Acne Scar Treatment in Pinecrest, West Miami, Westchester & Coral Gables | LegacyMD
Acne scars can linger long after breakouts have faded, affecting your skin's appearance and your self-confidence. At LegacyMD, we understand how deeply acne and acne scarring can impact your quality of life. That's why we offer advanced, medical-grade acne scar treatments for men and women throughout Pinecrest, West Miami, Westchester, and Coral Gables.
Using state-of-the-art techniques like Legacy Glow Peel and microneedling, our experienced team customizes each treatment plan to help you regain smooth, clear, radiant skin.
Let's explore some of the most common questions we hear about acne and acne scar treatments.
What are the different types of acne scars?
There are several types of acne scars, and understanding your scar type is key to choosing the most effective treatment. The main categories include:
Atrophic scars: These are depressed scars and are the most common type after severe acne. Subtypes include:
- Ice pick scars: Deep, narrow scars that extend into the dermis.
- Boxcar scars: Broad depressions with sharply defined edges.
- Rolling scars: Wide depressions with a sloping edge.
Hypertrophic scars: Raised scars that result from an overproduction of collagen.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark or red spots left behind after acne heals, not technically scars but still a cosmetic concern.
At LegacyMD, we perform a detailed consultation to assess your unique scar type and skin tone before recommending a targeted treatment plan.
What causes acne scarring and can it be prevented?
Acne scars are the result of the skin's natural healing process after inflammation. When acne lesions damage the skin's deeper layers, the body produces collagen to repair it. Too little or too much collagen can lead to visible scarring.
Factors contributing to acne scars include:
- Picking or squeezing pimples
- Severe or cystic acne
- Delayed or improper treatment
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention tips:
- Avoid picking at pimples
- Seek early professional acne treatment
- Use non-comedogenic skincare
- Incorporate gentle exfoliation and sun protection
While not all scarring can be prevented, effective acne management and early intervention can reduce the risk significantly.
How does the Legacy Glow Peel treat acne scars?
The Legacy Glow Peel is a custom medical-grade chemical peel designed to resurface the skin, fade pigmentation, and stimulate new collagen formation.
Key benefits for acne scars:
- Exfoliates damaged outer skin layers
- Reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation
- Stimulates skin renewal and smoother texture
- Boosts collagen for plumper, more even skin
This peel is ideal for superficial to moderate scarring, especially PIH and mild atrophic scars. It's safe for most skin types and can be combined with other treatments for deeper results.
Whether you're looking for a chemical peel in Westchester or nearby areas, LegacyMD offers safe and effective options tailored to your skin's sensitivity and goals.
What is microneedling and how does it help acne scars?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-injuries trigger the body's natural healing response, increasing collagen and elastin production.
Benefits for acne scars:
- Smooths out indented scars like boxcar and rolling scars
- Improves skin texture and tone
- Reduces pore size
- Enhances product absorption
For residents of Coral Gables, microneedling at LegacyMD offers a safe and effective solution with minimal downtime.
What prescription medications do you offer for acne treatment?
At LegacyMD, we understand that effective acne treatment often requires prescription medications, especially for severe cases that are most likely to cause scarring. Our medical team can prescribe and monitor various medications as part of your comprehensive treatment plan.
Accutane (Isotretinoin):
- The gold standard for severe, cystic acne
- Dramatically reduces oil production and prevents new breakouts
- Highly effective at preventing future scarring
- Requires careful medical supervision and monitoring
- Treatment typically lasts 4-6 months with long-term results
Topical Prescription Treatments:
- Tretinoin (Retin-A) and other retinoids
- Prescription-strength antibiotics like clindamycin
- Combination therapies for enhanced effectiveness
Oral Medications:
- Antibiotics such as doxycycline and minocycline
- Hormonal treatments like spironolactone for women
- Anti-inflammatory medications
When we recommend prescription medications:
- Moderate to severe inflammatory acne
- Cystic or nodular acne that's prone to scarring
- Acne that hasn't responded to over-the-counter treatments
- Hormonal acne patterns
Our medical team coordinates prescription treatments with our advanced scar therapies, ensuring optimal timing and safety. For patients on medications like Accutane, we carefully plan the timing of treatments to maximize results while maintaining safety.
