Acne scars can disrupt your life, at least in terms of your self-confidence. But you don't have to accept them as a fact of life. You have many treatment options. The option that's right for you depends on the kind of acne you had and the type of scarring that it caused.
Types of Acne Scars
Acne scars range from mild to severe. If you had mild acne, you may have nothing more than slight pigmentation problems. If you had severe acne cysts, you might have more severe scarring, according to the cosmetic dermatology website Derma Network. Severe scarring can manifest as narrow but deep icepick scars, boxcar scars that look like enlarged pores or rolling scars, which leave ripples, dents and craters in the skin.
Topical and Injectable Treatments
For shallow surface scars, topical treatments typically suffice. Creams intended to fade brown or red discoloration, such as tretinoin, are an option. Another option is a chemical peel, which involves applying a fruit acid to encourage the top layer of skin to slough off, revealing a new layer of healthy skin. A chemical peel can be done at home or in the dermatologist's office, according to Skin Care Physicians. Finally, dermal fillers can plump some scars. Common fillers are polymethyl-methacrylate, collagen, hyaluronic acid and fat.
Surgical Treatments
For more serious acne scarring, surgical treatments are sometimes necessary. Dermabrasion involves sanding off the top layer of skin. Your skin is numbed before the procedure, and aftercare is essential for proper healing and the development of smoother skin. Laser treatments are also used to remove the top layer of skin. Punch excision involves surgically removing larger scars and then stitching together the surrounding tissue, according to Skin Care Physicians. Healing time varies, but expect swelling and pain to take a week to dissipate.
Benefits
Using the best post-acne scarring treatment has numerous benefits, including a smoother complexion and more even skin tone. In addition, it can revive your self-confidence and allow you to put your best face forward.
Recovery
Practically all acne scar treatments have recovery periods. Even injectable fillers need a few days to settle into the skin. Applying an ice pack can reduce swelling. Bruising from excision can last up to two weeks, according to Skin Care Physicians. Dermabrasion typically has a much longer recovery period. Your dressings will need to be changed regularly, and your skin must be protected from the sun.
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