Everything to Know About Fillers for Acne Scars
Sometimes acne scars remain on the face even after the acne itself has disappeared, which often leads to feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness.
Here is some good news for you: those acne scars are treatable. Several forms of acne scars can be successfully treated and removed with fillers, among other therapies. When it comes to treating acne scars without requiring downtime, dermal fillers are a safe and increasingly popular treatment.
In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about fillers for acne scars.
Acne Scar Filler Explained
Dermal fillers for acne scarring are injectable treatments used to reduce the appearance of acne-related scars. Materials such as hyaluronic acid, polymethylmethacrylate, calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid are commonly used to make these fillers. Their main purpose is to even out the texture of the surrounding skin by elevating atrophic scars to the same level.
By adding volume and plumpness to the skin underlying the scarred area, these dermal fillers make depressions and indentations less noticeable instantly.
Depending on the type of filler used and the patient, the effects might last anywhere from a few months to several years. Certain fillers offer more semi-permanent solutions, while others require repeated treatments to maintain the desired result.
Treatment types
How Do Fillers for Acne Scars Work?
There are different filler types, and these fillers work in different ways. Below are the popular fillers and how they work.
01 · Instant volume
Hyaluronic Acid
These acne scar filler injections instantly plump up the skin and elevate and smooth areas that have been depressed after being injected. However, the results from HA fillers do not last very long, meaning you will need to repeat the treatment every few months to ensure scars remain hidden.
02 · Collagen stimulation
Poly-Lactic Acid
This filler, also known as Sculptra, differs from other fillers in that it takes time to start working. Instead, it encourages your body to synthesize collagen, which over time helps to minimize the appearance of acne scars.
03 · Long-lasting correction
Bellafill
Compared to other fillers, Bellafill ensures the skin remains smoother and clearer for a long time, typically over one year. Indented scars become less obvious because Bellafill’s collagen gives the skin volume and lifts it. The PMMA microspheres it contains stay in the body until total collagen reabsorption.
04 · Fat grafting
Autologous Fat Transfer
This treatment option involves extracting fat from another part of your body for transfer to the face. Establishing a blood supply is necessary for the fat to survive in its new environment; usually, about half of the fat does this. Consequently, it can remain permanently on the face.
Cost of Acne Fillers
The cost of a dermal filler syringe varies depending on the brand. A 1 to 1.5 ml syringe of dermal filler can cost as much as $2,500, but the average cost is $684, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is among the most widely used dermal fillers globally. This kind of dermal filler costs between $684 and $1,000 per syringe. Juvederm can cost between $500 and $750 and lasts for nine to twelve months. Restylane can cost between $600 and $800 and lasts for six to nine months. However, you can consider other cheaper and effective options like Replengen Fine.
Bellafill
Compared to hyaluronic acid, Bellafill offers a more distinct component. Bellafill for acne scars can last up to a year and costs roughly $1,800 per syringe.
Sculptra
Another brand of dermal filler for scars on the face is called Sculptra. It has poly-L-lactic acid as its active ingredient. At $878, Sculptra offers a two-year lifespan.
Autologous Fat Transfer
Your body fat is extracted and used as filler in this permanent cosmetic procedure to improve acne scars. Fat grafting is not as reliable as other methods of dermal filler. The cost of fat grafting or injections, which can have lasting effects, possibly even permanent ones, is about $2,500.
Choosing a product
Best Filler for Indented Scars
The deep scar fillers that can add volume and encourage the skin’s synthesis of collagen work best for indented scars, especially those caused by atrophic acne scars.
Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are commonly used and safe, while offering instant volumizing effects.
Fillers like Radiesse and Sculptra contain bio-stimulatory materials. These dermal fillers offer a longer-lasting remedy as they produce results right away and also aid in the body’s natural production of collagen over time.
The only FDA-approved permanent filler for acne scars is Bellafill, which raises the scars to the same level as the surrounding skin by injecting volume beneath them.
Conclusion
While acne itself does not last long on the face, the scars often stand the test of time, affecting facial appearance. Dermal fillers like the ones discussed in this article help eliminate these scars by adding volume to the affected areas. Their effects range from transient to permanent. Before committing to a dermal filler type, it is best to consult a certified dermatologist.
