Treating Acne Scars

by Rebecca Swanson, May 26, 2010 4:31 PM

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Treating Acne Scars

While it’s true that acne can leave behind scars, it is also true that these scars can be effectively treated. Thanks to the advance of technology and medical precision, even the most unsightly scars can be minimized or completely removed. Since acne scars differ from spot to spot and from person to person, they are treated in different ways. Here is an overview of how acne scars may be treated.

Laser treatments to treat acne scars

In laser scar removal, physicians focus a narrow laser beam to remove areas of skin and smooth the surrounding area. Laser treatments are generally quite effective at reshaping unsightly skin and making the scar invisible. In some laser treatments called non-ablative laser treatments, the laser beam will heat the oil gland beneath the skin, effectively preventing it from producing oil. This type of laser treatment is used on patients whose persistent acne has the potential to develop future scars.

Injection treatments to treat acne scars

With advanced formulas, physicians are able to put a filler substance directly into the skin in order to smooth a jagged surface or erase a scar. These synthetic skin fillers are usually made with collagen and may contain cortisone or steroids.

Scar fillers to treat acne scars

Similar to injection treatments are scar fillers, which are a simpler way to smooth out acne scars. Scar fillers are skin-like substitutions that help to smooth over depressions in the skin.

Punch excision to treat acne scars

The most visible types of scars are called ice-pick scars. To treat ice pick scars, the scar must be tied together in a way that binds two unscarred areas of skin together, hiding the scar below the surface of the skin. Doctors will fill the area with a special skin filling substance, and the scar virtually disappears.

Subcision to treat acne scars

Though it sounds counterintuitive, a subcision scar treatment involves making a small cut right next to the site of the scar. The second cut releases skin tension which makes the scar less obvious. After the cut has been produced, the skin will produce additional collagen, healing both the secondary cut and better hiding the scar.

Dermabrasion to treat acne scars

Dermabrasion involves freezing the skin at the site of the scar, scraping away the scar tissue, and erasing its marks on the face. It works effectively on raised scars.