DERMATOLOGY CENTRE
Brussels
Where Aesthetics Meets Excellence
Acne
Acne affects not only adolescents, but adults as well. It is characterised by the presence of comedones
(blackheads), micro-cysts (whiteheads), pustules and nodules (subcutaneous inflammation), which results
from a blockage of the sebaceous glands.
Comedones and micro-cysts are formed in an acne-prone skin, when they become infected by bacteria,
papules and pustules (pimples) develop. Acne treatment often requires a combination of treatments to
address the various basic lesions that are present on the skin.
Acne is influenced by many factors like genetics, hormonal factors, diet and skin care.
When the active acne lesions disappear, they can evolve into residual lesions (redness and
post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) that disappear spontaneously, but often take several months.
Several treatments are available to accelerate the healing residual redness or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Acne scars
There are different types of acne scars depending on whether there is a loss of collagen (atrophic scars) or
an increase in collagen (hypertrophic scars or keloid). Atrophic acne scars are the most common and can be
divided into 3 groups: 'icepick', 'boxcar' and 'rolling' scars.
There is not just one single effective therapy for the treatment of acne scars. The complete disappearance of
the scars is often difficult. However, with the right techniques and combinations, a very significant improvement
to the scars can be achieved. Depending on the type and depth of the scars, multiple treatment sessions
can be required to achieve results.Combining different treatments is preferred because of the multiple types
of acne scars, that are affecting different skin layers.
Our best treatment option for acne scars is microneedling radiofrequency for deeper scars and non-ablative
thulium laser for more superficial acne scars.
Acne requires often a combination of medical treatment, diet and appropriate skin care products.
In order to obtain better and faster results or to maintain the results, various exfoliation techniques and lasers can be added.