How to Remove Acne Scars With Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion, or the "lunchtime facial" as it's sometimes called, is a mild resurfacing treatment that can be used to treat a variety of different skin conditions. Since the procedure removes the top layers of the skin, it can be used to remove some types of acne scars and other marks and blemishes a serious bout of acne can leave behind.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cosmetic dermatologist

1. Evaluate the type of acne scars you have. Acne scars usually form by two different processes, each of which can leave different types of scarring. Many people will have a combination of hypertrophic and atrophic scarring. Hypertrophic scars are caused by an overgrowth of collagen and are usually raised above the skin's surface, while atrophic scars result from a loss of underlying tissue and present as pits and depressions.

2. Locate a cosmetic dermatologist in your area and set up an appointment for a consultation. You can locate a provider in your area by visiting a website like Cosmetic Dermatology (see Resources). The site not only provides information about the treatments performed by cosmetic dermatologists, but also has listings of licensed providers all across the nation.

3. Consult with your cosmetic dermatologist about whether your type of acne scars can be removed solely with micordermabrasion or whether another treatment or treatment combination will be more helpful. Those shallow depressions known boxcar scars can usually be addressed with microdermabrasion as can slightly raised fibrous scarring and uneven pigmentation, but deep scarring typically won't be helped by the procedure.

4. Allow for the procedure to take 30 to 60 minutes. Microdermabrasion can be performed right in the physician's office. The aesthetician will use a handpiece to simultaneously massage a continuous, high-pressure stream zinc or aluminum oxide into your skin and vacuum away the dead cells and debris that are clogging your pores. By removing the top layers of skin, the mildly abrasive procedure can even texture that's marred by acne scars.

5. Expect to experience a little discomfort during and after microdermabrasion. Your face will feel slightly wind-burned and be red and sensitive for a couple of days. However, you'll most likely see a slight improvement in tone and texture after the initial discomfort fades.

6. Continue a biweekly course of treatment for up to 3 months. The number of treatments needed to remove your acne scars will vary, depending on the severity and depth of scarring. Your physician may recommend other treatments to be used in conjunction with microdermabrasion to maximize results, especially if you continue to have active acne.

Tips & Warnings

• While there are over-the-counter microdermabrasion creams available, most people find that to remove acne scars professional treatment is necessary.
• Micodermabrasion treatments are contraindicated for patients taking blood thinners, have immune disorders or who have used Accutane within 24 months prior to treatment. It should also be avoided by patients who have diabetes or lupus.
• <br>Speak with your physician about the medications you take, your skin care routine and other relevant lifestyle habits. There are certain types of oral and topical treatments that should be stopped up to 5 days before microdermabrasion and smoking is a risk factor as well.

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[Laura1589]

on 10/31/2008 is true im using microdermabrasion and as improve my skin