Practical Acne Scar Removal Tactics

World Wide Web | Practical Acne Scar Removal Tactics |  Acne can have lasting effects on a person's skin well after the outbreak has cleared. It can negatively affect a person's self-esteem and body image. Many teens and adults who haven't had a significant acne outbreak in years can still have acne scarring on their face and other affected skin areas on the body. Picking at acne or severe acne that was not treated properly can leave even more scarring and discoloration.

If you had severe acne starting as a teen and into your early 20s, scarring may not be entirely avoidable. However, there are many available treatments for the removal of acne scar tissue. Commonly used and effective treatments include over-the-counter and prescription creams and lotions and surgical procedures like collagen injections, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing.

The Conservative Approach

Over-the-counter remedies offer some relief from acne scarring. Products that contain glycolic acid, vitamin C and retinol encourage skin healing and reduce the appearance of scars. Other products that contain 2 percent hydroquinone can reduce the appearance of redness.

When To See a Dermatologist

Moderate to severe scarring needs to be treated professionally by a dermatologist. A dermatologist can prescribe stronger, more potent skin healing creams and lotions in addition to treatment to prevent acne from returning. Severe acne scars that are significantly raised above the skin surface or holes made from picking and other mistreatment of acne will require treatments like collagen injections, dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.

Collagen Injections

Collagen or fat tissue can be injected directly into the scar tissue. The collagen fills out and stretches the skin, making scars less noticeable. Unfortunately, this is not a permanent solution. The treatment will need to be repeated regularly and this can become very costly.

Dermabrasion

For severe acne scars, dermabrasion may be used. Dermabrasion removes the top layer of skin. Surface scars are removed and deeper scars are less noticeable. A wired brush rotates at a high-speed to remove the top layer of skin. Common side effects are irritation and redness. Direct sunlight will need to be avoided after treatment.

Laser Resurfacing

An acne scar removal treatment that is growing in popularity is laser resurfacing. Patients who don't have success with dermabrasion can sometimes turn to this treatment and see greater improvement in their skin texture.

Laser resurfacing involved the use of one of two lasers are used - carbon dioxide and erbium lasers. Scar tissue is burned off of the surface and new skin grows over that area. Laser resurfacing can also cause irritation and redness. Directly sunlight should be avoided.

Skin Surgery

For severe cases of acne, skin surgery may be required. The scar tissue is cut away from the skin surface and a skin graft or stitches are used to close the wound. Most acne scar removal treatments begin conservatively.

For minor scarring, a conservative over-the-counter treatment may be all that is needed. Severe acne scarring will require help from a dermatologist.

Article Source: EzineArticles