedure

Before getting any fillers injected into your skin, you’ll have a consultation with a healthcare provider experienced in dermal filler injections, such as a dermatologist. “Because this is not an “on-label” use for fillers, it may be harder to find a provider who is comfortable with the treatment,” Khalifian says. “Furthermore, the techniques employed for acne scars are more nuanced than a standard injection technique, and therefore should be performed by providers with experience in using these products specifically to treat acne scars.” At your consultation, your doctor will assess your acne scars, and you can ask questions about dermal filler costs, what to expect, risks, potential outcomes, and alternative treatment options.

Next, it’s time for the filler. “The treatment area will be cleansed, and typically, a topical numbing cream will be applied,” McTighe explains. “The filler is then injected into the acne scars using a small needle or cannula. Appointments generally last 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the provider.”

Side Effects and Risks

You might experience redness, bruising, or swelling after the procedure, but these side effects tend to be minimal. It’s important to follow any instructions your doctor provides regarding aftercare. “The injection of filler is typically well-tolerated, but as with any procedure, there are potential risks,” McTighe says. “These include injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, bruising, pain, bumps, bluish discoloration of the skin, infection, and hypersensitivity.”

It’s also important to see an experienced healthcare practitioner who can assess your skin and come up with the best approach for you. “While fillers are generally safe with few risks, selecting an experienced practitioner is crucial,” says double-board-certified plastic surgeon Steven Dayan. Be sure to let your provider know if you have any allergies or sensitivities, and contact them for advice if any signs of a bad reaction pop up.

Alternatives

While fillers can be a helpful way to treat acne scars, they aren’t your only option. Below are a few alternatives that your provider may consider, depending on your budget, concerns, and the severity of the scars.

Microneedling

Microdermabrasion

Chemical peels

Laser resurfacing

Fat transplant

Surgical options like subcision

Sometimes, your provider will take a combination approach, using two or more treatment methods to improve results, based on your individual needs. “For those looking for more significant results, a combination of treatments is often recommended,” Dayan says. “Laser resurfacing and dermabrasion, coupled with fat transfer, are highlighted as effective methods for achieving more substantial improvements in skin texture.”

The Final Takeaway

If you’re looking for a minimally invasive acne scar treatment, dermal fillers are a solid option. Dermal fillers aren’t FDA-approved for all types of acne scars, but they’re often prescribed off-label to treat depressed scars. With some types of fillers, like hyaluronic acid, people see results right away, while others take time to work. As with any treatment, it’s important to see a qualified specialist to learn more about this treatment approach and find out if it’s a good option for you.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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