If I say “filler,” chances are you’re going to start thinking about plumping up your lips a little bit, sculpting your chin, maybe adding a little something-something to your cheekbones. And while that’s all well and good (you do you), there is another reason you may consider getting dermal fillers in your face—they’re a pretty common treatment for acne scarring. Now let me be abundantly clear: Filler is not a solution for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, aka the red or dark marks *temporarily* left behind by acne. It can however be helpful in treating (some) true scars, which are defined as “an indentation or textural change related to the trauma of an acne lesion and has been present for at least a year,” says board-certified dermatologist at Entieré Dermatology Dr. Robert Finney.
In this guide, we find out the following: Can dermal fillers be used to treat acne scars, dermal filler for acne scars, are fillers for acne scars permanent, and Does dermal fillers help acne?
A targeted and precise injection (by a skilled professional, please and thanks), has the ability to quite literally fill in depressions in the skin and, over time, stimulate new collagen in the scarred area. But filler isn’t going to be the one-and-done treatment for acne scarring. “Treating acne scars is very difficult because you can’t just do one thing—it ends up being multi-modality,” says board-certified dermatologist and founder of Niche Dermatology Dr. Shari Marchbein. “We might say, ‘Hey, let’s do Fraxel, or let’s do microneedling with PRP, or microneedling with radio frequency, or CO2 resurfacing.’ That might be done at a similar time to a laser or filler. We’re talking about a process.”
While treating acne scars is far from a cut-and-dry formula and requires a personalized approach developed in tandem with a board-certified dermatologist, doing your own research is helpful. That’s why we’ve talked to the pros and created a guide to filler for acne scars. Here, you’ll learn what kind of results are tangible, the pros and cons of different types of filler, if you’re a good candidate, risks associated with the treatment, and more. So without further ado, scroll ahead. (For more acne info, check out the best acne spot treatments.)
Can Filler Help Acne Scars?
You guessed it: It’s complicated. While filler can help with acne scarring, it’s typically going to need to be used alongside other treatments (think: lasers, microneedling, resurfacing). Even then, 100 percent improvement on severe scarring is far and few between. “If I can excise your acne scar, inject it with something, and combine it with an energy-based device, it’s going to build your collagen, plump up the scar, and provide a permanent change,” explains Dr. Finney. “Whereas if I treat an acne scar with just filler to plump it up, it will look better, but that filler is going to dissolve. It’s more of a bandaid than a permanent fix.”
What Type of Filler Is Best?
Filler is an overarching umbrella term for a handful of sub-categories. The end goal of all of them is to plump up the appearance of the skin, but they differ ever-so-slightly in how long they last and interact with the tissue. While you should defer to your dermatologist to decide which is best for you, here’s an overview.
Bellafill
Bellafill is a specific type of filler that’s FDA-approved for moderate to severe atrophic acne scars in patients over the age of 21. “This is more of a permanent filler,” explains Dr. Marchbein. So, while that might be a positive for some (there’s no need to get new filler every six to 12 months), it’s “hard to remove if you have an issue with it.” Dr. Finney adds that, while rare, there have been reports of the body treating Bellafill like a foreign material. “Once that happens, you’re going to have to surgically excise that material. The risks are pretty low, but to me if you can avoid it, it’s not worth it,” he says.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Popular brands like Juvederm and Restylane fall into the hyaluronic acid filler category, which is preferred by Dr. Marchbein. “The nice thing about hyaluronic acid fillers is that it stimulates collagen around the scar as well, which can help scarring on a permanent level. I find that, for some patients, if we do a few treatments every six to 12 months, it ends up having a really long-lasting effect where the filler can last for years and years,” says Dr. Marchbein.
Biostimulatory Fillers
Biostimulatory fillers, like Radiesse or Sculptra, are slightly different from hyaluronic acid-based fillers. While they will give a temporary plumping effect, their main goal is to stimulate collagen production, which is why they’re Dr. Finney’s preferred choice. “Any time you have a textural change, you have bad collagen that’s binding that skin down,” he explains. That is why as he injects the filler into the scar, breaks up the band of bad collagen with the needle. In turn, his patients get a more plumped appearance in the short term and more permanent improvement in the long term.
