30 Healthcare Innovations Specialist clinics


Promotional Content • Saturday 6th March 2021


How best to treat acne scars


Frustratingly stubborn they may be — but with time, patience and the right treatment, it’s entirely possible to reduce the appearance of acne scars. Words: Emma Gibbins


I


f you haven’t suffered from acne personally, chances are you know someone who has. Research says that up to 80%


of the population will suffer from this common skin condition at some point — many experiencing scarring as a result. Te severity of acne, along with other factors including a delay in receiving treatment, inflammation, family history, and frequent relapses increase the risk of scarring. Dermatologist Dr Hextall tells me


she often sees individuals at her clinic who mistake post-acne redness or pigmentation, which will fade over time, for acne scarring. “Topical retinoids can help reduce post- inflammatory pigmentation whilst treating acne in pigment-prone skin,” she says. “I also advise using topical vitamin C that can suppress the development of pigmentation and the use of a non-comedogenic sun lotion. “Once the acne has settled, we


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can look at treatments to reduce pigmentation and any scarring, but switching off the acne in the first place is the most important step. One of


the main reasons for acne scarring treatment failing is because it has been started when the acne is actually still active.” I ask Dr Hextall if the best treatment


will differ according to the type of scar. “Absolutely,” she says. “It’s very important to carefully evaluate the skin and look at the type of scarring as this will dictate the best treatment.


TYPES OF ACNE SCAR


‘Ice pick scars’ might be small, but can often penetrate quite deeply, meaning that many laser treatments won’t improve their appearance. Wider atrophic scars are mid-sized, with vertical edges, known as ‘box scars’, with a depth of less than 0.5mm, and are usually amenable to treatment. Finally, rolling scars are the widest and dip and undulate as they’re tethered deeper in the skin. Subcision is the best first step and then skin resurfacing and tightening.


After evaluation, the next step is to discuss what improvements can be achieved. Acne scarring can be difficult to treat and there may be a significant improvement from some treatments, but complete clearance is rare. It’s vital to assess everything carefully before starting any course of treatment and make sure that expectations are managed.” Among the newest treatments


for acne is nano-fractional laser. Using fractional radiofrequency (RF) technology, it delivers heat energy deep into the targeted dermis, resulting in fibroblast stimulation, dermal remodelling, new collagen and elastin. It also causes minimal disruption on the top layer of the skin, reducing side effects and downtime. Te treatment is given every four to six weeks, with patients receiving an average of six treatments. “I also get very good results in


those that have issues with post- inflammatory redness and atrophic scarring with photofractional laser,” says Dr Hextall. “Tis is a combination of intense pulse light that helps to reduce the erythema, and fractional laser putting columns of heat into the dermis to remodel it and improve acne scarring. Tere is minimal downtime, and the fractional component is relatively safe to use in skin of colour. We usually suggest at least four treatments approximately six weeks apart.” Dr Hextall says that combining


these collagen-stimulating and scar- remodelling treatments, including microneedling, with antioxidants such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and growth factors such as platelet- rich plasma (PRP), has been shown to be effective in enhancing outcomes. justinehextall.co.uk @tarrantstclinic


Discover minimally invasive foot and ankle treatment


Mr David Gordon, The Bunion Doctor, is one of the UK’s most experienced bunion surgeons, specialising in a minimally invasive (or keyhole) approach to surgery


“Te keyhole technique uses


several very small incisions, rather than a large cut, to correct a bunion,” explains Mr Gordon. “Te surgery results in less damage to tissue than conventional ‘open’ surgical tech- niques, thereby offering minimal scar- ring, reduced risk of joint stiffness and a faster return to normal activities.” Having suffered with bunions for


many years, Jane from Hertfordshire opted for minimally invasive surgery to ease her pain. Here’s what she had to say: “Tey were becoming more and more painful (and ugly). I finally summoned up the courage to do something about them and visited Mr Gordon. I really should have taken the plunge years ago instead of putting up with my painful and embar- rassing bunions. I’m delighted with the results of Mr Gordon’s expertise and with all the care I’ve received. Everything to do with the proce- dure was explained in a straight- forward and reassuring way, and I immediately felt I was in good hands. For anyone contemplating bunion surgery, I honestly can’t recommend Mr Gordon highly enough.” Mr Gordon performs minimally


invasive bunion corrections as day surgery, under either a general or


local anaesthetic. Most patients don’t experience pain following surgery and there’s no need for the feet to be in plaster.


In addition to bunions, Mr Gordon


sees patients for the full range of foot and ankle conditions, many of which can be treated using minimally inva- sive techniques:


• Toe deformities • Morton’s neuroma • Plantar fasciitis • Foot and ankle arthritis • Achilles injuries • Sports injuries including sprains, fractures and breaks


Consultations are available at Te


London Clinic in Central London, and at Spire Bushey Hospital and Spire Harpenden Hospital in Hertfordshire. All hospitals are taking extra precau- tions to keep you safe when visiting during the Covid-19 pandemic. Zoom video consultations are also available at this time.


Mr David Gordon


MBChB, MRCS, MD, FRCS (Tr & Orth) Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon


For further information, visit davidgordonortho.com or thebuniondoctor.com. To book a consultation, T: 020 7993 2373 E: helen.sellars@davidgordonortho.com Both self-funding and insured patients are welcome.


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