To successfully remove deep acne scars, your skin must first be free of active acne lesions. There's always the potential that an active acne lesion could cause additional scarring, so work with a medical professional to clear your complexion before ever trying to remove acne scars. After the lesions heal, a dermatologist can better assess which scar treatment option is best for you. With acne scar pits, the methods of removal are slightly more limited than shallow scarring.
Step 1
Talk to your dermatologist about laser resurfacing. Though this is most effective on shallower scars, the American Academy of Dermatology explains that some people with deep scarring experience positive results with laser resurfacing. Ablative lasers remove the surface layer of your skin, while stimulating collagen growth within the underlying layers. The added collagen helps to fill in the depressions and the removal of surface skin encourages new skin growth.
Step 2
Make an appointment for subcutaneous incision, suggests the American Academy of Dermatology. More commonly known as subcision, this surgical procedure uses a fine probe to disconnect the underlying scar tissue from the base of your epidermis. This allows the acne scar pits to rise up with the rest of your skin, providing a much smoother look to your complexion.
Step 3
Consider a punch excision, urges the Mayo Clinic. This type of surgery removes the scar tissue causing the deep pits. Once the scar tissue is removed, the area is sutured. Healing leaves a fine scar that often fades over time. Depending on the size of the surgical wound, your dermatologist may close the opening with a skin graft instead of just sutures.
Step 4
Ask about a punch elevation. Like excision procedures, the scar tissue is removed from your skin. But after scar tissue extraction, the remaining tissue within the surgical wound is elevated so it's flush with the rest of your skin. This helps prevent depressions in the skin that could occur after healing.
Tips and Warnings
- To help heal active acne lesions, medicated creams containing retinoids, benzoyle peroxide, antibiotics or salicylic acid can be used. These ingredients can break up pore obstructions, remove dead skin, dry excess oil, reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that's causing and contributing to your acne. Most dermatologists recommended combining other facial rejuvenation techniques with laser resurfacing or surgical procedures to improve results. Chemical peels, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion can all be used to fade surgical scars after the deep acne pits are removed. Cosmetic fillers, like hyaluronic acid, collagen or fat, may also be beneficial for filling in any remaining depressions.
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