How long do acne marks (red/brown marks) take to fade?

Question

After I got facial extraction my face started to have an ance and left with a red or brown mark. How long does it fade naturally?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

It's dependent on a number of things. Certain people are prone to post inflammatory pigmentation and find that the scars don't truly fade without treatment…others find that they fade in a couple of months. The use of brightening ingredients like: arbutin or kojic acid may help fade the colour. You could also try retinol which has immense benefits for acne sufferers (1% retinol oil available at 111SKIN). For more rigorous treatment, a combination of chemical peels and laser treatments can be beneficial, but I would advise coming in for a consultation to take a look at the marks and work out a plan that would be suitable for your skin.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thanks for your query. Acne marks generally take a long while from weeks to sometime months. There are means to fasten the process. You can consult your dermatologist for the same. Hope it helps.All The Best

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

I always tell my patients, if a facial feels good for you to
relax, get it.  If you are actually
trying to improve your skin in the long term, do Dermapen instead.  You know when you go on a trip and you get a
facial, you glow that day, then go back to looking normal the day after.  After Dermapen, you glow for a month and get
long-lasting collagen production.

You can get Dermapen (or microneedling) with blood or spun
down blood to isoloate the PRP (platelet rich plasma).  This boosts the efficacy of microneedling by
penetrating your own growth factors deep into your skin, again, causing more
collagen production and lon-lasting benefits for your skin.  I prefer PRP over blood because we have
isolated the growth factor portion of the blood to use in the treatment.

You can expect improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation,
and a long-lasting glow.  Personally, I
love this treatment and try to get it done every couple of months.  You will be addicted too.  Promise!

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

Acne was activated by facial. You need to be evaluated in person and unfortunately you Amy need a chemical eel such as the vi peel to lighten these dark marks and help control the acne.

Sharon J. Littzi, MD · Answer

Your skin type is most likely the more sensitive 3, 4 or 5 if the brown spots are not fading within a week or so or you are exposing yourself to sun and you need a daily SPF 45 or greater. Furthermore, rubbing the skin or picking will prolong any spots on the face.When I see a patient that this has happened to from another facialist, I will initiate either fade creams , light peels, Hydrafacials and proper sun protection and skin care products.If  a rapid result is needed I will usually perform either a laser micropeel or a light TCA peel.I treated someone just last week with a light TCA peel and all of her spots were gone in four days.This takes a trained dermatologist to first evaluate your skin type and secondly choose the proper peel.All the very best to you, I would advise that you consult with a reputable dermatologist who performs cosmetic procedures daily.

Joshua L. Fox, MD · Answer

Depending on your skin type post inflammatory
pigment or marks can vary in the time frame it will take it fade. Generally
superficial scars can take months to fade. There are prescription creams that
can help fade scarring faster.