Acne, also called acne vulgaris, affects millions of teenagers and adults each year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Some types of acne can be severe causing painful lesions and cysts. This type of acne usually causes scarring in the form of pits or recessed areas on the skin's surface. Acne scarring can be treated using laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, chemical peels and fillers. The type of treatment depends on each person's unique characteristics of scarring.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing can remove acne scars. A CO2 laser, also called a carbon dioxide laser, uses high-energy light to remove the damaged skin. The CO2 laser vaporizes the surface skin without burning deeper skin layers. It resurfaces the skin, removing fine lines and acne scars. The fresh new skin underneath will be slightly pink for a week or up to several months, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. There is a down time of about a one to two weeks before returning to work.
Another type of laser used to treat acne scarring is a pulsed dye laser. Scars that are raised or red in color can be treated with a yellow light pulsed dye laser to flatten scars and reduce redness of a scar. This type of treatment usually requires more than one treatment. A study by N. Patel and M. Clement published in the October 2002 issue of "Dermatologic Surgery" found the pulsed dye laser to provide reduction in scarring and cosmetic benefits by stimulating collagen production in the skin.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can be used to treat acne and acne scarring. Chemical peels use solutions such as trichloroacetic acid, TCA, or alphahydroxy acids, AHAs, to remove the top layer of skin. The chemical solution is applied to the entire face or a specific area. Depending on the type of peel, a thin crust may form over the new skin while it heals. After the skin heals, it is lighter, tighter and smoother with a reduction in lines and scarring, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Fillers
Soft tissue fillers such as collagen, Hyaluronic acid or fat injections are used to plump up deeply recessed acne scars, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The type of filler and amount used depends on the size and depth of the scar. There is no down time and the scar shows immediate improvement. However, this is temporary and usually only last a short time. This can be painful and expensive.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion removes the top layer of skin by using an electrical machine with a rapidly rotating brush that contours the surface skin removing fine lines and scars. This is done in a dermatologist's office and may require more than one treatment, according to the MayoClinic.com. This treatment can cause pigment changes in darker-skinned people. Always consult with your doctor before choosing a treatment method.
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