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Remedies for Acne Scarring

by Wendy Travis

Overview

As if acne was not painful enough, the scars that acne breakouts leave behind serve as a constant reminder of the condition. There are a number of treatment options for acne scars and the right one will depends upon the amount and type of scarring present.
Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is one of the most successful methods of treating acne scars. This procedure is usually done by a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist and involves an electric brush that removes outer layers of skin. Microdermabrasion is a less invasive form of dermabrasion that removes only the very top layer of skin, using aluminum oxide crystals instead of a brush. While deeper dermabrasion will provide more dramatic results, it also requires a much longer recovery time. However, microdermabrasion may require multiple sessions to achieve desired results. Dermabrasion is generally not recommended for deep ice pick acne scars, because the process will not go far enough to remove them completely. However, both dermabrasion and microdermabrasion have proven quite useful with other types of acne scarring, such as atrophic scars. Many doctors recommend combining the procedure with topical solutions for the best results.

Laser Treatments

Laser resurfacing treatments have become a popular method for treating acne scarring today. Laser procedures use a high-powered light beam to destroy damaged areas of the skin for a smoother appearance. Doctors can customize a treatment to a patient's specific needs by changing the type of laser used. In some cases, a single session is all that is needed to remove acne scarring effectively. Other patients require up to three sessions, approximately one month apart, to achieve desired results. While the recovery time is relatively short, redness left by the laser treatment may linger for weeks or even months.
Injections

The same types of collagen injections used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles can also be used effectively for some types of acne scarring. This procedure involves injecting a collagen formula under the skin to fill in and plump out the pits left by scarring. This procedure tends to work best for shallow ice pick scars or atrophic scars. The procedure is temporary and will need to be repeated every few months to maintain desired results. The advantage to collagen injections is that they are non-invasive, less expensive and require almost no recovery time afterward.
Surgery

The best method for removing deep ice pick scars is a surgical procedure known as punch excision. This treatment uses a small, cookie cutter-like tool to "punch" the skin and cut out the scar. The edges of the incision are then sewn together until they heal. While this procedure also leaves a scar, it is much smaller than the original and can be more efficiently treated with microdermabrasion to blend into the rest of the complexion.
Finding the Right Treatment

If you are struggling with lingering acne scarring, there are options available. Talk to a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon about the best procedures for your specific needs. You may find that you can say goodbye to the visible reminders of your acne once and for all.