Which treatment is best for my type of acne scars?
The best treatment depends on your scar type, skin tone, and overall skin health. Our medical team tailors the treatment to each individual.
Personalized options may include:
- Legacy Glow Peel: Best for hyperpigmentation and mild textural scarring.
- Microneedling: Ideal for boxcar and rolling scars.
- Combination Therapy: Some cases benefit from layering treatments for optimal results.
We often recommend a series of treatments for cumulative improvement. Schedule a consultation in Pinecrest, West Miami or Westchester to receive a customized acne scar solution.
How many treatments will I need to see results?
Most patients see visible improvement after 2-3 sessions, but optimal results usually require a full treatment series.
General guidelines:
- Chemical peels: 3-6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart
- Microneedling: 3-6 treatments, depending on scar depth
LegacyMD will track your progress and adjust the plan as your skin responds. We focus on long-term transformation, not just short-term fixes.
Can these treatments help with active acne too?
Yes. Several of our scar treatments also support active acne management.
Dual benefits:
- Legacy Glow Peel helps exfoliate clogged pores and reduce inflammation
- Microneedling helps regulate oil production and clear breakouts
We also offer adjunct medical acne therapies like topical prescriptions, oral medication, and hormonal regulation when needed.
What's the difference between treating acne vs acne scars?
Treating active acne focuses on reducing oil production, killing bacteria, and calming inflammation. This may include:
- Skincare
- Medications
- Chemical peels or laser therapy
Treating acne scars, on the other hand, focuses on:
- Resurfacing the skin
- Stimulating collagen production
- Repairing tissue structure
Some treatments address both concerns, but the goals and timelines differ. At LegacyMD, we offer complete acne and scar care to address both phases of your skin journey.
Are acne scar treatments painful?
Most of our acne scar treatments are minimally invasive and well-tolerated. We use topical numbing creams for procedures like microneedling and PRP to minimize discomfort.
Patients report:
- Mild prickling or warmth during microneedling
- Temporary stinging or tingling with chemical peels
There is no significant downtime, and any redness or irritation typically fades within a few days.
How long is the recovery time for acne scar treatments?
Recovery depends on the treatment type and skin sensitivity:
- Chemical peel: Light peeling and redness for 3-7 days
- Microneedling: Redness for 24-72 hours; some flaking may occur
Avoid sun exposure and harsh skincare for at least a week post-treatment. We provide a detailed aftercare plan to ensure optimal healing and results.
What results can I expect and when will I see them?
You can expect smoother, clearer, and more radiant skin. Results improve progressively over a series of treatments as collagen builds and the skin renews.
Timeline:
- Some improvement within 1-2 weeks
- Noticeable change after 2-3 sessions
- Full results after 3-6 months
Consistency is key. LegacyMD tracks your results and customizes each session based on your progress.
Why is professional acne scar treatment better than at-home remedies?
At-home remedies may help mildly, but they often lack the potency to improve deep scars. Professional treatments offer:
- Clinical-strength ingredients
- Medical oversight and customization
- Faster, long-lasting results
- Reduced risk of irritation or misuse
DIY treatments like scrubs or over-the-counter peels can actually worsen scars if not used correctly. Our expert team in Coral Gables, Westchester, and Pinecrest, West Miami ensures your skin gets the right care at every step.
Ready to take the next step toward smoother, scar-free skin?
Schedule your acne scar consultation today with LegacyMD — proudly serving Pinecrest, West Miami, Westchester, and Coral Gables with safe, innovative, and customized treatments that reveal your best skin.
Can acne scars go away on their own?
Mild discoloration or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can fade over time with consistent skincare and sun protection. However, deeper scars like ice pick or boxcar scars typically require professional treatments to improve significantly.
Is it possible to treat acne and scars at the same time?
Yes, some treatments like chemical peels, retinoids, and certain laser therapies can target both acne and acne scars simultaneously. However, managing active breakouts should usually be the first priority before starting intensive scar treatments.
How long does it take to see results from acne scar treatments?
Results vary depending on the method used and the skin’s natural healing response. Some people notice improvements within weeks, while others may require multiple sessions over several months for noticeable changes.