There are a number of different ways to get rid of old acne scars. Acne scars form when acne lesion is picked or popped, making an opportunity for the skin to be broken and need to heal. Unlike other scars, acne scars are depressed within the skin because the wound occurs within the dermis layer from the original inflammatory spot. Because acne scars are bound down and depressed, they are very difficult to get rid of. Fortunately, there are some very effective ways to reverse the damage of acne.
There are four basic types of acne scars: icepick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars and hypertrophic scars. Each type of scar looks differently on the skin, but all scars can be treated using a variety of methods. Types of treatments are laser acne scar treatment, fractional laser treatment, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, punch techniques, injections, subcision and creams. The effectiveness of each of these treatments varies, as well as the side effects that come along with each treatment method.
Laser treatment is often seen as the most effective means for getting rid of old acne scars, but also one of the most expensive. Laser treatments, such as non-ablative and fractional lasers, can either remove or diminish acne scars. Lasers use wavelengths that create vertical holes within the tissue, allowing new scar-free skin to heal in place of the once scarred skin.
Another popular method of getting rid of old acne scars is to use a chemical peel. A chemical solution is put on the skin, which dissolves tissue cells and encourages the growth of new tissue. This new tissue generates new skin cells that improve the look and texture of the skin. Microdermabrasion is a lesser form of a chemical peel because it exfoliates the skin deeply and allows for an improvement in texture and feel of the skin. The two types of microdermabrasion are abrasive particulate and non-particulate methods.
Punch techniques are generally used for ice-pick scars and deeper boxcar scars. Punch techniques include punch excision, punch excision with skin grafting and punch elevation. The punch techniques use a punch biopsy tool with local anesthesia. The scar is removed and the skin is sutured together to allow for healing. A punch excision with skin grafting involves removing the scar and replacing the skin with a skin graft in place of a suture. Punch elevation uses the same techniques as the other punch techniques with removing the scar, but instead raises up the scar tissue and reattaches it to the scarred area for new skin to form.
Other treatment methods rely heavily on repairing the skin instead of new skin regeneration. Injections, such as hyaluronic acid fillers, raise up the scarred area so that there is no scar seen on the skin. Creams can also be used to exfoliate the skin, repair the skin and improve the skin’s look and texture. Creams that contain Retin-A and alpha hydroxy have been known to get rid of old acne scars.
Whatever method you choose to get rid of your old acne scars, be sure to research the side effects and effectiveness of the method so that you can manage your expectations and know about the treatment method you have selected. Be sure to also research physicians and dermatologists that offer different treatments to select the treatment method that will have the best result for your type of skin and your specific type of acne scar.
