Acne Scar Treatment

A Guide to Acne Scar Treatment Options

Acne is among the most common skin conditions in the U.S., plaguing some 50 to 60 million people at any given time. In most cases acne clears up on its own, or can at least be managed with proper skin care treatments. On the other hand, certain types of acne and inadequate skin care can lead to permanent acne scarring and will require an acne scar treatment to remove the scar.

What is Acne Scarring?

Acne scars do not always manifest themselves the same way. In fact, there are four types of scars that are common among individuals with troublesome skin blemishes. A scar occurs when the infected area produces too much collagen as it is healing. How the blemish heals plays a large role in which type of scar develops. The four most common types of scarring include: boxcar scars, ice pick scars, rolling scars and Keloid scars. Cystic acne is the leading cause of acne scarring in many individuals. Scarring can also occur when the blemish is irritated by squeezing or touching. Either way, an acne scar treatment will be necessary to remove the scars.

Acne Scar Treatment Options

Before acne scar treatments can really be effective, a vital first step is to get rid of or control acne breakouts. The best way to get rid of acne is by taking steps to improve eating habits, seeking the opinion of a licensed dermatologist and using over-the-counter or prescription acne treatments. Once breakouts have become manageable, there are an array of treatment options that become available to reduce or even eliminate scarring altogether. Chemical peels, injections, and laser removal treatments have all been proven effective in treating acne scars.

Laser Removal

The advancements in laser technology have made it possible to find a remedy for acne scarring. Non-abrasive lasers work diligently to remove redness from scars and remodel the collagen in the surrounding tissue to reduce the appearance of scars due to acne. Laser is fast becoming an effective treatment in acne scar healing.

Chemical Peels

Many individuals suffering from permanent scarring have relied on chemical peels to improve the appearance of skin. Chemical peels work by encouraging the death of surface skin cells and the birth of new ones. As a general rule, it may take more than one treatment to achieve the desired results. When repeated, a chemical peel can be a very effective acne scar treatment used in clearing up scars left behind by outbreaks.

Dermal Filler Injections

As an acne scar treatment, injections take a different approach to getting rid of acne scars. Because many scars are depressed into the skin and often resemble small craters, injections were designed to treat scars by using a filler injection to even out the skin. Unlike other scar removal options, injections do not have permanent results and will need to be repeated to maintain the results.

As you can see there are many acne scar treatment options to choose from and deciding which one is right for you may require a discussion between you and your doctor.