Acne and Acne Scarring

Dr Palamaras has a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of the skin that can cause acne and has already treated successfully hundreds of patients. He is familiar not only with all the current available treatments but also with the indications, contra-indications, side effects, drug interactions and duration of therapy for all topical and systemic agents used in acne.

Also, by being an experienced skin and laser surgeon, Dr Palamaras can offer advice and treatment for all types of acne scarring and post-acne pigmentation.

Acne is a chronic disease with a prolonged course, acute outbreaks or slow onset and frequent flare-ups. It is a complex skin condition that may persist or even appear into adult years. Acne can be a psychologically damaging condition and may significantly affect the individual’s social quality of life.

Fortunately, highly effective treatments are currently available that can cure acne in up to 95% of cases. However, the treatment should be started as soon as possible in order to minimize complications such as dark patches on the skin (post-acne hyper-pigmentation) and/or scarring. Both complications are more difficult to treat than active acne, so the sooner the treatment starts the better it is for your skin.

Acne scars can be subdivided in atrophic, hypertrophic and keloids.

Atrophic scarring occurs where there is a partial loss of skin from the inflammation caused by the acne spots. The skin becomes thinner in these areas and it shows as smaller or larger "depressions" of various sizes. Hypertrophic scarring occurs where the inflammation caused by acne creates an abnormal response to the skin and the skin heals with large, raised, “lumpy” scars. If these scars continue to grow even after the cure of acne they are called keloid scars.