Procedures for Acne Scar Removal
After finally getting rid of your acne, having to deal with the scars that remain can be a tough burden to bear. However, you don't have to sit back and accept your acne scars for the rest of your life. There are removal treatments available that can smooth your skin's texture, soften pockmarks and allow you to put your best face forward. Does this Spark an idea?
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Laser Treatments
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Several types of laser treatments are used these days to treat and even sometimes remove acne stars. The pulsed dye laser is fast-acting and reduces redness within just a few weeks. The Fraxel laser is a type of fractionated laser that helps to restructure acne scars so that the skin is not as pitted or indented. Both of these procedures are non-ablative laser treatments, meaning they do not destroy the top layers of skin. Ablative laser treatments are much more invasive and can lead to skin tone changes that are permanent.
Microdermabrasion
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If you have severe acne scars, microdermabrasion may not be the answer. However, it can soften the skin's texture and appearance in a relatively short period of time without requiring a lengthy healing period. Crystals are used to remove the topmost layer of skin, which can cause some light peeling and dryness for about a week following treatment. Several sessions are required for results to be noticeable.
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Chemical Peels
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Chemical peels are another form of treatment, and while they won't remove deeper-set scars, they can work to soften their edges and help redness fade. You can purchase an at-home kit or have a dermatologist perform a stronger peel in-office. Common chemicals used are alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acids and phenols. These treatments remove the top layers of skin to reveal healthier, smoother skin underneath.
Subcision
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Subcision is a more invasive form of acne scar removal that involves using a needle to separate the top layer of skin from the tissue beneath. After an anesthetic is injected into the area, the skin is separated to help encourage new skin growth and collagen production, both of which can help fill in scars. Bruising and redness are common side effects.
Punch Treatments
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Another way to deal with acne scars involves various "punch" methods. It begins with a punch excision, which involves removing the scar and connecting healthy tissue together. This will produce a new scar, though it will fade much more completely than the acne scar. Punch excision is also sometimes performed with skin grafting when the removed area is too large to suture together. Lastly, there is punch elevation, which involves removing the scar, elevating the area and reattaching the scar. This helps reduce the depth of the scar and promotes a more even skin tone once it has healed.
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