Acne Scar Removal Methods

Acne Scar Removal Methods

There are several effective techniques used for acne scar removal. Which to use will depend on the severity of scarring and your dermatologists advice.

Injecting collagen into the scar site is an effective method for most people however it's one that'll need to be repeated regularly, about every 3 - 6 months. Once injected under the skin, the collagen puffs out the scar area, making the scar less noticeable.

A similar process involves using a person's own body fat. This treatment option is called autologus fat transfer. Basically, fat is taken from another part of the body and injected into the acne scar, causing it to fill out. This option also does need to be repeated, although less frequently, because the fat will begin to absorb back into the skin.

Dermabrasion is a common treatment method for most types of acne scarring. It's done under local anesthesia. In this procedure, a thin layer of surface skin is removed using a fraise or a brush set on high speed. Removing the surface layer can actually remove some shallow scarring at the surface and it can lessen the depth of deeper scarring. During the healing process a new layer of skin is formed to replace the scarring. Microdermabrasion also removes the surface skin but does so using crystals of aluminum oxide that pass through a vacuum.

Laser treatment is another acne scar removal option. Lasers of various intensity and wavelength are aimed at the scarring with the goal of changing a scar's shape. The lasers remove the damaged layer of skin and tighten the skin underneath to raise the depression caused by the scar. The process can be mildly painful so the dermatologist may use an anesthetic to numb the pain. The healing process after laser treatment takes about 3 to 10 days. Depending on the scar, permanent results can sometimes be achieved. Again, multiple treatments may be necessary.

Both dermabrasion and laser treatments can cause the skin to turn red, but this discoloring will disappear after several months.

Other acne treatment options are available including skin grafting and skin surgery, but these extreme procedures are reserved primarily for deep scarring or extreme situations.

Related Articles:

Acne Scars
Preventing Scars
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