Acne Scar Removal

The more severe forms of acne can leave permanent scars in their wake. The two most common types of scars are "ice pick," or pitting scars and "depressed," or crater-like scars.

Minimizing acne scars is a complex process that deserves serious consideration.

Chemical Peels

Dermatologists sometimes use light chemical peels of glycolic acid mixed with other chemical agents to loosen blackheads and minimize acne papules (inflamed comedones that are firm, pink, and tender to the touch). Mild scarring can also be treated in this way. The procedure allows new, regenerated skin to form, improving overall appearance.

Microdermabrasion

The top layer of scarred skin is gently scraped away by tiny particles passing through a vacuum tube. This stimulates new cell growth. However, due to this procedure's superficial nature, it is best applied to patients with very mild scarring. Several treatments are usually required to achieve subtle results.

Dermabrasion

This technique removes both superficial and deeper layers of skin to affect a more dramatic cosmetic improvement. First the dermatologist can choose to either freeze the skin in order to numb it or to use a local anesthesia. Then, with a rotating wire brush or spinning diamond instrument, the doctor "abrades" or wears down the surface of the skin. As the abraded area heals, a new layer of smoother skin replaces the old. It can take 10 days to 3 weeks for the skin to heal and it may remain red for several months.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy can play a useful role in the treatment of scars. A superficial application of laser energy can resolve irregular surface scarring. Another form of laser that allows for deeper penetration tightens the underlying skin tissue and can plump out depressed scars. In both cases the dermatologist will apply a local anesthetic. The skin takes between 3 and 10 days to heal completely.

Excision and Punch Replacement

Surgical techniques can be used to improve or remove unsightly scars. A depressed acne scar is removed surgically and may be replaced with a patch of skin from elsewhere on the patient's body. This grafting technique can take time to heal and is frequently followed by laser treatments.

Soft Tissue Fillers

This procedure is used to elevate depressed scars. A small amount of bovine collagen, collagen-related fillers, polymer implants or a patient's own fat (removed from another part of the body) is injected below the surface of the skin, raising the depressed area.