Almost anyone at any age can develop post-acne scars after an acne breakout. But the type of scar that forms typically influences the way in which it's treated. For some people, they develop small, shallow depressions in the skin, while others find deeper pits or puncture-like wounds stemming from acne lesions. Even raised keloid or hypertrophic scars can arise from the nodules and cysts associated with acne. This is why you'll need to discuss your options with a dermatologist to determine which form of treatment is right for you.
Step 1
Apply a topical prescription to post-acne scars, suggests the American Academy of Dermatology. Creams containing silicone, tretinoin or corticosteroids can help reduce the size of raised keloid or hypertrophic scars. They're also beneficial for any associated pain and itching. It can take upwards of six months to provide results.
Step 2
Try intralesional injections to improve the appearance of raised scars. Corticosteroids or interferons are typically used for this purpose. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that dermatologists administer injections every two to three weeks to improve the appearance of the scar tissue.
Step 3
Consider soft tissue fillers to reduce post-acne scars, urges the Mayo Clinic. Fat, collagen, hyaluronic acid or polymethylmethacrylate are all used to fill in both shallow and deep impression left of the skin. Results usually last around three to six months, so regular treatments are necessary to maintain the effects.
Step 4
Make an appointment for facial skin rejuvenation. Chemical peels, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are skin rejuvenation techniques that have all shown promise in improving post-acne scars. Chemical peels and dermabrasion are often reserved for more severe scarring, since both procedures remove the surface layer of your skin, taking with it the post-acne scars. Microdermabrasion is more effective on mild scarring, as only the very surface skin cells are buffed away, which can improve the appearance of acne scars.
Step 5
Discuss laser skin resurfacing with your dermatologist. Both the surface and underlying layers of your skin are modified when exposed to laser energy, which improves icepick, boxcar, rolling and keloid or hypertrophic scars, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. The laser stimulates the production of new skin cells within the epidermis and dermis, smoothing and evening the texture and tone of your skin.
Step 6
Undergo a surgical procedure to remove post-acne scars. A number of different surgical procedures are available, including punch grafts, punch excisions, punch elevations and subcision. The type used is dependant on the type of scar tissue, so your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can recommend the appropriate procedure.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid picking or popping acne lesions to help lower your chances of developing post-acne scars. It's also important to use the right form of treatment on acne to avoid permanent scarring and skin damage, so contact a doctor or dermatologist if you're suffering from moderate to severe acne. You may also see an improvement in acne scars when using tapes or bandages containing silicone or corticosteroids. Much like topical creams, tapes and bandages should be used each day to provide best results. Sometimes, keloid or hypertrophic scars respond to cryotherapy, which is a procedure where the scar tissue is basically frozen off of the skin. The only real drawback with this type of procedure is that the area may heal lighter than the rest of your skin, reports the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Tretinoin can cause skin irritation from prolonged use, so follow your doctor's orders when applying this prescription cream to acne scars.
Things You'll Need
- Prescription cream
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