What Are My Acne Scar Removal Options?

 Acne scar removal procedures have been very successful at neutralizing the effects of acne scarring.  It is the more severe forms of acne that generally leave scars that can be difficult to repair.  These scars are the result of the chronic condition of the skin disease. The most prevalent form of acne scar is the ice-pick scar. This is characterized by a crater-like texture and usually appears on the face, shoulders, arms and the buttocks. However, doctors have developed acne scar removal treatments that remove and smooth the scars, with the ultimate success being affected by the patient's health, age and severity of their acne-effected skin tissues.

Typically, the milder forms of acne, that impacts most people, do not leave scars. But if there is minor scarring, it will generally heal by itself over time. However, acne scars left by Nodulycystic acne may leave scars that are deep-seated into the skin tissue.

Moreover, skin pigmentations may form that appear like scars, but in actuality, are scar-related skin discoloration. Macules are a pseudo-scar that are caused by inflamed acne abrasions. In the final stages in the healing process, inflamed acne lesions may leave flat, red spots. Macules may take time to completely disappear. The good news is that they don’t leave any traces behind or lasting disfigurement once they vanished.  

There are two categories of acne scars and they are based on the shape of the tissue. The first is the scar that consists of increased skin tissue; the second is characterized by a depression in the tissue. The overgrowth in scar tissue is termed as ìKeloidsî, (African-American origin) while the more common form is the ice-pick scar.  Modern acne scar removal techniques can address both categories of acne scar.

Are you a good candidate for an acne scar removal treatment?  To help you determine if you are a good candidate, your doctor will perform a health assessment as the first step in determining your likely success for this procedure. It is important that you are healthy and do not currently suffer from any diseases. Your health is a key factor in assessing your likelihood of a successful acne scar removal procedure.

Even though you are healthy, other factors may influence the timing of the scar removal treatment. If your acne flares up during this time period, the doctor may elect to delay your surgery until your skin irritation subsides. Often, your doctor will prescribe medications as preparation for your acne treatment.

It is important to note that doctors consider some acne scars as untreatable. The skin of the acne patient, in this case, may never recover to the state prior to the onset of the acne skin disease. In other cases, the acne scar removal procedure can substantially improve the appearance of your skin and the scarred area - don't give up hope!   

Dermatologists have developed several methods of reducing acne scars and, in some cases, these procedures may even result in complete scar removal. These scar removal procedures are:

Dermabrasion - This procedure calls for a doctor to remove the skin’s top layers using an abrasive instrument called an electric sander. This method leaves the skin smooth and healthy after a period of sensitvity and reddening. An acne scar product that uses this method and we recommend (with proven results) is ZENMED® Scar Treatment Kit.

Punch Grafts - Another popular method of removing scars is the punch grafts. This treatment calls for small patches of skin from elsewhere on the body to be implanted into the holes made by the acne scars.

Chemical Peels - If the condition of the acne scar is not too severe, your doctor may recommend a chemical peel. The application of the chemical will, after removing the top layers of the skin, allow for a regeneration of the skin tissue on the affected area. The new skin will appear smoother, healthier, and more vibrant.

Collagen Treatments - These treatments are also used to replace severely damaged or destroyed pores and cells. Collagens are generally injected into the skin around the affected area and build up the depressed scar.