• HOME
  • ACNE SCAR
  • ACNE SCAR

ACNE SCAR

Causes of Acne Scar

Causes of Acne Scar

The severity of acne / pimple scarring is multifactorial. It is caused by a combination of factors such as skin type, genetics, hygiene, and stress. There are many commercial treatments and do-it-yourself articles claiming to help solve acne problems and subsequent scarring but none of these seem to actually work. The most common cause of scarring is still self-pimple-popping which causes further infection and inflammation making the problem worse.

Inflamed pimples with or without pus (pustules) are more likely to become acne scars, while comedones or black heads on the other hand, tend to leave less scarring. Acne scars are divided into different types: hypertrophic or raised, keloids, craters, and hyper pigmented or red/dark brown scars. In particular, hypertrophic and keloid scars are often quite difficult to treat and remove and many people suffer from this problem.

Types of Acne Scars

Crater (Indented) Scars
After resolution of cystic acne (highly inflamed pimples often with pustules/pus), crater-like indentations / scars are formed. Since the scarring involves the deep dermis layer of the skin, natural healing is often difficult. We do treatments to stimulate the collagen remodeling of the skin to decrease crater scars and enhance skin reformation.
Pigmented Scars
Acne often leaves dark, pigmented scars or skin discolorations. We do treatments using Vitamin C for faster healing and skin peeling to remove dark scar-tissue formations.
Keloid Scars
Keloid Scars
Red Scars
The affected area is left reddish. Early treatment is recommended for this to address the affected capillaries.
Hypertrophic (Raised) Scars
During the course of acne or wound healing, skin cells and connective tissue cells (fibroblasts) begin multiplying to repair the damage. Sometimes, overproduction of these components lead to raised or elevated scars that stay within the borders of the wound. Similar to Keloid scars, we provide treatments to reduce and improve hypertrophic scars.

Treatment of Acne Scars

Acne Scar treatments (or combinations of treatments) reduce skin indentations and depressions by stimulating collagen production which fills up the scars. There are three kinds of Acne Scar Treatments, namely: Non-Ablative (ex. Thermage / ThermaCool, facial laser treatments, photofacial, salicylic acid peeling (BHA), etc.), Semi-Ablative (ex. Stem cell growth factor used for fractional resurfacing), and Ablative (ex. trichloracetic acid peeling (TCA), CO2 laser, etc.).

Non-Ablative

Fractional Resurfacing

Fractional resurfacing is the latest new system which delivers more than 1000 microscopic laser beams (60µm in diameter, 0.048~1.5mm in depth) to the dermis and creates the Microthermal Treatment Zone (MTZ) The coagulated MTZ tissue then begins to remodel collagen which generates new healthy tissue during the natural healing process. This system has the benefit of both ablative and non-ablative skin resurfacing treatment. Unlike other skin resurfacing systems, uniformed micro beams and precise depth control enable deep tissue penetration with remarkable results.

Ablative

Trichloracetic Acid Peeling (TCA)
  • TCA is applied to the acne scar indentation.
  • Immediately afterwards, the treated area becomes white and will turn into scabs within 2-3 days.
  • Scabs will shed off naturally after 7-10 days.
Acne Scar FGF Treatment
  • Application of CO2 laser ablation.
  • Application of CO2 laser ablation.
  • Skin is re-epithelialized and rejuvenated, causing the skin to have a smoother appearance.

Acne Scar Treatment Course Fee

BHA Peeling
Trial ¥9,500
Chemical Peeling + I2PL + Vit C
Trial ¥33,000
5 Times ¥181,500 (@¥36,300)
8 Times ¥236,000 (@¥29,500)
12 Times ¥336,000 (@¥28,000)
Fractional Resurfacing + Growth Factor (Whole Face)
Trial ¥35,000
Fractional Resurfacing + Growth Factor (Cheek)
Trial ¥31,000
Needle Therapy + Growth Factor (Cheek)
4 times ¥134,000 (@¥33,500)
8 times ¥236,000 (@¥29,500)

BHA Peeling

BHA Peeling

Improves acne scars by removing the old keratin. This treatment encourages skin turnover, evens out the spots on the face, and regenerates new skin in the affected area.

BHA Peeling Treatment Course Fee

Trial
¥9,500

BHA Peeling (Body) Treatment Course Fee

Hip / Buttocks
Trial ¥6,000
Back (Whole)
Trial ¥21,500
Elbow
Trial ¥9,500
Arms (whole)
Trial ¥12,000
Knee
Trial ¥9,500
Thighs
Trial ¥12,000
Foot (whole)
Trial ¥16,000

Hormonal Therapy for Severe Acne

Depending on the severity of the acne, Azabu Skin Clinic also offers to check the hormones which might be the cause of the problem. This is done through blood tests and prescription of appropriate medicines based on the result of the test.


Salicylic Acid Peeling (BHA)

Salicylic Acid cleans excess sebum and dead skin cells from the follicles.This action reduces inflammation and accelerates the skin's reproduction which improves and prevents further acne outbreaks.For best results,treatment every two weeks is recommended.

BHA Peeling + Photo Facial + Vitamin C

Peeling improves acne by removing the old keratin that causes acne. Combined with Vitamin C and Photofacial Treatment that produces irradiation, this will sterilize and improve the state of the skin with acne further.

