Acne and Scar Treatment in Bengaluru
I do not believe in magic creams. My approach to acne and scarring is rooted in clinical diagnosis, identifying the root cause of your breakouts, and using proven, science-backed treatments to help your skin heal.
Did you know your pillowcase could be a hidden cause of breakouts? I explain the concept of acne mechanica, which is acne caused by friction, and share a simple hack to help keep your skin clear.
Understanding your acne scars is the first step to treating them. Here, I introduce the four main types of acne scars that I diagnose and manage in my clinic.
A closer look at the four primary categories of acne scars. Identifying whether you have ice pick, boxcar, rolling, or hypertrophic scars is crucial for effective treatment.
Ice pick scars are deep, narrow scars that can be challenging to treat. I use targeted methods like TCA CROSS peels to address this specific type of scarring.
This image shows a typical presentation of ice pick scars. Their depth requires specialized in-clinic procedures for visible improvement.
Boxcar scars are broader depressions with sharply defined edges. Treatments like microneedling and laser resurfacing can help stimulate collagen to fill in these areas.
Here is a clinical example of boxcar scars. My treatment plans for these often involve procedures that rebuild the skin's underlying structure.
Rolling scars create a wave-like or uneven texture on the skin. Subcision is a technique I often use to release the fibrous bands that pull the skin down, creating a smoother surface.
This image illustrates the appearance of rolling acne scars. A combination of treatments is often most effective for improving this type of texture.
Hypertrophic scars are raised, thickened scars that form when the body produces too much collagen during healing. Treatment may involve steroid injections or silicone sheets.
About Acne & Scar Management
Before jumping into procedures like microneedling or TCA CROSS, we must first address the active phase of your acne. My consultations start with a dermatoscope analysis to identify your specific scar type—whether ice pick, boxcar, or rolling—because the wrong treatment can make the condition worse. We need to stabilize your skin's health first, ensuring we aren't fighting active breakouts before we can safely improve its texture.
Acne management is not a one-size-fits-all process. Whether you are dealing with active inflammatory acne or the lasting marks of past breakouts, my clinic at Venkat Center focuses on evidence-based dermatology.
Diagnosis and Treatment
I use a dermatoscope to differentiate between various scar morphologies. Ice pick scars require different management, such as chemical reconstruction of skin scars (TCA CROSS), compared to broad, rolling scars which often respond better to subcision or laser resurfacing.
Lifestyle and Root Causes
Often, we overlook external triggers. I frequently see patients struggling with 'acne mechanica'—breakouts caused by friction from phone screens, masks, or improper pillowcase hygiene. My treatment plans include a comprehensive audit of your skincare products, diet, and daily habits to ensure we aren't fighting the same issues repeatedly.
Beyond the Surface
While we use clinical procedures like chemical peels and medical-grade actives (Retinoids, Benzoyl Peroxide) to manage current breakouts, my goal is always to restore your skin barrier. We look at your sugar intake, hygiene habits, and even your moisturizer texture to see what might be triggering insulin spikes or clogging pores. If you are tired of the cycle of trying random DIY hacks, let's look at your skin, analyze the specific triggers, and build a routine that is actually sustainable.
Preeti Havanur
I am Dr. Preeti Havanur. I see too many people struggling with acne because they are chasing trends instead of science. When you come to see me at Venkat Center or Ava Aesthetics, we start with a proper diagnosis, not a prescription for a random product.
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