VI Peels®
Microneedling
Dermal Fillers
Skinvive™
Active breakouts and the marks they leave behind are related, but they are not the same problem. If you are exploring acne and acne scarring care in West Des Moines, IA, our skin rejuvenation services at Timeless Youth MD can address several types of post-acne changes. Melissa D. Young, MD, has practiced aesthetic medicine since 2019, is board certified in aesthetics through the American Academy of Procedural Medicine, and brings more than 30 years of experience as a physician and surgeon to patient care.
Understanding Acne, Dark Marks, and Acne Scars
Acne can leave behind more than one type of visible change. Some people continue to have active blemishes, while others are left with brown or red discoloration, rough texture, enlarged pores, or depressed scars after breakouts have settled.
These differences matter because surface discoloration and deeper textural changes are not treated in the same way. Before discussing a procedure, we review what is currently present, previous care you have tried, and your skincare routine so the recommendation is based on the actual issue rather than the general label of “acne scars.”
Treatment Options for Acne and Acne Scarring
Several services at our West Des Moines office may be considered for acne-related concerns:
- VI Peels®: Chemical peels used at our practice for concerns including acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and uneven tone or texture.
- SkinPen® Microneedling: Creates controlled microchannels that encourage collagen and elastin production. It can be used for acne scarring, enlarged pores, uneven texture, and certain pigmentation concerns.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy: PRP uses growth factors from your own blood to support tissue repair and collagen production. It may also be paired with microneedling when treating scars and uneven texture.
Which service makes sense depends on whether the main issue is discoloration, surface roughness, deeper scarring, or more than one of these. Our team will explain the role of each option and what degree of improvement is realistic.
What to Expect From Acne Scar Treatment
Improvement in acne scarring is often gradual. Chemical peels work more at the surface through exfoliation, while microneedling and PRP rely on the skin’s repair response and collagen production. More than one session may be discussed depending on the type of scarring and how your skin responds.
Temporary redness, sensitivity, peeling, swelling, or tenderness can occur after treatment. Recovery instructions differ by procedure, but sun protection and following your aftercare plan are especially important while the treated area heals.
Why Choose Timeless Youth MD for Acne and Acne Scarring in West Des Moines?
Dr. Melissa’s decades of experience as a physician and surgeon, along with her background in orthopaedic hand surgery and aesthetic medicine, bring an added level of procedural knowledge to treatment planning. She is also board certified in aesthetics through the American Academy of Procedural Medicine.
We want you to understand what each service is meant to improve before you commit to it. That includes discussing realistic limitations, likely recovery, and whether discoloration, texture, or true scarring should be the first priority.
FAQs
Not always. Discoloration can remain after a blemish heals without creating the same structural change as a depressed or raised scar.
No treatment can promise complete scar removal. The goal is generally to make scarring or uneven texture less noticeable and improve the appearance of the affected area.
Yes. PRP may be paired with microneedling to support collagen production and skin repair during acne scar treatment. You can also read more about PRP for acne scars.
The number of sessions varies with the procedure, characteristics of the scarring, and how your skin responds. We can discuss a likely treatment schedule after examining the area.
No. Procedures that improve existing discoloration or scarring do not necessarily prevent new acne from developing. Ongoing breakouts may need to be considered separately when planning aesthetic care.
Not always. Discoloration can remain after a blemish heals without creating the same structural change as a depressed or raised scar.
Discuss Acne and Acne Scarring Treatment in West Des Moines
If you are dealing with lingering marks, uneven texture, or acne scars, the first step is determining which type of change is actually present. Call Timeless Youth MD at 515-216-0898 or contact us to request an appointment with Dr. Melissa Young in West Des Moines, IA, and we can discuss which treatment options are appropriate for your skin.