Treatment Process

  • Peeling
    Peeling will be performed to remove the old keratin,
    letting the new skin grow.
  • Photofacial
    The light from the photofacial is beneficial not only for treatment of acne scars but also for treatment of spots.
  • Vitamin C
    Vitamin C will be applied to the treated area to further improve the acne, scars, and spots from deep inside the skin.

Acne Scar (Full Face) Treatment Course Fee

BHA Peeling
Trial ¥9,500
BHA Peeling + Photo Facial + Vitamin C
Trial ¥33,000
5 times ¥181,500 (@¥36,300)

Fractional Resurfacing + Growth Factor

What is Fractional Resurfacing?

Fractional resurfacing is the latest and revolutionary system that delivers between 100 and 1000+ microscopic laser beams per square centimeter to the skin. Collagen remodeling is increased by the thermal energy delivered to the dermis and subsequent natural healing replaces coagulated tissue with new tissue.

This versatile new technique can achieve a rapid effect particularly good for improving wrinkles, sagginess, acne scars, and enlarged pores without any surgical methods.

Effect

Fractional Resurfacing laser creates 1000+ microscopic laser beams per 1cm² and are introduced into the skin. The coagulated tissue will be replaced with new ones by natural healing process as well as the collagen remodeling is increased by the thermal energy delivered to the dermis. The results are smoother, softer, brighter skin.

What is growth factor? (Cell growth factor – FGF and EGF)

Growth factor (cell growth factor) is a type of protein that controls all cell proliferation, including cells that produce collagen and elastin in our body. It slows down aging of the skin, activates the cells, and makes the collagen new among many others. Its main function is to make the skin youthful. Aside from this, it also repairs the skin tissue and improves pigmentation. The main types of growth factor are EGF (epidermal growth factor) and FGF (fibroblast growth factor).

Discovery of EGF – Awarded Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology

Dr. Stanley Cohen received the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology in 1986 due to the discovery of EGF.

Function of EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor)

  • - Delay cell aging
  • - Promote the regeneration of new cells
  • - Make new collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid
  • - Improvement of moisturizing ability and elasticity of skin
  • - Improvement of pigmentation
  • - Repair of skin tissue

Problems treated by Growth Factor (Cell growth factor-FGF · EGF)

Wrinkle · Sagging · Pigmentation · Stiffness · Enlarged Pores · Acne · Acne scars · Stretch Marks

Fractional Resurfacing + Growth Factor Treatment Course Fee

Fractional Resurfacing + Growth Factor (Whole Face)
Trial ¥35,000
Fractional Resurfacing + Growth Factor (Cheek)
Trial ¥31,000

Microneedling + Stem Cell

Microneedling + Stem Cell

For skin rejuvenation and whitening! A: Microneedling + Stem cell used for regeneration of beautiful skin, B: Microneedling + Whitening cocktails which penetrates deep into skin, promoting collagen production and skin rejuvenation!

With the holes made by the microneedling, the treatments are ensured to reach deep into the skin’s layers. After treatment, these microscopic holes immediately closes and the skin starts its healing process. During this time, collagen and elastin are formed which brings firmness to the dermis and improves wrinkles and other superficial skin conditions.

Treatment Fees (Whole Face)

Trial
¥36,000
5 times
¥140,000(1 time at ¥ 28,000)
8 times
¥198,000(1 time at ¥ 24,750)

The Medical Team

DR. CHIAKI KAWASHIMA

Dr. Kawashima graduated from Tokyo medical College in 1992,March,worked Tokyo Medical College hospital from 1992,and at various other dermatological clinics.She furthers her knowledge through attending and constantly engaging in both domestic and international conferences, especially those held by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M).furthers her knowledge through attending and constantly engaging in both domestic and international conferences, especially those held by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M).

Current Position:Owner and President ― Azabu Skin Clinic(2002 ― Present)

Associations and Affiliations:

  • ● A4M eptide Certified
  • ● Associate of American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, Inc. (ASLMS)
  • ● Member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M)
  • ● Member of the Japanese Dermatology Association
  • ● Member of the Society of Aesthetic Dermatology
  • ● Member of the Japanese Cosmetic Science Society
  • ● Member of the Japan Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
  • ● Member of the Society of Anti-aging Medicine for Women
  • ● Member of the European College of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery

Certifications and Accreditations:

  • ● Certified Trainer and Instructor for Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection by Galderma (Switzerland)
  • ● Certified Specialist of Doublo Treatments
  • ● Certified Specialist of Thermage Treatments
  • ● Certified Specialist of Dr. Obagi's Cosmetics

Clinic Schedule:Wednesday-Sunday (Reservation required)

DR. NORIO TAKAHASHI

Associations and Affiliations

Dr Takahashi graduated from Tokyo university post graduate in 2011,March, started working at Tokyo University hospital,plastic surgery department from 2001,April.

  • ● Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery – Saitama Medical University Kawagoe Clinic
  • ● Board Certified Specialist of Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • ● Board Certified Specialist of Japan Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
  • ● Certified Physician of Association of Aesthetic Medicine
  • ● Board Certified Specialist of Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine

Clinic Schedule:By appointment only

AZABU SKIN CLINIC

6-F Prescious#18 Building
4-14-6 Minami azabu,Minato-ku,
Tokyo,106-0047

Access
6minute from Hiroo st
Tokyo Metro HIBIYA Line 1 gate
Hours
AM10:00-PM7:00
(Wednesday AM11:00-8:00)
self care practice

Clinic Free Dial
Free Dial0120-005-327
Consultation reservation