The American Academy of Dermatology estimates 85 percent of teens experience acne. Severe acne causes scarring. Acne scarring treatment provided by dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons can greatly diminish the appearance of acne scars.
Significance
The American Academy of Dermatology reports that people with severe acne and those with a family history of acne scars are most susceptible to acne scarring. There are several types of scars that can result from acne, ranging from discoloration (including red and purplish marks) to deep craters in the skin. Different treatments can address different types of scarring, and the academy says dermatologists combine treatments for the best results.
Function
Acne scarring treatment cannot completely remove the scar, but it can make scarring far less noticeable. Dermatologists use treatments that work in several ways: they remove or polish the top layer of skin, which reduces discoloration and reduces the depth of the craters, they build up the layer of skin inside acne scars, or they remove the scar completely.
Types
Dermabrasion, laser surgery and chemical peels are the most aggressive types of acne-scar treatment, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. In laser surgery, the dermatologist uses a laser to resurface the top layer of skin so that it appears more even. In a chemical peel, the physician uses acid to burn the skin, which causes it to peel like a bad sunburn a few days after the procedure. And in dermabrasion, the surgeon either freezes the skin or uses anesthetic, and then abrades it with a rotary instrument, essentially sanding it smooth.
More Types
Dermatologic surgeons use punch graft surgery for acne scarring treatment. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the acne scar and replaces it with a skin graft that is taken from behind the ear. Soft tissue fillers also can be used to fill in scar craters. Microdermabrasion is a gentler version of dermabrasion. In microdermabrasion, the top skin layer isn't removed, but is stimulated to promote new skin growth. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery says microdermabrasion works well for mild acne scarring, but isn't as effective in cases involving more severe scarring.
Considerations
The more aggressive the acne scarring treatment, the longer the recovery time, warns the American Academy of Dermatology. Patients might not see the final results for months as their skin regenerates and recovers from the treatment. And while acne scarring treatment can be very effective, the academy urges candidates to talk with a dermatologist to make certain they have realistic expectations.
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