Early intervention and treatment can prevent acne scars from developing. Once they do appear however, doctors at the American Academy of Dermatologists report that there are a number of options that can be used to get rid of acne scars, or at least diminish their appearance. Most insurance policies do not cover acne scar removal because the process is considered cosmetic.
Surgery
Pits often result when acne clears up because the underlying tissue has been damaged. Acne scar surgery is an effective treatment for pitted skin. Through the procedure, doctors replace large, deep scars with smaller scars that are less noticeable. After the scar heals, other treatments can be performed on the smaller scars, if you want. A variety of surgeries are used to treat scars. Skin from another part of the body may be used to fill in the pit or the entire scar area may be removed with a small curved surgical instrument. Dermatologists can raise the skin under the sunken pits after they're removed so that when the skin heals, it will appear flat. Surgical options require considerable down time for recovery. Bruising may last for up to two weeks and additional treatment may be required.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Tiny icepick scars, small scars that have replaced large pits, and boxcar scars that are tiny square-shaped pits, respond well to laser skin resurfacing. The procedure involves strong bursts of light to burn out the offending scars. According to the Mayo Clinic, the laser burns away the top layer of skin while stimulating collagen in the deeper levels. New tighter and smoother skin grows back in its place. You will have visible wounds following the treatments and can expect to take about two weeks to heal.
Fillers
Fillers are a popular alternative for getting rid of acne scars as the materials used become more advanced. They work quickly and usually require little or no down time for recovery. Fillers are temporary solutions, however. Materials used to plump up the scars and diminish their appearance include collagen or hyaluronic acid. Most fillers last for about three years. Doctors can perform liposuction and use your own fat to fill in the scars, but downtime is required for the treatment. Minor swelling and redness typically follow any treatment with fillers, but they usually recede in a couple of days.
Chemical Peel
Strong acid is used to burn away the top layer of skin in a chemical peel procedure. Extra strong potions are available that can peel away deep layers of skin. New, unscarred skin grows back according to the level of peel you received. A light peel can heal within a day, while a deeper peel may take two weeks or more for the new skin to appear. It is important to take special care of the skin as the new skin grows back to avoid infections or additional scarring.
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