Tiếng ViệtAcanthosis nigricans are one of the most common types of pitted scars, often causing the skin to lose its smoothness and reducing self-confidence in daily interactions. Unlike shallow scars, acanthosis nigricans have a deep base and a pointed shape, making them difficult to treat without the right methods. Join HBIO Clinic to learn about acanthosis nigricans, their causes, and effective treatments to help your skin recover its smoothness and radiance.
The main causes of pitted scars
Ice pick scars primarily form when the skin is severely damaged and deeply inflamed, causing the collagen-elastin structure to break down and become unable to regenerate completely. Some common causes include:
Severe inflammatory acne, especially cystic acne: When inflammation penetrates deep into the dermis, the skin tissue is severely damaged. If the healing process is incomplete, the lost tissue will form a deep, pointed depression.
Incorrect acne squeezing habits: Squeezing acne with hands, unsterilized tools, or squeezing while the acne is still inflamed causes deeper damage to the acne root, “tearing” the skin tissue and leaving ice pick scars.
Prolonged skin inflammation or infection: Deep skin inflammation that is not treated promptly will destroy the skin structure, increasing the risk of ice pick scars.
Poor skin recovery, collagen deficiency: Some people have weak skin, poor regeneration ability, or a deficiency of natural collagen. When acne is inflamed, the skin is unable to adequately fill in the lost tissue, leading to the formation of deep scars.
Incorrect skincare during the damaged skin phase: Using overly harsh products, excessive exfoliation, scrubbing the inflamed acne area… also causes deeper skin damage and leads to pitted scars.
5 popular methods for treating keloid scars recommended by dermatologists
When researching how to treat keloid scars, most doctors assert that there is no single method that “cures 100% in one go,” but rather a combination of different techniques is usually required to break down the scar tissue, stimulate collagen production, and regenerate the skin. Below are 5 of the most effective keloid scar treatments currently available, along with their advantages, disadvantages, and costs.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use organic acids such as AHA, BHA, or TCA to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. When the old keratin layer is removed, the regeneration of new skin is stimulated, helping to reduce dark spots, improve the appearance of mild acne scars, and make the skin brighter and smoother. This is a minimally invasive method, suitable for those with newly appearing pitted scars or mild to moderate acne scars.
However, to achieve noticeable results, patients need to adhere to a multi-session treatment plan and combine it with proper skincare. In addition, chemical peels help the skin absorb nutrients better, optimizing the skin’s recovery process.
- Advantages: Minimally invasive, reasonable cost, safe for sensitive skin.
- Disadvantages: Slow results for deep scars, requires multiple treatment sessions.
- Estimated cost: 500,000 – 1,500,000 VND/session.
2. Microneedling and dermarolling – Stimulating skin regeneration
Microneedling and dermaroller are mechanical methods that create micro-injuries on the skin to stimulate the skin’s natural healing mechanism and collagen production, thereby naturally filling in pitted scars.
Microneedling: Specialized needles penetrate deep into the dermis, directly targeting deep pitted scars, stimulating skin tissue regeneration and improving the structure of long-standing scars. This method is suitable for medium to deep pitted scars, resulting in smoother skin after a few treatments. However, microneedling may cause mild redness and swelling for a few days, requiring careful post-treatment care.
Dermaroller: Smaller needles only affect the epidermis, making it less invasive than microneedling, suitable for mild to moderate pitted scars. Dermaroller allows the skin to absorb nutrients better, promoting regeneration with virtually no pain. The improvement in pitted scars is slower than microneedling, but the recovery time is faster and suitable for busy individuals.
Estimated costs:
- Microneedling: 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 VND/session
- Microdermabrasion: 800,000 – 1,500,000 VND/session
3. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a technique that uses diamond or crystal tips to exfoliate, removing dead skin cells and stimulating collagen and elastin production. This method helps smooth shallow acne scars, improve skin tone, and texture.
Regular microdermabrasion also helps the skin absorb nutrients more effectively and supports natural regeneration.
- Advantages: Minimally invasive, reduces shallow scars, brightens and smooths skin.
- Disadvantages: Slow results for deep scars, requires multiple treatment sessions.
