Acne scars are the last thing one would treat when dealing with acne. While the embarrassment of having a lot of red dots on one's face or body may subside when the acne clears, the scars that the acne leaves still affects one's self confidence and self esteem. Like the skin condition, acne scars can be treated by various ways. From creams to dermatologic procedures, acne scars can be removed. All one has to consider is time, budget, and of course, pain threshold.
Dermabrasion
A treatment that may set you back $1500, dermabrasion is not a one-time treatment. A patient needs to go in for five to ten sessions, depending on how severe the acne scars are. The process works by “sanding” or removing scarred skin with the aid of a machine. It also is a bit painful and often requires light anesthesia. Dermabrasion is best for shallow scars and would require a huge budget.
Chemical Peel
Pretty much like the regular peels in facials, chemical peels involve substances rubbed into skin. The chemicals remove the top layer of the skin so a new one could grow in its place. This treatment could cost $700 and needs to be repeated several times. Chemical peels are recommended for those who have light or mild acne scarring.
Augmentation
For deeper or older scars, augmentation work best. Since the scars are deep, this procedure works as some material is injected into the scar. Substances may vary from collagen to the patient's own fat. The treatment is effective but must be repeated every five to six months. Augmentation costs up to $700 per cubic centimeter of the skin.
Punch Techniques
It may sound violent but it's not. Punch techniques have three different types: punch replacement (where the scar is removed and is replaced by one's own skin), punch excision (scar is removed and is allowed to heal on its own), and punch elevation (scar is cut loose and is floated up to the skin around it. Punch techniques are about $50 per punch. If you decide to go with this procedure, you will need some time to let the skin heal.
There are several choices for acne scars. While there may be those that claim that a certain procedure is the best acne scar treatment, only you and your considerations could determine which one is right. As with the type and severity of acne, treatments' efficacies vary from one person to another. Skin type, facial topography, and scar age all factor in acne scar treatment. With some research and talks with your dermatologist, you're sure to find a procedure that suits you. If one procedure doesn't work for you, ask your doctor if you can combine treatments since acne scars usually need more than one kind of treatment.
