Not only are acne scars a permanent reminder of past breakouts, but scarring can be disfiguring and damaging to your self-esteem. According to the Baylor College of Medicine's Department of Dermatology, there are four types of acne scarring: keloidal, rolling, boxcar and icepick. Rolling, boxcar and icepick scarring appear as depressions in the skin, while keloidal scarring is inflamed and thick. Whichever type of scars you have, the appropriate treatment can greatly reduce their appearance and improve the general condition of your skin.
Ablative Laser Resurfacing
Ablative lasers smooth scarring by vaporizing the top layers of skin. While older lasers zapped both healthy and damaged tissue, a new laser treatment called fractional ablative resurfacing specifically targets scarred areas. By creating a series of grid-like holes in damaged portions of skin, the treatment encourages the growth of new, healthy skin during the healing process. The treatment also requires less downtime than traditional ablative resurfacing. Dr. Brian Zelickson of the University of Minnesota Medical School's Department of Dermatology advises up to three treatments for best results.
Nonablative Laser Therapy
Less aggressive than their ablative counterparts, nonablative lasers encourage new collagen formation by blasting high frequency light into the skin. The results are gradual, and a series of treatments is required for noticeable results. Since the epidermis is left intact, there is less downtime.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion uses a high-speed diamond or wire brush to sand away layers of scarred skin. There is significant redness and swelling following the treatment, and it can take up to 9 months for the redness to completely fade. Dermabasion may not be the best scar treatment option for people with darker complexions, as it can sometimes result in permanent pigmentation changes. Prolonged sun sensitivity may also occur following treatment.
Punch Excision
Typically used to treat deeper ice pick scars, a punch excision involves surgically removing the scar and suturing the wound closed. The resulting scar is smaller and less noticeable than the original acne scar. Sometimes the doctor may choose to fill the wound with skin graft of your skin instead of suturing it shut.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use a chemical solution to dissolve layers of scarred or damaged skin. The injury to the skin encourages the growth of new tissue, resulting in improved skin texture. Recovery may take at least a week, and you must avoid UV light, which can damage newly peeled skin. Like dermabrasion, chemical peels can cause pigmentation problems in patients with darker complexions
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