Who’s a Candidate for Filler?
Filler isn’t a treatment option for everyone. While it can be used in tandem with or following other treatments like resurfacing lasers, its viability is largely determined by two factors.
Someone With Clear Skin
No doctor is going to recommend filler, or any other scar treatment for that matter, if you’re still dealing with active breakouts. “You have to put out the fire before you paint the house,” says Dr. Marchbein. “Nobody in their right mind is going to have you pay money to treat your acne scars while your actively breaking out. The reason is—number one—any additional breakouts that you have can contribute to further scarring, so it becomes a waste of money. And number two, a lot of the treatments for acne, such as retinoids, chemical peels at home or in office, and even topical peptides can build collagen.” Those products alone can make a visible difference in how severe scarring appears.
Someone With the *Right* Type of Scar
There are three main types of acne scars: Boxcar scars, rolling scars, and ice pick scars. “Boxcar means the scars are shallow but wide with defined edges; Rolling are undulating—they’re wide with a shallow depth; Ice pick scarring is very narrow,” explains Dr. Finney. While fillers are a worthwhile treatment for the former two, it’s not going to work on the latter. “No filler is going to be able to plump up a scar that’s very narrow and deep. But if your scars are undulating or you’re dealing with a textural change, filler can work really well.”
How to Care for Skin After Filler
While you’ll want to follow all the typical aftercare rules (read: no intense cardio, no alcohol, so on and so forth), Dr. Marchbein stresses that, contrary to normal injections, you’re going to want to avoid massaging the area. “I don’t do any massaging because you don’t want to move the filler out of that little indent or well. Just leave it where it is and it’ll settle on its own in about two weeks,” she explains. “We want it to stay exactly where we injected it and directed it.”
In a similar vein, Dr. Finney advises all his patients to sleep on their backs. “For the first two weeks, filler is more malleable. It’s going to be a little swollen. It’s going to be a little lumpy-bumpy. That’ll settle down and if you can sleep on your back, there’s less pressure on the area and you’re not manipulating its position,” he explains.
Is There Downtime After Filler?
The second you get your filler, you’re good to go about your day. As Dr. Marchbein mentioned, the filler should be fully settled in within two weeks, but you will see results right away. That’s in part what makes filler an enticing option. Energy-based devices are going to be a more long-term commitment with results fully visible in around a year. “If you have a big event coming up and need a simple fix to help improve appearance and texture, fillers are a good option,” says Dr. Finney.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Filler in Acne Scars?
Chances are you will need a handful of different treatments to effectively get rid of acne scarring. But when assessing standalone treatments, I will say that filler is going to be more cost effective. “For lasers, we’re talking about three to six sessions. It’s going to cost someone at least $4,500 to $5,000,” says Dr. Marchbein. “With filler, you might be talking about $950 or $1,000, depending on how many syringes someone needs.” (And of course, price varies based on location.)
On the downside though, it is possible you end up paying for more filler than you need—depending on how many scars you’re treating. “If you’re treating one acne scar, you’re paying for a syringe, but only probably using one-tenth of it,” says Dr. Finney. That said, you can likely use the filler in other areas of your face if you so choose.
What Are the Risks Associated With Filler for Acne Scars?
Your provider should go over any and all risks associated with your personalized treatment. That said, the biggest factor to consider when getting filler is the possibility of the filler getting injected into an artery or a blood vessel, which can cause necrosis, or the death of skin tissue. “We should be able to see this happen in real time. If you inject into an artery, you get a blanching pattern almost immediately. The best treatment is hyaluronidase, which dissolves hyaluronic filler at that moment,” explains Dr. Finney. Unfortunately, not all medspas or providers are equipped to deal with complications. That’s why your best bet is to get the procedure done with a board-certified dermatologist.
