Most people who suffer from mild to moderate acne in their teens and 20s avoid getting scars from their pimples. But some, especially those whose cases of acne were especially severe, have lasting acne scars. An acne scar usually often like a pit in the skin, and can be deep. Acne scarring also can discolor the skin. Fortunately, dermatologists have a wide range of effective treatments for acne scars.
Function
Dermatologist treatments for acne scars cannot restore the skin to its pre-scar appearance completely, but they can help reduce the appearance of scars. Because acne scars tend to look like pits skin, the aim of scar treatments is to either fill in the scar's depression or to remove the upper layer of skin, making the scar shallower.
Types
The dermatologist treatments available for an acne scar involve three different approaches. Treatment with non-ablative lasers and LED lights promotes collagen growth below the surface of the skin, leveling the skin and reducing acne scars, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Dermabrasion treatments and chemical peels literally remove the upper layer of skin, leaving the acne scars less noticeable. Dermal fillers, such as collagen injections, help fill in the scars, again leaving them less noticeable, according to the ADD.
Time Frame
Dermabrasion and chemical peels work the fastest, generally showing results after one or two treatments. Non-ablative lasers and LED light therapy may take several treatments over several months to produce results. Results of these four therapies are generally permanent, assuming a new case of acne doesn't cause additional scarring. Dermal fillers work fast and have a low risk of complications, but are not permanent. Patients treated with dermal fillers likely will need to receive additional injections every year.
Effects
Non-ablative lasers and treatment with LED lights generally have few side effects, and patients feel little pain during the treatment. Dermal fillers also have a low risk of side effects, according to the AAD. Dermabrasion and deep chemical peels, however, are both invasive procedures that can involve sedation or anesthesia, and will require several days of recovery.
Warning
Both dermabrasion and deep chemical peels carry more risks than non-ablative laser therapy and LED light treatments. Because they are more invasive, they carry a small risk of infection, and patients are likely to need several days of recovery time. In addition, dermabrasion and deep chemical peels both can cause permanent darkening or lightening of the skin, especially in patients with darker skin, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Potential patients should consult with their dermatologist to determine which treatment would be most appropriate to treat their acne scars.
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