Acne scar removal: the dos and donts

When acne breakouts cause severe scarring that is large or deep, surgical acne scar removal techniques allow you to get rid of the scars that are often just as noticeable as the acne lesions themselves. These methods will require rather invasive procedures and time to heal, but they are preferable to having to live with the ugly remnants left behind. There are five popular surgical acne treatments used today.

Subcision

Subcision is an acne scar removal method that involves the insertion of a fine needle into the scar. It is then moved along under the scar's surface to separate the upper and lower layers of the scar. Blood then collects underneath this area and eventually heals filling in the scar. Unfortunately, other skin resurfacing treatments are required afterwards to complete the treatment. Some experts feel this is not a suitable treatment option because it can cause the scars to become more pronounced when the subcision site doesn't heal properly.

Punch Excision

This an effective method of treating excessively deep scars such as boxcar scars. The doctor will carefully cut out the bottom of the scar. Then, the edges are lifted and attached together using skin glue or stitches to hold it in place until it heals. This method does run the risk of infection or producing another scar, but the fact that it eliminates the possibility of having areas of the skin with a different color or texture makes it a more popular treatment option.

Skin Graft Replacement

When acne scars are too large for punch excision alone, a skin graft replacement is used instead. The punch excision technique is used to remove the base of the scar. Then, a graft is cut, often from behind the ear so that the wound is not noticeable and the graft will be close in color and texture as your facial skin. The graft is then inserted into the scar and attached to the outside walls of the scar with a skin glue and left to heal. After the grafting has healed, skin resurfacing techniques are used to ensure that the graft and surrounding skin match seamlessly.

Acne scar removal: the dos and donts

Acne scar removal: the dos and dontsAcne Laser Treatment

There are several different laser techniques used for acne scar removal. The type of laser used depends on the type of scarring you have. Ablative lasers, also called skin resurfacing lasers, use high concentrations of light or other energy to burn away the surface of the skin leaving behind new, smooth skin with an even surface.

A non-ablative laser, a non-wounding technique, uses beams of highly concentrated energy to move along underneath the surface of the skin to stimulate collagen and cell renewal. This fills in the scars by forcing the skin to over produce these components and naturally fill in the scar. These lasers also soften the skin of the scar making it easier for the skin to move.

For acne sufferers that are now forced to deal with the scars left behind from this terrible skin condition, these surgical acne scar removal methods offer relief. They are not without side effects, but are generally successful in eliminating these types of scars. If you are looking for a way to treat acne scars, talk to your physician or dermatologist about these techniques.