Acne Information

Acne Scars

[ Learn about acne, causes, misconceptions and treatments defined. ]

Severe acne often leaves small scars where the skin gets a "volcanic" shape. Acne scars are very difficult (and expensive) to treat and it is unusual for the scars to be successfully removed completely. In those cases, scar treatment may be appropriate. The most commonly used forms of scar treatments are:

• Dermabrasion. The top layer of the skin is removed with a high-speed rotary wire brush or diamond-coated fraise (a grinding wheel) to make the scar look less pitted. It makes the scar less visible but does not remove it completely. Multiple treatments may be necessary to get the desired results. This procedure is usually performed by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon and is less commonly done now because of the risk of blood-borne diseases.

• Microdermabrasion is a newer technique that has a similar effect to traditional dermabrasion, but is less radical. While dermabrasion is a surgical procedure, microdermabrasion is performed by blasting tiny crystals at the skin or rubbing the skin with a rough tool under suction. Many dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons offer this procedure.

• Laser resurfacing. A laser is used to burn off the top layer of the skin. This procedure is commonly known by the brand names of the machines used to perform it, including SmoothBeam. Many dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons offer this procedure.

• Punch excision. The scar is excised with a punch tool and the edges are sutured together. This procedure is usually performed by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.

• Chemical peels (also known as acid peels). A type of organic acid, most commonly glycolic, salicylic, or lactic, is applied to the skin so that a smoother layer can surface. Despite its unpleasant name, superficial peels are painless if performed properly and require no anaesthetic. Peels are typically performed several times over a period of weeks or months. The procedure can also be beneficial for active acne. Many dermatologists and cosmetologists offer this procedure, although the peels given by dermatologists are generally of a higher concentration and therefore potentially more effective. Deep peels are more aggressive and painful and require significant expertise.

• Subcision. The scar is detached from deeper tissue, allowing a pool of blood to form under the scar which helps form a connective tissue under the scar, levelling it with the surface. This procedure is usually performed by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.

• Dermal filler. The scar is filled with an injectable dermal filler. There are several trade names.

Also:
• About Acne
• adult acne
• Causes of Acne
• Acne Treatments
• Acne Scars
• Microdermabrasion

• Angioma
• Aquagenic pruritus
• Athlete's foot
• Actinic keratosis

• Dermatology
• List of Dermatological Diseases
• Dermasurgery
• Sarasota Dermatologists

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Acne vulgaris".