Acne Scars Treatment Procedures – Treating Acne the Most Effective Way

by Annie Enriquez - Advisor for realacnetreatment.com
(Philippines)

Acne scars have been difficult to treat in the past but now there are more effective acne scars treatment procedures that work effectively and successfully. The first thing you should realize when going for an acne scars treatment is to be realistic about it. You should know that not all scars can be erased but they will definitely provide you significant improvement as long as you go for the right treatment or combination of treatments. It is always best to consult your dermatologist for him to recommend the best acne scars treatment for you.

Below are the different acne scars treatments you can choose from which your dermatologist may recommend.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments often called lunchtime lasers come in two forms, the ablative and non – ablative and they can be done quickly over a lunch hour reason why they are often referred to as lunchtime lasers. Ablative lasers resurface the skin by removing the outer layers while non – ablative lasers create changes in the dermis of your skin without causing damage to your skin’s surface. Commonly used ablative lasers are carbon dioxide and eribuim or YAG lasers. Skin treated with these lasers becomes smoother and atrophic scars are reduced in depth and scarring is softened. Basically, the skin heals within two weeks but remains red for a period of time after healing.

Non – ablative lasers are used in tightening the skin and in stimulating new collagen formation. They are most beneficial for mild acne scarring and skin pigmentation problems. Pulsed dye lasers are forms of non – ablative lasers that help in improving raised scars and keloids.

One of the side effects of laser treatment is hypopigmentation or loss of skin color. It is always best to consult your dermatologist if laser treatment is good for you.

Punch Excision, Elevation and Grafting

Ice pick and other depressed scars are treated through the use of punch techniques. A punch tool is used to cut the scar from the skin and thereafter it is sutured to close. Although a small scar may result after the treatment but this is generally less obvious than the previous scar and it grows fainter with time and it can rapidly fade through the use of resurfacing techniques like microdermabrasion or laser treatment.

A skin graft can be use in filling the void after a scar is excised. Usually, a skin from behind your ear is taken and used as a graft. Punch graft also leave their own scars but these are less obvious than your pitted scars and can be resurface much easier.

Punch elevation technique can be used on deep boxcar scars whose bases make up the normal looking skin. With this technique only the base of the scar is excised. The base is then elevated to the skin’s surface and is attached with sutures called steri – strips or skin glue like Dermabond. The skin after punch elevation is most likely the same as the tone and texture of the surrounding tissue unlike in skin grafting.

Subcutaneous Incision

Subcutaneous incision is used in treating rolling acne scars including depressed acne scars. It is also known as subcision and it is a simple surgical procedure done with local anesthesia. It uses a needle or small scalpel which is inserted to run parallel to your skin’s surface cutting through the bands of tissues that tether the skin to deeper structures. Once the bands are released the skin visibly lifts leaving a smooth skin surface appearance.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is used in treating depressed boxcar scarring. It was once considered as the gold standard for acne scar treatment. It can be performed at your dermatologist’s office under local anesthesia. It uses a rotating wire brush that abrades the top layers of your skin. It may cause skin pigmentation in dark colored skins. Scars are softened after the treatment and pitted scars are lessened in depth.

Microdermabrasion

There is a big difference between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. Dermabrasion is done at a dermatologist’s office while microdermabrasion is done in day spas. Microdermabrasion treatment uses a machine that discharges off ultra – fine aluminium oxide crystals passing through a tube onto the skin while the crystals are simultaneously vacuumed away. This treatment works best on hyperpigmentation and may slightly improve the most superficial acne scars.

If you’re looking for acne scars treatment you can always consult your dermatologist which one is best for you and your skin. You can also avail of dermal fillers and steroid treatments. The best thing is to know each of them and how they work for your skin.