Can Acne Scars Be Improved?
Although acne scars cannot be completely eliminated, these reminders of a past battle with breakouts can be significantly improved. Acne scars form as a result of the skin's inflammatory response to the bacteria present in a clogged sebaceous gland, resulting in an unsightly indentation on the skin. Improvement depends on the depth and extensiveness of scarring and how well each patient responds to acne scar therapy.
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Treatments
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Dermabrasion, chemical peels and laser therapy are among the most common treatments for acne scarring.
Dermabrasion uses a rotating wire brush or spinning diamond instrument to literally sand away damaged layers of skin.
There are two types of lasers used in laser therapy. Ablative lasers smooth scars by vaporizing the top layers of damaged skin. Non-ablative lasers blast high-frequency light into the skin, encouraging new collagen formation to fill in scars.
A chemical peel burns away layers of damaged skin with an acid solution applied to the face.
New Developments
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Two new acne scar treatments have emerged in the last few years: fractional ablative resurfacing and collagen induction therapy (CIT).
Fractional ablative resurfacing uses a combined ablative and non-ablative laser. The treatment is more aggressive than non-ablative laser therapy but without the long recovery time associated with ablative laser treatments.
CIT was developed by a South African plastic surgeon and involves rolling a device fitted with small, thin needles across the face to break down scar tissue and encourage the formation of new collagen.
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Cost
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The cost of acne scar treatments vary, depending on the area to be treated and how many treatments are required. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to more than $4,000 for acne scar treatments, with prices tending to be higher in large cities like New York and Los Angeles and lower in the South and the Midwest.
Recovery
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Recovery varies depending on treatment, but expect at least one week of down time after a laser treatment, a chemical peel or dermabrasion. More aggressive treatments require a longer recovery time, and you must avoid exposing the skin to UV light. Your doctor will provide the necessary aftercare products to assist in your recovery.
Results
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Results vary depending on the aggressiveness of the treatment and how your skin responds. No treatment will completely remove your acne scars, but you will see significant improvement in both the scarring and the overall condition of your skin. It is important to maintain realistic expectations and to understand that sometimes multiple treatments might be required for optimal results.
Warning
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When deciding on the best acne scar treatment, it is essential to choose a qualified skin-care professional who is skilled in acne scar reduction methods. You should inquire about qualifications, ask about possible side effects and request references and before and after pictures of former patients who have had the procedure.
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