Type of Surgery
Acne Scarring Treatments
Last updated: 08/13/2009
Acne affects millions of people, not just in adolescence, but throughout their lives. While spots and pimples can be embarrassing, the scars that sometimes occur as a result of acne can seriously undermine an individual’s self confidence.
There are various treatment methods available to reduce the scarring left by acne. Some of these can be performed at home, however the most effective methods are cosmetic procedures.
So what are the options and which is best for you?
Chemical Peels
Facial scar tissue can be effectively treated with various chemical solutions. Chemical peels improve the appearance of shallow surface scarring and reduce much of the over-pigmentation that tends to develop over time. Light chemical peels are normally the first line of attack, especially if the scarring affects only the most superficial layers. Stronger solutions are available however if there is no visible improvement from less aggressive peels or if the scarring affects deeper levels of skin. The most commonly used chemical peels are trichloroaecetic acid, glycolic acids and salicylic acid.
Some mild chemical peels can be purchased without a prescription from most drug stores. These agents usually fail to deliver a noticeable change in the skin’s appearance. Severe cases of acne scarring should be treated by a qualified dermatologist or surgeon - especially if you still suffer with active acne on or around the area being treated.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is fast becoming one of the most common cosmetic procedures for treating acne scars. It works by removing the top layer, and often some of the middle layers of skin so that the acne scar tissue is much less noticeable. The procedure does require the administration of a local anesthetic. The primary concern with dermabrasion is that if acne scarring is deep, more than one or two sessions could be required to achieve the desired effect. Unfortunately it is not always possible to accurately determine the number of treatments that will be required.
Collagen Injections
Collagen injections work by plumping up and filling out dimpled areas of acne scars. Once injected under the skin, the collagen gives the area a fuller appearance thus making scar tissue less noticeable. Collagen is a substance that is produced naturally by the human body and so the chance of developing an adverse reaction is fairly small. The main drawback to this type of procedure is that the injections have to be repeated every six to nine months.
Skin Surgery
Skin surgery is the definitive therapy for severe or deep acne scars. In general it is only performed when other, less aggressive forms of acne scarring treatments have failed to produce the desired effect. During surgery, the scar tissue is excised (removed) and a section of skin from another area of the body is carefully grafted in its place. While it can lead to the desired outcome, it is both the most expensive and aggressive approach.
Laser Treatments
Laser skin treatments are currently a popular choice for acne scarring. A medical laser is used to burn away minute sections of scar tissue, while promoting the development of healthy tissue. The procedure is costly and can be painful however the results are often very good, even on deep or large scars.
Determining the right acne scarring treatment that is for you will depend on the severity of your scars and the price you are willing to pay. A dermatologist or plastic surgeon will be able to help you make a decision.
Last Updated: 08/13/2009
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