Common Acne Scarring Treatments

There are different treatments for acne scars. The most common scar treatments are dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, punch techniques, subcision and augmentation. Each treatment is used for certain types of scars, so a thorough examination by a highly qualified and experienced dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon will help determine the procedure or combination of procedures that is right for you.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion came about from the laser craze in the mid 90′s. It’s the oldest of all resurfacing methods, and many dermatologists got rid of their traditional methods to make way for the technology.

Removing layers of skin with an abrasive, rapidly rotating wheel, takes a skilled hand to achieve the best results. Used unskillfully, it can create an unnatural contoured skin surface that has an uneven appearance.

Laser Resurfacing

Another common treatment, laser resurfacing, uses a laser beam in which the chamber is filled with carbon dioxide gas. This treatment with the carbon dioxide laser, is regarded by experts as a high standard to resurface the skin.

Chemical Peels

Containing higher concentrations of salicylic acid, approximately 20-30 percent, than the products more commonly used by consumers, which is usually, 0.5-2 percent, these higher concentrated peels will unclog pores, clear acne and even improve the look of brown spots.

Punch Techniques

Another common means of removal is called punch excision, typically used for ice pick scars. The scar is punched out of the skin with a biopsy punch instrument that looks a little like an apple corer. This leaves a tiny cylindrical hole. Depending on its size and location, the cavity is then either closed with a small suture, or filled in with what is known as a punch graft, a plug of skin taken from behind the patient’s ear.

Subcision

For large, nondistensible scars, some doctors use a method call subcision, inserting a beveled needle under the scar and moving it back and forth to cut the fibrous strands of collagen that are holding it down. This can be useful for some scars, but there are trade-offs. You get a fair amount of bruising and discoloration with subcision, which can take a long time to heal.

Although these methods will work for Treating Acne Scars, you could choose a simpler method that is less invasive, no costly procedures, or visits to a salon or doctor’s office, and will give you great results a lot faster, helping you with your imperfections and acne scars.

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