Acne and Acne Scarring Treatment in Toronto
At Kingsway Dermatology & Cosmetic Centre, we are dedicated to providing you with skin care you can trust. Our highly qualified team of dermatologists have years of experience in both cosmetic and medical dermatology, and we offer our services with the true expertise and compassion you deserve.
Whether you’re currently struggling with acne or wish to reduce the appearance of acne scars, our trained dermatologists will provide you with acne treatment that will restore your self-confidence and help you love the way you look.
BEFORE & AFTER
Real Patient Transformations
Natural and beautiful results with our expertly planned treatments and techniques.
What is Acne?
Acne is a common condition that occurs in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands (the glands in the skin that secrete oil). Acne often begins in adolescence and can persist into adulthood. Examples of acne include blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, cysts, and inflammatory papules. Without early or sufficient intervention, acne can cause permanent scarring.
Acne and acne scarring can lead to significant emotional distress and can have an adverse psychological impact, which is why our dermatologists offer solutions to both acne and the scars it leaves behind. Our tailored treatment plans address the specific concerns of our patients so you can feel confident.
Acne Treatment
Some of the acne treatments we offer include topical prescriptions such as gels and creams to treat the areas affected by acne. This can be combined with oral prescriptions that can help control the formation of acne. We also offer intralesional Kenalog injections, which are targeted directly into an acne cyst or nodule to reduce redness and inflammation, as well as light therapy that kills acne-causing bacteria.
When you come to us for a consultation, our experienced dermatologists will examine the affected areas, discuss your desired outcomes, and craft a treatment plan that will give you the best results.
Patient testimonials
Acne Scar Procedures
Laser Resurfacing
Fractional laser resurfacing consists of a series of four to six treatments, typically spaced four weeks apart. Our advanced high-intensity lasers pass deep into the dermis in tiny columns, resulting in a controlled thermal effect. This triggers an increase in collagen production over time, softening and plumping facial scars.
We have three types of fractionated lasers at Kingsway Dermatology, each best suited for specific skin types and scar types. These include a fractionated ablative laser, a fractionated non-ablative laser, and the Halo laser, which combines both ablative and non-ablative energy in the same treatment. During your consultation with us, we will review the differences and make recommendations based on your specific needs.
The length of your sessions will vary depend on the areas being treated, which can include the entire face, neck, and décolletage area. Side effects of laser resurfacing for acne scars may include mild swelling and redness, which fade within a few days and can be treated with cold compresses and calming, moisturizing lotions to reduce discomfort.
IPL/BBL
IPL (intense pulsed light) and BBL (broadband light) are light-based energies commonly used to treat pigmentation, which can sometimes be a result of acne scarring. For example, red pigmentation is caused by inflammation, which over time causes dilatation of the vessels under the skin. IPL/BBL will target those dilated vessels to help calm inflammation under the skin and decrease redness.
Brown pigmentation from acne scars is more common in darker skin tones due to increased production of melanin in the skin. The light energy from IPL/BBL targets the brown spots, bringing them to the surface and causing them to sluff off as the skin turns over. This lightens the pigmented spots, leaving the complexion brighter and more even.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are typically used for fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, but they can also be used to improve lost volume in the face. This means that, in the experienced hands of our master injectors at Kingsway Dermatology, dermal fillers can be injected under the skin to decrease the appearance of rolling and atrophic acne scars.
Dermal fillers offer short-term benefits such as limited downtime and near-immediate results. They also stimulate collagen production. Dermal fillers should be maintained to provide optimal outcomes. Depending on which area of the skin is treated and the severity of involvement, treatment with dermal fillers can be repeated if needed after a few months and maintained every one to three years.
Microneedling
Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy (CIT), uses very fine needles to prick the skin and create controlled injuries. These tiny wounds trigger your skin’s healing response, which includes boosting collagen and elastin production. These newly regenerated cells will help smooth out the appearance of your skin, including large pores, skin texture, and areas affected by depressed acne scars (that is, scars that are sunken, not raised).
There are a few minor after-effects associated with microneedling, including redness, bruising, and swelling, all of which should clear up within a few days. You can typically resume normal activities the day after treatment. Several treatments may be required to provide you with your desired results, but we will determine this at your personal consultation.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels remove the top layers of skin using an acid solution, which are a common treatment for acne stars and other skin concerns. The depth of a chemical peel’s exfoliation can be entirely customized to fit your needs, which we will discuss if we decide that a chemical peel is right to treat your type and degree of acne scarring.
When the top few layers of dead skin cells are removed, it reveals the healthy skin underneath, promoting the growth of new cells. Mild peels can have little to no downtime, but more aggressive peels can lead to about a week of peeling and flaking. As little as one session can even out your skin tone, but after several, your complexion will be entirely rejuvenated.
The TCA Cross
The TCA Cross is a chemical reconstruction of skin scars using trichloroacetic acid, which comes in different concentrations. Using a tiny instrument, our dermatologists apply this acid to the deepest portion of the pitted acne scar tissue, and this targeted injury triggers a healing response, generating new collagen and elastin in the dermal layer.
Subcision
Subcision is a technique used to release the tethered bands of depressed acne scars. After applying a lidocaine anesthetic to the treatment area for your comfort, our dermatologists will use a very fine instrument to break the fibrotic strands tethering the skin down, releasing the upper dermal layer from the deeper fascia. This results in a smoother appearance and promotes the stimulation of collagen and elastin, for long-term results and benefits.
Subcision is sometimes combined with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, which are injected into the subdermal plane to provide additional support under the scar tissue, allowing for immediate results.
Acne Scar Treatments in Etobicoke, Toronto, and Beyond
If you’re tired of being self-conscious of your acne or acne scarring, Kingsway Dermatology & Cosmetic Centre is here to help you feel great in your skin. Call us today to schedule your consultation.