If you have acne--especially severe acne--you don't want lasting reminders of your skin condition. Once developed, these scars are impossible to erase. However, you can make them less noticeable. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologists often use wrinkle fillers such as Restylane to fill depressed acne scars.
Types/Causes
Pimples appear when your pores clog due to too much oil in and on your skin, according to MayoClinic.com. Once you have pimple eruptions, infection and inflammation can set in from acne-promoting bacteria. Severely infected pimples can leave depressed scars in your skin as they clear. Your dermatologist can use Restylane to fill these scars, plumping them up to make them less obvious.
Function
Restylane, a dermatologic filler made of hyaluronic acid, holds U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for treating deep facial wrinkles, such as the wrinkles that develop between your nose and your mouth. Dermatologists can use it for any purpose. Dr. Nissan Pilest, a dermatologist in Orange County, Calif., says acne scar treatment with Restylane involves first lifting the scar surgically by separating the skin from the scar tissue underneath, and then injecting the wrinkle filler into the depression that remains following the surgery.
Procedure
If you and your dermatologist decide to fill your depressed acne scars using Restylane, treatment will probably take less than an hour. You'll probably receive a shot of a painkiller in the areas that will be treated with Restylane, and then your dermatologist will inject the Restylane itself directly into your depressed acne scars.
Effects
You'll almost certainly be able to return to your normal activities immediately after the Restylane injections, but you probably will experience some facial swelling and bruising, according to the website Drugs.com. This shouldn't last more than about a week. If you're still experiencing swelling, bruising, tenderness or redness at the Restylane injection sites after two weeks, you should call your doctor.
Results
Restylane doesn't last forever. If you like the scar correction you get from the product, you'll need to have the injections repeated within about 18 months, according to the website Drugs.com.
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