Acne & Acne Scars
Acne Scar Treatment in West Miami, Westchester & Coral Gables | LegacyMD
What are the different types of acne scars?
Acne scars come in various forms, each requiring a unique treatment approach. The most common types include:
- Ice pick scars: Deep, narrow scars that look like small holes in the skin
- Boxcar scars: Broad, depressed scars with defined edges
- Rolling scars: Wide depressions with a wave-like appearance
- Hypertrophic scars: Raised and thick scars, usually on the chest, back, or jawline
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark spots left behind after acne heals (not true scars but often treated similarly)
Understanding your scar type is the first step in creating a personalized acne scar treatment plan at LegacyMD.
What causes acne scarring and can it be prevented?
Acne scars form when inflammation damages the skin’s deeper layers and the body produces too much or too little collagen during healing. Picking or popping pimples significantly increases the risk of scarring. Genetics, skin type, and the severity of the acne outbreak also play a role.
Preventing acne scars starts with controlling active acne early and avoiding manipulation of blemishes. At LegacyMD, we not only treat existing scars but also offer active acne solutions to prevent future scarring for patients in West Miami, Westchester, and Coral Gables.
How does the Legacy Glow Peel treat acne scars?
The Legacy Glow Peel is a customized medical-grade chemical peel developed by Dr. Hernandez Loy to target acne scars, texture issues, and hyperpigmentation. This peel combines salicylic acid, lactic acid, and retinoic acid to:
- Stimulate cellular turnover
- Fade dark spots and post-acne marks
- Exfoliate dead skin and improve skin texture
- Encourage collagen production for smoother skin
Patients in Westchester and Coral Gables love the Glow Peel because it is gentle, effective, and requires minimal downtime. Multiple sessions offer cumulative improvements for all skin types.
What is microneedling and how does it help acne scars?
Microneedling involves using tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production. This process smooths out acne scars by remodeling the skin’s surface from within.
At LegacyMD in Coral Gables, we often combine microneedling with growth factors, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), or exosomes to enhance results. It’s particularly effective for:
- Rolling scars
- Boxcar scars
- Uneven skin tone and texture
Microneedling is safe for all skin tones and requires little downtime — making it one of our most popular acne scar treatments in West Miami.
How do Exosomes and PRP help with acne scarring?
Exosomes and PRP are regenerative treatments that use your body’s own healing power to enhance collagen production and repair damaged skin:
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is derived from your blood and is rich in growth factors that accelerate skin repair and regeneration.
- Exosomes are nano-particles that contain signaling molecules which stimulate healing, improve cell communication, and promote smoother, brighter skin.
When combined with microneedling or used on their own, these treatments boost skin renewal and reduce the appearance of acne scars naturally and effectively.
Which treatment is best for my type of acne scars?
The best treatment depends on your unique skin type, scar type, and lifestyle. At LegacyMD, we create personalized treatment plans using:
- Legacy Glow Peel for surface pigmentation and shallow scarring
- Microneedling with PRP or exosomes for deeper, textured scars
- Combination therapies for complex or mixed scarring patterns
A thorough consultation with Dr. Hernandez Loy helps determine the most effective plan for long-lasting results.
How many treatments will I need to see results?
Most patients begin to see visible improvement after 1–2 sessions, but optimal results typically require a series of 3–6 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
Factors that affect treatment frequency include:
- Severity and depth of the scars
- Skin type and sensitivity
- Type of treatment used (chemical peel vs microneedling vs PRP)
Patients from West Miami and Westchester often complete their treatment series over a few months for full skin transformation.
Can these treatments help with active acne too?
Yes! Many of our acne scar treatments also benefit active acne:
- Glow Peel helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation
- Microneedling can regulate sebum production and boost healing
- PRP and Exosomes have anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects
LegacyMD offers a dual-approach plan that treats both active acne and lingering scars, preventing future outbreaks and promoting clear, healthy skin.
What's the difference between treating acne vs acne scars?
Treating acne focuses on stopping active breakouts and inflammation, while acne scar treatment targets the structural damage left behind. We use:
- Topical or oral medications for active acne
- Exfoliating and resurfacing treatments for scarring
- Regenerative therapies to restore collagen and texture
Combining these strategies allows us to address both concerns simultaneously and holistically.
Are acne scar treatments painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during treatment. Here’s what to expect:
- Glow Peel: Mild tingling or warmth
- Microneedling: Slight pressure; numbing cream is used to ensure comfort
- PRP/Exosomes: Typically well-tolerated when applied post-treatment
Recovery symptoms like redness or flaking usually subside within a few days. Clients from Coral Gables and West Miami appreciate the minimal downtime and gentle approach.
How long is the recovery time for acne scar treatments?
Recovery time depends on the procedure:
- Glow Peel: 2–4 days of mild flaking
- Microneedling: 1–3 days of redness and tightness
- PRP/Exosomes: Minimal to no downtime
Most clients resume normal activities within 24–48 hours, though sun protection is strongly recommended post-treatment.
What results can I expect and when will I see them?
Results vary, but most patients notice:
- Brighter, smoother skin after the first treatment
- Reduced depth and visibility of scars by session 2–3
- Long-term improvement in tone, texture, and clarity after completing the series
Collagen remodeling continues for weeks after treatment, so results improve over time. LegacyMD patients in Westchester and Coral Gables often report increased confidence and skin satisfaction within 2–3 months.
Why is professional acne scar treatment better than at-home remedies?
While home remedies and over-the-counter products can offer slight improvement, they often lack the strength and precision of professional treatments. At LegacyMD, we use:
- Medical-grade products and devices
- Advanced techniques customized by Dr. Hernandez Loy
- A clinical environment ensuring safety and results
Professional care ensures your treatment is tailored, effective, and minimizes risk of irritation or further damage.