Meet the Dermatologists
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Dr. Finney completed his undergraduate and medical degrees at Pennsylvania State University. He completed his internship and dermatology residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA where he served as chief resident during his final year. He also performed a postdoctoral research fellowship in eczema and allergic contact dermatitis at Rockefeller University in addition to an advanced fellowship in aesthetics, hair restoration, and skin surgery with renowned hair surgeon Dr. Marc Avram in New York. Dr. Finney is a clinical assistant professor at New York University Langone and teaches future dermatologists at Bellevue Hospital. Dr. Finney is an expert in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology and is regularly asked to contribute to various media outlets, including Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire, and Women’s Health. He does not approach aesthetics from a cookie-cutter approach, rather he works closely with each patient to design a customized treatment regimen to achieve his or her desired aesthetic outcomes that appear natural and refreshed, never over-done.
Can dermal fillers be used to treat acne scars
Though filler is typically associated with wrinkle smoothing and Kardashian-esque lips, it turns out it can be a very useful tool in battling acne scars, too. And, as anyone who struggles with acne knows—as if having acne weren’t bad enough—sometimes the scars it leaves behind are even harder to deal with. We spoke to top dermatologists to get the scoop on everything from the basics (like, what even is filler?) to how it can help acne scars.
What Is Filler?
First things first: Filler, as New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, explains, is “a generic term used to describe a substance injected into the skin to help add volume and structure.” It typically falls into two main categories: hyaluronic acid–based fillers and biostimulatory fillers. Hyaluronic acid fillers (think Juvederm or Restylane) work much like hyaluronic acid does in topical skincare products—it attracts and holds 1,000 times its weight in water and provides a plumping effect. Biostimulatory fillers, Marchbein explains, “act as the scaffold or building blocks for the body to enhance its own collagen production.” Sculptra and Radiesse are examples, and even though they both help with collagen, they work differently.
How Can It Help Acne Scars?
When it comes to acne scars, Cambridge-based, board-certified dermatologist Ranella Hirsch likes to compare the process to slipcovers on sofas. “Certain types of acne scars yield dead space, and filler can help fill that space and allow the overlying skin to drape more smoothly. An analogy I often use with patients,” she says, “is to think of the skin like a slipcover on a sofa. If the underlying tissue isn’t smooth, or has deficits, the slipcover won’t lay smoothly. By using the soft tissue filler, much like restuffing a flat patch of sofa, the base is smooth and thus the overlying skin (slipcover) is as well.”
Acne scarring is permanent, so while filler cannot undo it, per se, the dermatologists we spoke to all agreed that this is a recommended treatment. However, it’s also important to note that this is an off-label use for filler.
Filler is a generally safe procedure—when done by a qualified practitioner. “When we inject fillers, we replace the lost HA in our body, and since it is a naturally occurring substance, the chance of an allergic reaction is highly unlikely,” says New York City–based, board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, who notes that she has never seen one in over 15 years of injecting. That said, when it is not done by an experienced, qualified injector, there can be serious risks—so it’s key to see a trusted, board-certified physician.
Skilled injectors use a number of different techniques, and choose both their technique and the actual filler used based on the patient’s circumstances and needs. Marchbein typically uses a “microdroplet technique where a very small amount of filler is placed under the scar.” This, she explains, gives “immediate cosmetic improvement with virtually no downtime (although there is some mild swelling, redness, and the potential for bruising).”
The other common technique is subcision, a minimally invasive procedure that punctures the scar to break up the fibrous bands that form the scar tissue, which, Marchbein explains, “works best for rolling or boxcar scars, and should not be used on someone with a sensitivity or allergy to hyaluronic acid filler.”
Is This a Permanent Solution?
“There is some maintenance with repeat injections, typically every 6–12 months,” Marchbein says, though she notes that hyaluronic acid fillers also help stimulate new collagen formation, and so she finds that “patients can often go years between touch-ups after initial correction of their scarring.” Finally, she recommends that patients who undergo filler for acne scarring use products with topical retinoids and peptides, as these further help stimulate collagen.
dermal filler for acne scars
Maybe you had acne breakouts as a teen, or you still get the odd breakout often due to hormonal changes that have left you with permanent acne scars that you feel self-conscious about. Dermal fillers for acne scars may help reduce the appearance of these scars by filling in the gaps in the skin.