- Estimated cost: 500,000 – 1,200,000 VND/session
4. Filler Injections – Instantly Fill in Acne Scars
Injecting biocompatible fillers such as HA, collagen, or autologous fat is a quick way to fill in pitted scars. Fillers fill in the scar depressions, resulting in an immediate smooth skin surface. This is a suitable solution for those who need a quick improvement in appearance, especially before important events.
- Advantages: Immediate results, quickly smooths the skin surface.
- Disadvantages: Short-term effect, requires repeat injections every few months.
- Estimated cost: 3,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND/injection.
5. Fractional CO2 Laser – Advanced Skin Rejuvenation Technology
Fractional CO2 laser directly targets the dermis, creating micro-injuries to stimulate the natural collagen regeneration mechanism. Over time, pointed scars are gradually filled in, resulting in a smoother skin surface and more even skin tone.
Invasive Fractional Laser: This method is more intensive and suitable for deep and long-standing pointed scars, showing noticeable improvement after just a few sessions. However, it requires several days to weeks of recovery and is more expensive than other methods.
Non-invasive Laser: This method is gentler, causes less damage, and has a faster recovery time, making it suitable for busy clients. It requires more treatments to achieve results comparable to invasive laser, but still provides significant improvement in skin surface and reduction of pointed scars.
Estimated costs:
- Invasive Fractional Laser: 4,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND/session
- Non-invasive Fractional Laser: 2,500,000 – 5,000,000 VND/session
Reasons why you should get keloid scar treatment at Hbio Clinic Spa
Hbio Clinic Spa is one of the leading reputable addresses for treating pitted scars, including ice-pick scars. With in-depth expertise in dermatology, Hbio develops personalized treatment plans based on skin analysis and scar type analysis for each client.
A team of highly qualified and experienced dermatologists
HBIO Clinic boasts a team of dermatologists with many years of experience in treating various types of scars, especially keloid scars and old scars. The doctors here not only understand skin structure but also master modern techniques, ensuring safe treatment, minimizing risks, and delivering optimal results for each patient.
Personalized treatment plan
Each person has a different skin type and scar type, so Hbio Clinic designs a personalized treatment plan for each client. Doctors will carefully assess the scar depth, scar type, and current skin condition, then combine appropriate methods to maximize treatment effectiveness. Personalizing the treatment plan helps shorten recovery time and improve skin improvement.
Modern, tested technology
HBIO Clinic utilizes high-tech equipment for treating acne scars, including Fractional laser, stem cell microneedling, derma roller, PRP… All are tested for safety and effectiveness, stimulating collagen regeneration, filling in scar tissue, and significantly improving skin surface.
Modern technology also minimizes pain, swelling, and downtime.
Professional post-treatment care
Beyond focusing on in-clinic treatments, Hbio Clinic also provides detailed guidance on at-home skincare and closely monitors the recovery process. This ensures optimal skin regeneration, reduces the risk of infection, and helps maintain long-lasting treatment results.
Cost of treating keloid scars at HBIO Clinic
The cost of treating pitted scars and keloid scars at Hbio Clinic typically ranges from 7,000,000 to 15,000,000 VND, depending on the severity of the scars, skin condition, and the technology prescribed by the doctor.
For shallow scars, clients can start with milder methods such as chemical peels, microneedling, or microdermabrasion – these are less expensive and have a faster recovery time.
Meanwhile, deep, long-standing keloid scars require more advanced technologies such as Fractional CO2 Laser, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) for skin regeneration, or filler injections to fill the scars. Each method has its own price and is personalized based on individual skin conditions.
Typically, clients need 3-6 treatment sessions, or more for severe scars, to achieve optimal filling results. The specific treatment plan will be discussed and advised by a dermatologist at Hbio Clinic to ensure the best results and a cost that suits each client’s needs.
Keloid scars, while difficult to treat, are not an insurmountable problem. Choosing the right treatment method, combined with proper skincare, will help improve skin surface, fill in scars, and restore confidence. If you are experiencing keloid scars, do not hesitate to consult highly qualified dermatologists for personalized treatment plans that ensure long-term effectiveness and safety.
Dr. Thai Nguyen – Founder and Medical Director of HBIO Clinic. As an expert in aesthetic dermatology, she regularly shares in-depth knowledge and practical experience to provide valuable and insightful information for those seeking better skin health.