Surgical Treatment of Acne Scarring

With more than three of every four people experiencing acne at some point in their life, it is no surprise that there are many different treatment options. Whether you suffer from the odd pimple now and then or have a more severe acne condition you are susceptible to acne scarring.

Acne scars can range from small, minor blemishes to large stains and crevices in the skin. There are primarily two methods of treating acne scars, non-surgical and surgical. Surgical methods of acne treatment include: Microdermabrasion, Scar Revision, Photo-rejuvenation and Skin Resurfacing.

Microdermabrasion is an excellent method of reducing fine scars and acne stains. It reduces acne scarring by spraying small aluminum crystals over the surface of the skin. This results in a light exfoliation of the skin promoting the production of collagen. Most patients will have to endure multiple sessions every one to two weeks.

Scar revision is a process that excises the scar from the skin. It is most effective in the treatment of ice pick scar boxed scars. A surgeon cuts outs the scar and then sutures the incision back together. The end result is that the scar if changed from a large round shape to a small linear scar. The second method of scar revision uses a sharp sub-dermal tool that cuts the bases of a scar that are tethered to the skin. This results in a small depression of the skin that is then injected with a filler substance. The end result is a flat skin surface with no scarring.

Photo-rejuvenation is a process that uses a broadband visible light or a laser to promote the production of collagen. This collagen stimulation improves mild scarring and staining. Treatments are usually done every three to four weeks and the typical patient will require six to twelve treatments.

The last surgical acne treatment is skin resurfacing. There are two methods of skin resurfacing; Ablative Laser Treatments and Dermabrasion. Ablative laser treatments essentially remove the surface layer of skin and fool the body into thinking that it has suffered from a burn. This results in the production of a 'new' layer of skin that is healthier and stronger. This 'younger' skin will have less acne scarring and a deep layer of collagen to promote healthy growth.

The second method of resurfacing is dermabrasion. This is the most invasive of all the acne scarring treatments but also yields the best results. Dermabrasion is a mechanical procedure that uses a diamond covered wheel, similar to a sanding disk, to scrape off any skin irregularities. It is widely agreed that using dermabrasion in combination with a scar revision treatment is the most effective method of treating sever acne scarring.

The most effective method of treating acne scarring is prevention. Using an effective daily skin cleaning regimen combined with regular visits to your family doctor or dermatologist will result in fewer pimples and outbreaks and therefore less scarring. Eat a healthy diet that is low in fats and sugars and you will look and feel better.