Treating Acne Scars
After a pimple heals, it can leave a temporary scar, a reddish flat spot that may take up to six months to fade. Many of these scars will go away eventually. In some people, acne is more likely to leave permanent scars.
Permanent scars are either:
- Depressions caused by loss of tissue (such as tiny holes, ice pick scars and pickmarks) or
- Bumps or growths caused by tissue formation.
There is treatment for scars and it may be possible to improve the look of the skin, but it is important to be realistic. Also, it can be costly and take time. Some treatments can cause more scarring, especially in people who scar easily.
A dermatologist can determine whether treatment for scarring is appropriate, and if so, which treatment will be most effective depending on the type of scars you have and your skin type. In addition, the dermatologist can discuss the risk of side effects from the treatment, such as additional scarring.
Treatments for scarring include:
- Chemical peels: An acid solution can be applied to the skin to remove the outer layers and soften some of the scars. There are different levels of peels, some of which take more skin off than others. The deeper the peel, the more dramatic the results, but the greater the risks of scarring and redness.
- Collagen injections: Collagen occurs naturally in the body, and can be injected under the skin to stretch it out or fill in depressions. Collagen can be made from human tissue or animal tissue, such as from cows. This treatment must be repeated every three to six months.
- Dermabrasion: A fast-moving brush is used to remove surface skin and recontour scars to make them less noticeable. However, it can make some scars more noticeable, or change the coloring (pigment) of the skin.
- Fat transfers: Fat is taken from a part of the body and injected into the skin on the face to fill in scar holes. But the fat is reabsorbed by the body, so the treatment must be repeated after six to 18 months.
- Laser treatments: Lasers can smooth out scar tissue and reduce skin redness. Redness from the treatment itself can last for several months.
- Microdermabrasion: The process removes skin on the very surface using tiny crystals. Because it doesn't work as deeply, it won't make scars more noticeable as dermabrasion can, but it also isn't as effective.
- Skin grafts: These surgeries place new skin over scarred skin. The skin is taken from elsewhere on the body.
- Skin surgery: Some ice-pick scars can be treated by removing the scar and the skin around it down to the fat. The resulting hole can be repaired with stitches or by placing new skin over it (called a skin graft).
- Steroid injection: A doctor will inject a steroid to shrink acne scar bumps called keloids.
- Topical retinoic acid: Just as it can treat acne, a retinoid may be used to shrink keloids.
Also, some cosmetics are made to hide acne or other types of scars. Just be sure it is oil-free, so it doesn't cause more acne. A dermatologist can recommend cosmetics that work well to hide scars and improve the appearance of the skin.
For more detailed information about acne, visit AcneNet.
Next: Birthmarks
