Sep 04
2008Acne Scar and the Various Acne Scar Treatments
Filed Under (Beauty) on 04-09-2008
Tagged Under : Beauty
Once acne begins to heal, in minor cases, it in noticed that the area where the acne once was has a color, which is red. With the continuation of the healing process this coloration gradually darkens initially and within the next six months lightens slowly and vanishes to have an unmarked and clear skin. These scars are minor acne scars and using products such as Retinol or any other hydroxyl acid will help in fast healing of the area.
Unlike the minor out break scars, scars due to nodular or cystic acne are very deep and more discolored. In this case what should be the best plan of action? The treatment in this case very much depends upon a number of factors. These are the severity of the outbreak, type of skin, condition of skin and finally the dermatologists finding and suggestions.
Chemical peels:
Chemical peels are used when the scars are mostly on the topmost layer and do not go very deep into the skin. This method involves application of chemicals on the skin to injure the acne scar. This helps in the development and regeneration of new skin. This process may need to be repeated a number of times to reap favorable results. There should also be adequate space between the sessions so that skin has sufficient time to heal and grow back.
Dermabrasion and Laser Resurfacing:
Dermabrasion and laser Resurfacing are very effective treatments for acne scars that are light or shallow. In dermabrasion, the skin layers are removed which helps in the development of a new skin layer free of blemishes. The scar marks are thus removed with the old skin and the new skin will grow blemish less. Dermabrasion is most effective when there is no acne as well as no other skin infection. There are various types of dermabrasion, superficial and deep dermabrasions are important among them. Deep dermabrasion removes the epidermis layer from the skin and reaches the dermis layer. This type of dermabrasion requires a longer healing time because the skin has to now generate a whole new protective epidermis layer.
Laser resurfacing is another kind of acne treatment used for bigger scars. In laser resurfacing, a high beam of light with CO2 is used to burn off the top layer of skin. This layer is usually the layer which is most affected by the scars. Removing the top layer makes the body grow a new top layer, which is free from scars. This method though effective requires extreme care during the regeneration of top layer to avoid infection.
Surgical methods
For deeper scars, different acne treatments may be needed. Scars like deep ice pick or boxcar or rolling acne scars a few surgical methods are also very effective. Punch excision involves extracting the skin from within the scars and a stitching it up to make the scar at the same level as that of the surrounding skin. Subcutaneous incisions are made to break the bands of fibrous tissue that cause deep acne scars. After healing this treatment helps in the reduction of rippled and uneven skin to a great extent.
Every acne scar treatment has its own positive and negative aspects. The right treatment can only he suggested by a dermatologist after the assessment of your acne scar and skin type.
