Treatment for Raised Acne Scars

Raised acne scars

If there is persistent raised texture even though the acne itself has healed, it is possible that acne scarring known as hypertrophic scars or keloids has formed.

Hypertrophic scars and keloids

Raised acne scars are referred to as hypertrophic scars, while those with strong redness and a tendency to enlarge are called keloids. They often occur in areas of the body that are prone to skin stretching, such as the jawline, chest, shoulders, back, and lower abdomen.

Both hypertrophic scars and keloids are formed by the accumulation of collagen fibers, which occurs as a result of abnormal or delayed healing of acne. Excessive scar tissue is produced, leading to raised areas. It is difficult to distinguish between the two histologically.

While some hypertrophic scars naturally improve over time, many can persist as “nodules” for years. Keloids, on the other hand, tend to expand beyond the boundaries of the original injury and are resistant to treatment, with a high likelihood of recurrence. It is also possible for hypertrophic scars and keloids to coexist within a single scar.

Treatment and Fees for Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids

Depending on the symptoms, a combination of various methods will be used for treatment. The treatment duration is typically around 1 to 4 years.

1.Ato fine（Silicon gel sheet）

1. Features
   • A crucial treatment that prevents tension on the skin. It helps prevent the proliferation of hypertrophic scars and keloids.
2. How to use
   • Apply a silicone gel sheet that is larger than the affected area once every 5 to 7 days. Please keep pasting as long as the sheet does not come off.
3. Side effects
   • Tape allergy has been reported. There are no serious side effects.
4. Fee
   • ¥1,980 per box (L: 6 pieces / S: 12 pieces / SS: 24 pieces).

2.Kenacort injection （Steroid injection）

1. Features
   • Strong steroid injection. It softens hardened tissue and flattens raised areas.
2. Treatment method
   • A mixture of Kenacort and an anesthetic is injected 6 to 12 times monthly.
3. Those who cannot receive treatment
   • Allergy to anesthesia, peptic ulcer, mental illness, tuberculosis, herpetic keratitis, cataracts, glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, history of thrombosis, liver dysfunction, hepatitis, renal dysfunction, recent major surgery, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, scleroderma.
4. Side effects
   • There is a risk of excessive indentation. Swelling, pain, and bruising at the injection site may occur. Other possible side effects include menstrual irregularities, acne, folliculitis, rash, skin atrophy, vasodilation, rosacea-like dermatitis, increased hair growth, depigmentation, and skin infections. Serious side effects that have been reported include infection, adrenal insufficiency, diabetes, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, psychiatric disorders, depression, seizures, osteoporosis, aseptic necrosis of the bone, myopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, thrombosis, anaphylactic shock, asthma attacks, visual impairment, and tendon rupture.
   • In our clinic, the maximum total injection amount is 5mg, and the usual injection amount per site is below 1mg, so the occurrence of serious side effects is extremely rare.
5. Fee
   • ¥3,190 for 1-2 sites / ¥880 for each additional site.

3.Botulinum toxin injection (Coretox)

1. Features
   • It helps to relieve tension in the muscles and skin, and reduces inflammation in keloids.
   • Botulinum toxin injections are as effective as Kenacort injections and require half the number of injections, with fewer side effects.
   • A combination of Kenacort injections and botulinum toxin injections may alternate monthly.
2. Treatment method
   • Injected 3-6 times every 2 months, using approximately 4 units per 1 cm.
3. Those who cannot receive treatment
   • Individuals with systemic neuromuscular junction disorders or severe muscle weakness, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or actively trying to conceive, and individuals with a known history of allergy to botulinum toxin therapy or polysorbate (additive).
4. Side effects
   • Swelling, pain, bruising, and headache at the injection site. In the case of facial treatment, there may be side effects such as temporary loss of expression in the injected muscles, but they typically resolve within 1 to 2 months. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock) have also been reported but are extremely rare.
   • For women, contraception is advised until two menstrual cycles have occurred after the injection. For men, contraception is advised for three months following the injection.
5. Fee
   • ¥4,400 for 4 units / ¥4,400 for every additional 4 units. * 4 units will be injected per 1 cm.

4.Laser treatment for keloids

1. Features
   • This treatment targets hypertrophic scars and keloids with redness. We use lasers to destroy and shrink tiny blood vessels, improving the color of the scar. As its effectiveness alone is limited, it is performed in conjunction with other treatments.
2. Treatment method
   • The treatment method involves laser sessions at monthly intervals, with a duration of 1-2 years.
3. Those who cannot receive treatment
   • Individuals with sunburn on the treatment area, photosensitivity or sun allergy, pregnant women, individuals with epilepsy seizures, individuals with gold threads in the treatment area, individuals with tattoos, permanent makeup, or non-removable foundation (such as BB Glow, CC Glow), individuals using medications that increase photosensitivity.
4. Side effects
   • Redness, rash, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hair loss in the treated area, melasma, burns, depigmentation (loss of pigment).
5. Fee
   • Up to 2 cm² ¥5,500 / 2-5 cm² ¥9,900 / 5-10 cm² ¥19,800.

5.ECLAR Plasters（Steroid tape）

1. Feature
   • Gradually flattens the raised areas of hypertrophic scars and keloids.
2. How to use
   • Cut to an appropriate size according to the affected area, avoiding contact with healthy skin as much as possible. Apply once a day and keep it on for 24 hours. It is recommended to cut the tape slightly smaller than the scar. If wearing it for 24 hours is difficult, apply it for approximately 12 hours.
   • If using together with Ato fine (silicon gel sheet), apply a smaller piece of ECLAR Plastars first and then a larger piece of Ato fine on top.
   • You can continue using the tape for more than 2 days to avoid the risk of irritation that may occur with frequent tape changes.
3. Side effects
   • Dermatitis, irritation, rash, skin atrophy, acne, folliculitis, vasodilation, rosacea-like dermatitis, excessive hair growth, depigmentation, and skin infections. Prolonged use around the eyes has been associated with reports of glaucoma and cataracts.
4. Fee
   • ¥220 per sheet.

6.Tranilast (brand name: Rizaben)

1. Features
   •  It inhibits the function of fibroblasts and has anti-allergic effects, preventing swelling and itching.
2. Dosage
   • Take one tablet three times a day after meals.
3. Side effects
   • Reported side effects include rash, itching, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, irregular menstruation, palpitations, edema, fever, oral ulcers, anemia, hair loss, liver dysfunction, renal dysfunction, frequent urination, painful urination, and decreased blood cell components. Severe side effects are extremely rare.
4. Fee
   • ¥22 per tablet / 90 tablets (1-month supply) for ¥1,980.
   • Insurance dermatology clinics offer lower prices.

1. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive should not undergo any treatment except for treatment with Ato fine.
2. Please note that in Japan, the combination of private medical treatment and insurance medical treatment is not permitted, so all treatments at our hospital are self-funded. If you wish to receive treatment covered by insurance, we recommend that you consult a dermatologist near you.
3. If you have received the same laser treatment or injection before and do not need to see a doctor, there is no re-examination fee.
4. If you purchase topical medicines for the second time and do not need to see a doctor again, the re-examination fee will not be charged.

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