What are Acne Scars?
If you have a mild break out of a few pimples every few weeks, you might not have visible scarring. On the other hand, severe, constant acne may have damaged the tissue below the skin and left you with permanent unsightly scars and a lack of self-confidence even years after the acne has cleared up. The blemishes are deep tissue damage formed when the breakout cleared up, but there wasn’t enough collagen produced to fill in the gaps made by the infection. But there is hope, and they can be reduced through treatments like lasers or micro-needling. There are many common spots that a person may get dermal fillers as a result of acne scars. We will consider how dermal fillers for pitted scars and fillers for acne scars can fill up these gaps to give your skin a smoother, even appearance.
6 Facts About Dermal Fillers for Acne Scars
Acne scars, when analyzed, are more complex than they may seem. With severe acne, the tissue below the surface (the dermis) is damaged, resulting in permanent atrophic scars. Here are six important facts you should know about fillers for acne scars before you make your dermal filler appointment:
Get In Touch With The Laser Cafe to Learn More about How You Can Use Dermal Fillers for Acne Scars
If you wish to get started with dermal fillers as soon as possible, book a consultation and prepare any questions you may have. We will assess your scars and medical history and the use of any blood-thinning medication, supplements or any other herbal or natural medicine that may influence the outcome of your dermal fillers. We will give you the best advice and filler to restore your flawless look with visible results in mere hours.
Testimonial from Roschel, Satisfied Dermal Filler Patient K-Lyn is awesome! The entire staff is so friendly and professional. They are quick and make you feel so welcomed! Thank you so much and I’ll be recommending this to friends!
are fillers for acne scars permanent
The only thing more stressful than dealing with a zit is the not-so-wonderful parting gift it leaves behind when it goes away: an acne scar. Not to be confused with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can fade with the proper and diligent use of sunscreen, retinols, and over-the-counter brighteners, acne scars are permanent indentations due to damage of collagen in your skin. Until recently, time-consuming (and expensive) laser treatments and temporary dermal fillers were the only solutions to treating the issue. So when we learned about, a brand-new permanent filler called Bellafill from our friends over at Byrdie, we immediately freaked out. No more hopelessly staring at your acne scars in the mirror—this lasting treatment seriously works. We spoke with a few of the pros who gave us the who, what, when, where, and whys on everything you need to know about this game-changing acne treatment, below.
What is it?: Bellafill is the first FDA-approved dermal filler designed for correcting moderate to severely indented acne scars. “The gel is made up of two components: 80% collagen, which provides immediate improvement in the scars by lifting them up and replacing lost volume and 20% polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) that helps your body make more protein to allow it skin to heal itself fill the scars from the inside out,” says Dr. Jessica Weiser of the New York Dermatology Group.
What makes it different?: Fillers in general are nothing new, but this one is particularly noteworthy because it contains to different ingredients that work in separate ways to help improve scars. “PMMA are tiny balls that sort of act as a scaffolding,” says dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah. “Most fillers degrade over time, but since PMMA cannot be absorbed into the body, this offers a permanent result,” says Dr. Gary Goldfaden, founder of Goldfaden MD skin care.
Who can use it?: Patients needs to be over 21 to receive the treatment. Unlike lasers, Bellafill is appropriate for all skin types and tones—but you can’t use it on any kind of scar. “There are three different types of scars: ice pick scars (which have jagged borders, go deep down into the skin, but aren’t as wide), boxcar scars (sharp and rectangular) and rolling scars,” says Dr. Shah. Bellafill only treats the rolling kind, which are the type of scars that temporarily disappear if you stretch out the skin with your fingers. “While it can work on new scars, the treatment is most successful on scars that have been there the longest. If you have any cuts, active cysts or a breakout, the procedure should be postponed until it clears up,” says Dr. Goldfaden.
