The American Academy of Dermatology states that the most beneficial treatment for acne scars is unique to the individual. Scars as a result of acne are quite complex and differ from person to person, so what works for one person may not work for another. You'll need to discuss your options with a dermatologist to determine what treatment method is best for you.
Step 1
Use a filler to remove acne scars. Sunken scars and pockmarks are filled or evened out with the rest of the skin through injection of collagen or fat, according to the Mayo Clinic. Probably the fastest method of removing scars, it's also the most temporary. Results last about six months. Additional injections are necessary to maintain the look and feel of the skin.
Step 2
Try microdermabrasion. If your acne scars are relatively mild, you may benefit from this procedure. Fine crystals are used to polish the surface of the skin, which removes minor imperfections, according to the Mayo Clinic. There's really no healing time, so this can improve the appearance of your skin relatively fast.
Step 3
Have non-ablative skin resurfacing. Non-ablative skin resurfacing is another more immediate method of removing acne scars, since it also doesn't require much recovery time. Intense pulses of light, low-level lasers and even radiofrequency are used to lighten redness and flatten raised scars, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, as well as to stimulate the production of collagen, which can fill in indented or sunken acne scars.
Step 4
Consider dermabrasion. Though this procedure sounds similar to microdermabrasion, it's a bit more intensive. Instead of removing cells from the skin, a rotating wire brush strips the surface of the skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This can improve the appearance of mild to severe scarring from acne, though it's often reserved for severe scars. It is as fast as other methods, since there is a recovery time that varies from person to person, but it can provide results.
Tips and Warnings
- Ablative skin resurfacing is another option, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, this requires more recovery time than other methods of acne scar removal. The epidermal layer of the skin is removed with a laser while energy from the laser heats the dermal layer of the skin. Heating the dermis causes the production of collagen, which can fill in sunken scars and pockmarks. If you're willing to deal with surgery, you may also benefit from punch-graft excisions. Healthy skin tissue is used to replace scar tissue, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
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