Acne & Acne Scars
Dr Wong Su-Ni
Senior Consultant Dermatologist in Singapore
MBBS (Melbourne), MMed (Internal Med), MRCP (UK)FAMS (Dermatology), FRCP (London), GDA (Singapore)
Why Seek Treatment for Acne & Scarring?
Commonly seen as a rite of passage as people transition through puberty (though acne sometimes persists into adulthood); these red, painful and sometimes pus-filled bumps are commonly found on the face, chest and back.
Prompt treatment should be sought because acne is not just a cosmetic issue—it is also a medical one that affects the skin, caused by clogged pores, bacteria and excess oil. In treating these factors, we can regain healthy skin again.
Furthermore, the unsightly nature of acne and the scars left behind can also cause one to suffer from low self-esteem, making treatment even more important.
How You Can Regain Healthy & Blemish-Free Skin
See a dermatologist
Undergo a personalised treatment plan
Enjoy and maintain your improved complexion
Schedule a consultation at 6733 3629 for a skin assessment and a targeted treatment plan
What Causes Acne?
Acne is caused by 3 things:
- Too much oil: Excessive sebum production
- Clogged pores: Pores blocked by abnormal skin cells or cosmetic products
- Bacteria: Bacteria is often found within the excess oil that accumulates under clogged pores, resulting in inflammation and pus formation
Acne can then be aggravated by:
- Stress and an unhealthy diet
- Hormones e.g. pregnancy, periods
- Greasy cosmetic products
- Certain oral medications
- High humidity and heat
- Family history of severe acne
Types of Acne Treatments We Provide
Depending on the severity of acne and type of lesions present, the following may be prescribed, often in combination for better outcomes:
Skincare Products
- Suitable Toner
- Moisturizer
Topical Creams
- Retinoid Creams
- Salicylic acid
Prescription Tablets
- Antibiotics
- Hormones
- Contraceptive Pills
Physical Procedures
- Chemical Peels
- Microdermabrasion
- Lasers
After Acne, Comes Scars
Acne that are large, deep or those that have been squeezed before, frequently leave scars after the inflammation has subsided. In Asian skin, pimples often leave red or brown marks after flattening out. These are not true scars and usually fade with time. However, if you would like to speed things up, or if you notice persistent marks after many months, then your skin doctor may prescribe some creams to facilitate the process.
True scars may be excessive and protuberant, such as keloid scars, or sunken, such as ice-pick, fibrotic or box-car scars. These are often firm, raised, pink to red, and may itch or even be painful. They may be effectively treated with a series of injections or a combination of injections and laser or light treatments.
Getting Treated for Acne Scars
Acne scar treatment is best started only after the acne has been brought under control, with no new outbreaks. Many treatments are available for sunken or depressed scars, depending on the subtype. These include:
- Subcision
- Chemical peels
- Filler injections
- Non-ablative, collagen-stimulating lasers (e.g. Matrix IR)
- MicroLaser Peel™
- Erbium-YAG laser resurfacing
- CO2 fractional ablative resurfacing laser
- eMatrix sublative resurfacing
Sublative or fractional laser surfacing are the preferred option for most, due to good outcomes, low risk, and minimal or no downtime. A combination approach is useful as there are often different types of scars in an individual.
To schedule a consultation, please call us at 6733 3629 or drop us a message here.
FAQS
In many cases, you can minimize their severity by:
- Avoiding touching or picking at your pimples
- Avoiding popping your pimples
- Avoiding greasy cosmetics and lotions
- Removing makeup thoroughly at the end of each day
- Showering or washing your face after exercising
- Staying well hydrated
- Applying a good sunscreen
- Every person’s tolerance level and severity of acne is different, thus a visit to the dermatologist should be arranged once it is causing a person distress, discomfort and embarrassment; basically once it is affecting their quality of life.
- However, one thing’s for sure—the earlier one seeks medical attention, the more efficient the treatment will be.
About Our Skin Specialist
Senior Consultant Dermatologist in Singapore
Dr Wong Su-Ni is an MOH-accredited dermatologist with over 20 years of experience and recognised expertise in both medical and aesthetic dermatology. Formerly Chief of the Psoriasis Unit at the National Skin Centre, she is widely respected for her clinical leadership in psoriasis care and laser-based dermatologic surgery. Beyond her clinical practice, she played a key role in shaping national psoriasis and acne treatment guidelines, reflecting her contribution to clinical standards and best practices.
Dr Wong is also an experienced researcher and educator, with publications in peer-reviewed journals and regular invitations to speak at local and regional dermatology meetings. Known for her thoughtful, evidence-based approach, she is trusted for managing complex skin conditions and advising on aesthetic treatments with care, precision and sound clinical judgement.
