What Is the Best Procedure to Remove Acne Scars?

Overview
Acne is a common skin condition among teenagers, but adults also can experience unsightly blemishes. Having acne is bad enough. Having scars remaining after the acne clears up just adds insult to injury. Medical techniques can dramatically reduce the appearance of acne scars. However, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, “one single best treatment for acne scars does not exist.“

Function
Procedures for treating acne scars are designed to restore the skin to its original, pre-acne condition. Some treatments function by filling in pitted areas to make them level with the rest of the skin. Others work by removing upper layers of skin to reveal the unscarred skin beneath.

Types
Soft tissue fillers involve injecting fat or collagen under the skin to fill in pits or stretch out the skin to give it a more even appearance. The effect is temporary, and the injections likely will need to be repeated. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion work by removing surface skin tissue and are primarily cosmetic. Traditional dermabrasion removes much more of the skin’s surface layer and requires up to a week to heal. Laser treatment promotes the formation of new skin, while surgical punch excision involves cutting away the acne scar tissue and repairing the resulting hole with skin grafts or stitches. Each type of procedure is designed to obtain a specific result and should only be used after consultation with your dermatologist.

Solution
The best procedure for removing acne scars is usually a combination of several techniques, particularly when the scarring is severe. For instance, your dermatologist may recommend laser skin resurfacing to enhance the appearance of the skin following a punch-excision procedure.

Benefits
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people with severe acne suffer from reduced self-confidence, poor body image, anger, depression, social withdrawal and higher rates of unemployment than their peers. Proper treatment of the underlying condition along with the improvements in appearance that may result from acne scar removal procedures can significantly enhance your life.

Considerations
Because no two people are alike and because there are so many different types, sizes and shapes of acne scars, it is important to talk with your dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment for your individual situation.

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