Acne, the bane of adolescence, typically subsides when hormonal fluctuations stop, leaving behind healthy skin. Sometimes, however, acne creates scars that are either raised above the surface of your skin, or depressed below the surrounding tissue. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that there is no one best treatment for acne scars. It is best to discuss treatment options with your dermatologist, sharing your concerns and letting him know what results you expect.
Autologous Fat Transfer
An autologous fat transfer procedure involves an injection of fat tissue from another body area into the tissue right below your acne scar. According to Adult Acne, the transplanted fat elevates a depressed scar to the level of the surrounding skin, making it less noticeable.
Chemical Fillers
Your doctor may also opt to inject depressed acne scars with chemical fillers such as hyaluronic acid, collagen or polymethylmethacrylate to raise them to the skin surface and improve your appearance. According to AcneNet, polymethylmethacrylate is considered a permanent filler, but collagen and hyaluronic acid work for only three to six months before you'll need another injection.
Dermabrasion
The AAD cites dermabrasion as an effective office-based procedure that makes use of an electrical machine to rub away the top layer of scar tissue and expose the healthy skin underneath. While it doesn't eliminate acne scars, dermabrasion makes them less noticeable and evens out skin contours.
Chemical Peels
According to Adult Acne, chemical peels are another effective way to remove progressive layers of scar tissue and allow the healthy skin underneath to regenerate itself. Your doctor will apply a strong liquid acid solution to the scar itself and leave it on for a pre-determined amount of time.
Intralesional Injections
If your acne scars are thick and raised, or if you've developed tough nodules of scar tissue known as keloids, your dermatologist may elect to inject a medication directly into the scar tissue. Corticosteroids and interferon work by softening and flattening the scar tissue, according to AcneNet.
Surgical Scar Revision
The American Academy of Dermatology promotes surgical scar revision procedures that make the most of skin's elasticity. Your dermatologist might do a punch excision with a round device that removes scar tissue, explains AcneNet. He can then raise the remaining skin and stretch it to cover the wound, or perform a skin graft.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is a relatively new treatment for acne scars. According to the Cleveland Clinic, carbon dioxide and erbum lasers are commonly used to vaporize the top layer of damaged skin cells. Your dermatologist may use either short bursts of pulsed light energy, or continuous light beams to remove scar tissue without heating and damaging the underlying skin.
Member Comments