Acne Scars

Acne can be a double edged sword in terms of the aggravation it puts a patient through. First, during an acne flare up, it causes unsightly pimples and blemishes that have to be treated with creams, lotions. and skin care. Then after the acne has gone, it often leaves Acne Scars behind to remind you of the unsightly acne and all the effort you put in to trying to get rid of them. Acne scarring is a response to the wound created by acne and when the wound heals; it leaves too much collagen behind, which promotes scarring.

Many people wonder if there is a way to treat Acne Scars. There are a number of treatments available including cosmetic and laser procedures which can remove scars and promote smooth untarnished skin. Chemical facial peels are one common procedure that is done in a dermatologist's office. Certain chemicals are placed on the face that destroys layers of skin which are then peeled off. These layers of skin reveal new skin underneath that when it heals, usually heals free of the scars caused by the acne. Chemical facial peels are just one of many methods that dermatologists and plastic surgeons use to remove scarring caused by acne.

What now seems to be the acne treatment of choice, in the removal of Acne Scars is laser treatment. A dermatologist will use what is known as a non-ablative laser, which causes less damage to the skin and delivers deep energy to the lower layers of the skin without disrupting the surface. Thus, the scar is treated deep down in the lower layers of the skin and gradually removed without there being a major disturbance or irritation to the skin on the surface. Recovery time is minimal.

Oftentimes, as an adjunct to laser treatment for Acne Scars, dermatologists will use topical treatments and dermal fillers to remove the superficial layers of the skin and improve skin texture. Topical treatments can include Retin-A, alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA), and glycolic acid. Dermal fillers are used to push up the skin underneath the scar which makes the scars flatten out and disappear. With dermal fillers, you need to have multiple injections over time in order for the treatment to be effective.

Acne Scars can be treated with a variety of dermatological choices. The best one depends on the level of scarring and what your dermatologist will think is most efficacious. The good news is scars can be removed and the damage done by acne can be reversed with some simple yet effective treatments from a dermatologist.