Acne occurs when the pores in the skin become blocked, usually from excess oil. The blocked pores may develop into inflamed pustules, which may result in deep-pitted scars. A variety of methods exist for treating acne scars, including dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, chemical peels and dermal fillers.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a technique that can remove the deeper layers of skin to treat deep acne scars. The dermatologist typically uses a tool with a rapidly rotating head to quickly abrade the skin to the desired depth. Dermabrasion should only be performed by an experienced operator, as the tool is controlled manually. This procedure is best suited for patients with skin that's not very dark or very light.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is also capable of treating pitted scars. The laser vaporizes skin cells with heat by using light with a specific wavelength. Laser resurfacing generally produces more consistent results than dermabrasion, although the recovery time is longer. Laser resurfacing is usually performed on the face, which heals more quickly than other parts of the body.
Chemical Peel
A chemical peel dissolves the upper layers of skin with glycolic acid. They are best suited for treating mild scarring in the upper layers of skin. Home treatments contain weak solutions of glycolic acid in the 10 to 20 percent range. Dermatologists use much stronger preparations with concentrations in the 20 to 70 percent range.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers include substances such as collagen, silicone and your own fat. They're injected under the skin in areas that have pitted scars to fill out the skin. Collagen and silicone are currently the most common dermal fillers, since using your own fat also requires liposuction. These dermal fillers are temporary, with collagen and silicone lasting only about six months. Fat is a longer-lasting dermal filler with effects that may last up to three years.
Recovery
Acne scar treatments may involve open wound or closed wound recovery, depending on the surgeon's preference. Open wound recovery involves washing the wound frequently with solutions of salt water or acetic acid. Closed wound recovery requires the patient to change the wound dressing daily until the skin forms a scab.
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