Common Acne Scarring Treatments
Some of the most common acne scarring treatments are, dermabrasion, chemical peel, laser resurfacing, augmentation, subcision, and punch techniques. Each of these treatments can be used for different types of acne scars. Seeing your dermatologist can help you determine which treatment, procedure or possibly a combination is best for your type of scars.
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.
This is a procedure in which a rapidly rotating, abrasive metal wheel is used to mechanically remove layers of skin. It takes a skilled touch to get the best results; unskilled technique can produce an unnaturally contoured skin surface as wavy as unevenly sanded wood.
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
These peels are helpful for unclogging pores, improving brown spots and clearing acne. They’re effective because of the higher concentrations of salicylic acid, usually, 20-30 percent, compared to the 0.5-2 percent found in products used by consumers.
Punch Techniques
The punch excision, another common method used, is typically for ice pick scars. An instrument similar to one used to core an apple, will punch out the scar leaving a small cylinder like hole. The hole, depending on it’s size and location, will be filled in with a punch graft, taken from behind the patients ear, or sutured with small stitches.
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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