If you have had severe acne, you may wind up with some scars. Almost every teenager suffers from at least a few pimples, but those with severe acne often develop scarring from the condition, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Deep acne scars can be stubborn to treat, but the AAD reports that several treatment approaches can lessen the scars' appearance, leading to better-looking skin.
Causes
Although it's not clear why some people develop scars after acne, the AAD says that genetics likely plays a key role. So, if one of your parents has acne scars, you may get them, too. When acne clears, it can leave behind several different types of scars, including raised bumps, discoloration, and deep "pits," or craters, in the skin. Most people with moderate or severe acne scarring develop deep pits. Fortunately, dermatologists have developed several effective procedures to smooth out deep acne scars.
Treatment Types
Your dermatologist might recommend acne scar surgery for your deep acne scars. In this type of surgery, generally performed on an outpatient basis, the dermatologist may punch out individual pits and then graft in skin from another part of your body to cover the spot. The surgeon also might make a small cut in the scar tissue and use a probe to separate the scar from the skin above it, raising the skin.
More Types
Dermatologists frequently combine acne scar surgery with other procedures, including laser skin resurfacing and collagen fillers, according to the AAD. Collagen fillers are injected into depressions in the skin in an effort to plump up that spot. Laser skin resurfacing, meanwhile, targets the top layer of skin. Ablative laser resurfacing, which your dermatologist may recommend to treat very deep scars, actually vaporizes the top layer of skin, revealing smoother skin underneath and making your scars less prominent.
Effects
Acne scar surgery and laser resurfacing both likely will lead to some recovery time. Surgery will involve visible cuts and also can involve significant bruising, which the AAD says can take a week or more to resolve. Laser resurfacing, meanwhile, will cause visible wounds, which can be painful. Possible side effects in both cases include additional scarring, infection and changes in skin color. Collagen implants used to fill in scars are less invasive, but are not permanent--it's likely that you'll have to have them redone each year.
Considerations
Deep acne scars can be difficult to treat, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, treatment potentially can diminish the scars' appearance significantly, helping you improve your appearance and even your self-image. Since every case involves different factors, you should start by consulting with a dermatologist knowledgeable in several different scar treatments before making a decision on how to treat your deep acne scars.
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