Finding an effective treatment for acne can prove both difficult and costly. Once you find a treatment that works, the last thing you want to look at is scarring where your acne used to be. However, once you find an effective acne treatment, you can find an effective scar treatment as well. A lot of options are available for treating acne scars, from simple creams to scar removal surgery. A dermatologist can help you set up a comprehensive treatment plan that’s right for you.
Acne Scar Surgery
For depressed or sunken scars, your dermatologist may recommend an outpatient surgical procedure such as a punch excision or punch elevation. During a punch excision, a small tool much like a cookie cutter can remove the scar. The resulting wound is then either sutured closed, leaving a much less noticeable scar, or filled in with a skin graft of your own skin. A punch elevation is the same procedure, except the scar that was removed is simply elevated and sewn back into place which diminishes the depth of the scar and makes it less noticeable.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing often works as part of a larger treatment program or by itself in treating depressed acne scars and dark spots, or hyperpigmentation. According to the Teens Health website, a laser removes the top layer of skin and firms up the middle layer. This leaves skin smoother and reduces the scarring. The doctor may apply a local anesthetic prior to the procedure to reduce discomfort. Expect to have some downtime–up to 10 days–to give your skin time to heal.
Fillers
For depressed acne scars, your doctor may want to inject a filler directly into the scars to raise them to the same level as the surrounding skin. According to the Acne Net website, fillers usually prove temporary, but patients can typically return to normal activities immediately. The filler used include collagen, hyaluronic acid, your own fat or something different depending on what you and your dermatologist select.
Raised Scar Treatment
Keloids and hypertrophic scars may result from acne in addition to hyperpigmentation and depressed scars. Your dermatologist may recommend injections with corticosteroids to soften and smooth raised scars. If the scars don’t respond to injections, then surgery can remove the scars followed by pressure or injections to prevent keloids from returning. Additionally, your dermatologist may recommend or prescribe a cream to reduce the discomfort and size of any raised scars. According to the Acne Net website, raised scars can prove quite challenging to treat. Work closely with a trusted physician to achieve your desired results.
About this Author
Kristin Benson has been working as a medical transcriptionist for more than five years, and has branched out into content writing, focusing on medicine, alternative medicine, crafts, local events, and medical transcription jobs. Her writing has appeared on Associated Content as well as other online publications.
