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.).
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.
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.
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 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.
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)
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.
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)
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