If you have scarring due to acne, your doctor may recommend treatment or surgery to help heal acne lesions and minimize scarring. Sometimes, a combination of procedures is used for best results. Surgery can improve a scar's appearance by changing its color, size and/or depth, but no scar can be erased completely. Be sure to consider the benefits, side effects, recovery time and cost when discussing these procedures with your physician.
Laser Resurfacing
In laser resurfacing, a laser is used to remove the top layer of skin, reshaping scar tissue and leaving the new surface much smoother. The procedure can be performed in the doctor’s office, and usually takes less than an hour. A local anesthesia might be used first to lessen any pain that might be caused during the procedure. It could take up to 10 days for skin to heal completely.
Fractional Laser Therapy
Fractional laser therapy does not wound the top layer of skin, as in laser resurfacing or dermabrasion, so the healing time is much shorter. The procedure is performed in the doctor’s office and usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. Side effects are generally mild, but may include redness, swelling and the skin may temporarily feel dry.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is another form of skin smoothing surgery. A rotating instrument is used to “sand” the surface of the skin, leaving the new layer smoother. The procedure is usually performed with a local anesthesia while the patient is awake, but if it will be a more complex procedure. Sedatives may be given or even a general anesthesia to allow the patient to sleep during surgery. It could take up to three weeks for skin to heal.
Punch Excision
For deep or depressed scars, a procedure called a “punch excision” can be performed, which involves cutting out individual acne scars with a scalpel. The opening is then closed with stitches. Once the scar has healed in five to seven days, the new skin is smoother and the texture is even.
Punch Graft
A punch graft occurs when a small, circular area of scarred skin is removed and replaced with small sections of normal skin taken from another part of your body (often behind your ear). These grafts are implanted where deep holes have occurred. These grafts or plugs are taped into place for up to one week to allow them to heal.
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