Acne Scar Removal

Almost everybody has had an experience with acne at some point in their lives. Most times it is only an annoyance or embarrassment that is treated and that's the end of it. Others are misfortunate enough to have episodes of acne that leave deep, permanent scars. This usually ends up with some type of acne scar removal.

There are several different acne scar removal methods to deal with these unsightly acne scars. The methods used do help the scarred area return to a more normal appearance; but most severe, deep acne scars can never be completely eliminated.

Options for acne scar removal

• Collagen - collagen is an absorbable gelatin protein compatible with the body. Injecting it under the acne scar site to bring it up to skin level is an effective acne scar removal treatment in most cases. However, the procedure must be repeated, usually every 3 - 6 months,  for best results. After it is injected, the collagen rounds out the scar area, making the scar less obvious.
• Autologus Fat Transfer - this procedure for acne scar removal is similar to the collagen injection process, but the technique uses the person's own body fat. The fat is taken from another part of the boy and injected into the acne scar site, causing it to fill in. This acne scar removal process also has to be repeated, but not as often as the collagen injections because the fat will begin to be absorbed back into the skin. There is a recovery time needed after this procedure.

• Dermabrasion - dermabrasion is the most common technique used for acne scar removal. Done under local anesthesia, the doctor uses a high-speed brush or wheel to remove a thin layer of surface skin. Removing the surface layer of skin also removes some shallow scarring at the surface to lessen the depth of the acne scar. Dermabrasion is only an effective acne scar removal method on shallow scars.
• Punch Excision - in this acne scar removal procedure, the scar is removed with a surgical instrument. A plug of skin taken from another part of the body is inserted in the resulting hole. Once the skin graft heals, the doctor may use dermabrasion to make the skin surface smoother still. This is usually the acne scar removal technique of choice for deep scars.
• Chemical Peels - this acne scar removal technique involves the applications of chemical acids to the skin which cause the outer (top) layer to be removed. Different chemicals and different concentrations of the chemicals are used depending on the patient's skin type and how much scarring has taken place.
• Laser Treatment - this is another acne scar removal technique. The objective is to remove skin so that new skin can form. Lasers of various intensity and wave length are aimed at the acne scarring. Depending on the scar's properties, permanent results can be achieved. Several acne scar removal treatments may be required.
  Patients having laser treatment for acne scar removal experience some measure of discomfort (depending on individual tolerance for pain), swelling and redness in the treated area. Sometimes the area is topically medicated during the healing process. Complete healing can take a while, even months, before the skin is back to its normal color. Also, the sun will be sun-sensitive up to a year after the procedure.

When deciding to have acne scar removal, it is very important to know your options and to have a realistic expectation about the results.

For more information about acne scars and acne scar removal, see:

Acne Scars - Preventing and Treating
Acne Rosacea - What It Is and How To Treat It
Clearlight Acne Treatment
Acne Scar Treatment - Safely Remove Acne Scars
Severe Acne Treatment - Best Treatment Tips
Helpful Information Source for Acne