Acne Scar Removal
When acne leaves unsightly and even disfiguring scars behind, acne scar removal can make all the difference. Over time, cosmetic surgeons have used various techniques to tackle ugly acne scars and the science of acne scar removal has evolved considerably. In the past, dermabrasion was a preferred method. This entailed removing the scarred topmost layer of the skin via a sanding procedure.
Topical Removal and Dermal Fillers
Topical treatments such as Retin-A, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), or glycolic acids may also be used to remove some of the superficial layers of the skin and improve skin texture. This is especially true as an adjunct to laser treatment.
Dermal filler agents are also used to treat acne scars. The fillers are injected into the skin to push up the acne scars. The problem with dermal fillers for acne scarring is that you have to repeatedly inject the same areas over time, I think that strategy may not be the best for the deeper acne scars.
Acne Scar Removal Treatments Available for Removing or Smoothing Out Scars
Laser Skin Resurfacing - Essentially the process involves numbing the skin using anesthesia. Then removing the top layer and tightening the middle layer to leave your skin looking flatter and smoother. This acne scars treatment is very effective and also very expensive.
Punch excision - The scared area is excised with a punch tool and the edges are sutured together. This gives your skin a flatter and much smoother appearance.
Acne Scar Removal - Subcision, Punch Techniques, Augmentation
There are also additional acne scar treatments for deeper, pitted scars. Unlike these simpler surface-level treatments, these other options involve piercing the sking and doing some cutting or injecting. The first is subcision, which is often used for ice-pick scars. Subcision means “cutting under” and involves undermining the scar tissue and releasing it from its attachment point. Normally several treatments are needed, but the scar tissue is essentially cut loose from its underlying layer, allowing it to “float” up towards the normal surface level of the skin surrounding it. A small needle-like blade is inserted around the edge of the pitted scar and then maneuvered to slice the tissue holding the scar. Many times laser resurfacing is done after to get the best final effect, and it can often be up to a month for redness to go away.
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.
Most acne scar removal are not covered by health insurance, and can be very costly, when more than a little necessary treatment, which in most cases. Less expensive treatments for acne scars removal can always try to start with, especially when the scars are not too difficult. Ask your dermatologist Office of prices of various procedures recommended, and also check online for more detailed information about the acne scars removal.
