Soft-tissue Fillers for Acne Scars
Learn more about treatment options for acne scars
In soft-tissue filler therapy, a filler such as Juvederm, Radiesse, Belotereo, Retylane or Sculptra is injected directly into acne scars with a very small needle to temporarily improve the skin's appearance.
Benefits
Soft-tissue fillers offer a temporary method of plumping and smoothing acne scars that is:
- Relatively inexpensive
- Minimally invasive
Risks
In the past, the most widely used soft-tissue fillers were based on collagen and sometimes required allergy testing prior to treatment. A newer class of hyaluronic acid fillers is based on a sugar found naturally in human skin. Allergic reaction is extremely rare for these fillers. An ASDS doctor will discuss what filler will work best to fulfill personal goals.
Estimated cost
Soft-tissue fillers typically cost several hundred dollars depending on the extent of treatment. Since most medical insurance companies consider soft-tissue filler injections to be cosmetic procedures, it is generally not covered.
Preparing for the procedure
Before the procedure, an ASDS doctor will review the patient's medical history. This is the time for the doctor and patient to discuss expectations, potential risks and outcomes of the procedure. Patients should tell their doctor if they use of have recently taken:
- Prescription medicines
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Herbal supplements
What to expect after the procedure
Patients may experience one or more of the following reactions at the injection sites:
- Bruising, which may last up to a week
- Swelling
- Redness
All soft-tissue fillers are temporary, lasting anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the filler and type of procedure. Some patients require maintenance treatments to achieve the best results.
Finding a doctor
Visit "Find a dermatologic surgeon" and choose "Soft-tissue Filler" from the dropdown menu. Because ASDS doctors are trained in a variety of the best and latest techniques, they are the most qualified to evaluate and select the best treatment choice based on the individual patient's condition.