Acne & acne scars

When to seek an assessment

People often visit when breakouts are painful, leave marks, keep returning or affect confidence. Scars may be shallow or deep; red or brown marks after acne are not always scars.

A dermatologist can also review acne that starts suddenly, persists into adulthood or has not improved with over-the-counter products.

How we approach the consultation

Dr Mahendra Sonune reviews the pattern and severity of acne, existing marks, skin care, medicines and relevant health history. If scarring is a concern, its type and the activity of current acne matter before any procedure is considered.

A treatment plan begins with controlling active breakouts and reducing the chance of new scars. Procedure suitability is discussed separately after examining the skin.

Care options to discuss

Recommendations depend on the diagnosis, medical history and suitability. Depending on the findings, the discussion may include:

• A skin-care routine and prescription topical treatment may be recommended according to acne type and tolerability.
• For some patients, oral treatment or other medical management is considered after discussing risks, monitoring and follow-up.
• When acne is controlled, selected scar procedures, including dermatology laser options when appropriate, may be discussed. Different scar types respond differently.

Expectations and follow-up

Improvement takes time and plans often need adjustment. Scars may become less noticeable but complete removal cannot be promised. Follow-up checks response, side effects and whether a procedure or maintenance plan is suitable.