Because of the damage that acne can do to the surface of the skin, it is not uncommon for a severe acne breakout to leave remaining marks or scars after healing. These marks can be amplified if during the breakout the acne sores are picked at, popped or scratched. Depending on the depth and severity of the mark, there are a couple of treatment options available that may help lessen the appearance of or even remove the acne mark from the skin.
Step 1
Try dermabrasion. Dermabrasion comes in two forms, traditional dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. Dermabrasion uses a wire brush to remove the outer layers of scar tissue from the skin, while microdermabrasion removes the skin layers by blowing abrasive crystals onto the skin. Both methods of dermabrasion can completely remove surface acne marks, and can significantly reduce the appearance of deeper acne scars on the skin.
Step 2
Talk to your doctor about laser resurfacing. Laser resurfacing uses a laser beam to destroy the affected outer layer of skin. As the damaged skin flakes off, the newer skin beneath is revealed. Depending on how deep the scar is, laser resurfacing may take several laser treatments before noticeable results are seen.
Step 3
Consider subcision. Subcision is a minor surgical procedure in which a specialized needle is used to release the fibrous tissue below an acne mark or scar. By releasing this tissue, the skin is freed to return to its original state, making the scar less prominent, or in some cases removing the scar completely. Subcision does cause localized bruising, and in some case skin discoloration, but both of these side effects are temporary.
Step 4
Try a tissue filler. Tissue fillers, such as fat or collagen, can also be used to treat acne marks. In this procedure, the filler is injected underneath the acne scar with a special needle. This forces the skin to stretch, helping to reduce the prominence of the acne scar. This treatment is only temporary, making regular injections periodically necessary.
Step 5
Talk to your doctor about skin surgery. For severe acne marks on prominent areas of the body, such as the face, skin surgery can be an option. Skin surgery cuts out the area of the skin with the scar, and then repairs the hole with a skin graft. There is still the possibility of a remaining scar, but in most cases this residual scar is much less prominent than the original acne mark. Skin surgery is only reserved for extreme cases of acne scars.
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