Acne scars are typically a result of more moderate to severe cases of acne. They can range in severity from slight skin discolorations to actual pockmarks left on the skin. The type of scarring you experience from acne often dictates whether or not dermabrasion or laser resurfacing is the better treatment.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that utilizes a small rotary brush that essentially re-contours the skin and improves the complexion, according to experts at the Mayo Clinic. As the wire brush rotates, it removes the top or epidermal layer of the skin, forming a slight wound. The healing of the wound causes a smoother layer of skin to form that is typically of the same color as the rest of your skin, replacing discolored scar tissue.
Function
Experts at the American Academy of Dermatology maintain that minor acne scars isolated to the surface of the skin can experience an improvement after just one session of dermabrasion. If the scars are deeper, subsequent treatments are often necessary to effectively reduce their appearance.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a process of using high-level light to "remodel" acne scar tissue. Not only does it create a wound along the epidermal layer of the skin, allowing the healing process to create smoother appearance, but it also penetrates into the dermis. As the light energy reaches the dermal layer, it heats the tissue, which can stimulate the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that adds form and support to the skin, plumping the area and evening out sunken acne scars.
Function
Unlike dermabrasion, one session of laser resurfacing is typically all a person needs to improve the appearance of acne scars, even those that are indented, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Raised scars may need additional treatments.
Conclusion
To say that one treatment is better than the next is impossible. This is largely due to the fact that acne scars are unique to the individual, according to the experts at the American Academy of Dermatology. The most effective form of treatment is specific to the individual, and it may even include more than one type of procedure. Some people may need a combination of dermabrasion and medicated creams, like tretinoin. Other may respond favorably to laser resurfacing coupled with soft tissue fillers, like hyaluronic acid, fat or collagen. Determining the best method of treatment involves a consultation with a dermatologist.
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