What’s the process like?: “Since Bellafill contains bovine ingredients, we first perform a skin test 2-4 weeks prior to the treatment to make sure you’re not allergic or get a negative reaction to the ingredients,” says Dr. Shah. Once you get the green light, “we topically numb the area and the treatment itself only takes about 20-30 minutes,” she says. You may need to come in for a touchup treatment 8-12 weeks afterward, but then you’re done.
What are the precautions?: “You might experience some post-treatment bruising, redness, and swelling, but that should go away,” says Dr. Shah. “Now is the time to be even more mindful about wearing sunscreen,” says dermatologist Dr. Marina Peredo of Skinfluence. “Avoid heavy exfoliators and facial massages until your physician feels it’s appropriate,” she says.
Where can I get it done?: Check out this list of healthcare professionals. Before making the commitment, it’s always a great idea to talk it out with your regular derm to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Does dermal fillers help acne
Though filler is typically associated with wrinkle smoothing and Kardashian-esque lips, it turns out it can be a very useful tool in battling acne scars, too. And, as anyone who struggles with acne knows—as if having acne weren’t bad enough—sometimes the scars it leaves behind are even harder to deal with. We spoke to top dermatologists to get the scoop on everything from the basics (like, what even is filler?) to how it can help acne scars.
What Is Filler?
First things first: Filler, as New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, explains, is “a generic term used to describe a substance injected into the skin to help add volume and structure.” It typically falls into two main categories: hyaluronic acid–based fillers and biostimulatory fillers. Hyaluronic acid fillers (think Juvederm or Restylane) work much like hyaluronic acid does in topical skincare products—it attracts and holds 1,000 times its weight in water and provides a plumping effect. Biostimulatory fillers, Marchbein explains, “act as the scaffold or building blocks for the body to enhance its own collagen production.” Sculptra and Radiesse are examples, and even though they both help with collagen, they work differently.
How Can It Help Acne Scars?
When it comes to acne scars, Cambridge-based, board-certified dermatologist Ranella Hirsch likes to compare the process to slipcovers on sofas. “Certain types of acne scars yield dead space, and filler can help fill that space and allow the overlying skin to drape more smoothly. An analogy I often use with patients,” she says, “is to think of the skin like a slipcover on a sofa. If the underlying tissue isn’t smooth, or has deficits, the slipcover won’t lay smoothly. By using the soft tissue filler, much like restuffing a flat patch of sofa, the base is smooth and thus the overlying skin (slipcover) is as well.”
Acne scarring is permanent, so while filler cannot undo it, per se, the dermatologists we spoke to all agreed that this is a recommended treatment. However, it’s also important to note that this is an off-label use for filler.
Filler is a generally safe procedure—when done by a qualified practitioner. “When we inject fillers, we replace the lost HA in our body, and since it is a naturally occurring substance, the chance of an allergic reaction is highly unlikely,” says New York City–based, board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, who notes that she has never seen one in over 15 years of injecting. That said, when it is not done by an experienced, qualified injector, there can be serious risks—so it’s key to see a trusted, board-certified physician.
Skilled injectors use a number of different techniques, and choose both their technique and the actual filler used based on the patient’s circumstances and needs. Marchbein typically uses a “microdroplet technique where a very small amount of filler is placed under the scar.” This, she explains, gives “immediate cosmetic improvement with virtually no downtime (although there is some mild swelling, redness, and the potential for bruising).”
The other common technique is subcision, a minimally invasive procedure that punctures the scar to break up the fibrous bands that form the scar tissue, which, Marchbein explains, “works best for rolling or boxcar scars, and should not be used on someone with a sensitivity or allergy to hyaluronic acid filler.”
Is This a Permanent Solution?
“There is some maintenance with repeat injections, typically every 6–12 months,” Marchbein says, though she notes that hyaluronic acid fillers also help stimulate new collagen formation, and so she finds that “patients can often go years between touch-ups after initial correction of their scarring.” Finally, she recommends that patients who undergo filler for acne scarring use products with topical retinoids and peptides, as these further help stimulate collagen.
Is There Any Downtime?
Not really. Filler can cause some bruising and swelling, although this can usually be covered with makeup. But Marchbein advises patients that there may be some minimal downtime following the procedure.