Acne Scar Treatment

If you are an Acne sufferer, or have been in the past, then the first port of call is to see your Doctor or a skin specialist. However it is always prudent to be armed with as much knowledge as possible before going in to see a professional. We have listed here the top Acne Scar Removal Treatments that we could find.

Your first step is to figure out what kind of scar you have, as some treatments work better for certain types of scars.

1. Chemical Peels
Most suitable for very mild scars

This procedure involves applying a potent chemical to the skin which effectively removes the top layer of skin, and with it scarring. It reveals the smooth skin underneath which should be scar free. It takes about 15 minutes to work and usually requires more than one session and can take at least a few days for your skin to recover, during which time you may experience redness, swelling and flaky skin.

2. Laser Resurfacing
Most suitable for shallow imperfections

Compared to most methods this is quite a new acne treatment. The treatment involves having a laser burn off the top layer of skin so that new smooth skin can replace it, hopefully removing the scars in the process. It takes only a few minutes per session but more than one is usually required. Side effects include swelling and redness that may last for a few weeks.

3. Dermabrasion
Most suitable for shallow scars

This treatment is one of the oldest going and has been around for over 50 years. The treatment uses a power tool to effectively rub off old and damaged skin so that new skin can grow in its place. The skin is usually anaethatised or frozen during the process. Swelling may occur after the treatment and scabbing is to be expected. Side effects usually calm down after a couple of weeks.

4. Punch Techniques
Most suitable for deeper ice pick scars

There are three different punch techniques used to treat acne scarring. All the techniques use a tool known as a biopsy tool, which is similar in look to a small sharp cookie cutter. The tool is used to to excise the scar.

* Punch Excision involves excising the scar then closing the wound and allowing it to heal.

* Punch Elevation involves cutting the base of the scar but leaving the walls intact, after which the base is elevated to the height of the surrounding skin.

* Punch Replacement is where the tool is used and the wound is then treated to a skin graft from skin taken behind the ear and is thought to be the most successful Punch Technique.

All of the punch techniques can take weeks to heal.

5. Augmentation
Most suitable for deep or atrophic scars

This procedure involves inserting material underneath the scar to improve its appearance by making it the same height as the rest of the skin. Common materials used are collagen, restylane and even the patients own body fat. The results are only temporary and only last 3-6 months but the recovery time is usually very quick.