Acne Scars Treatments - Different Treatments For Different Types of Scars (acne scar treatment)

acne scar treatment

Unpleasant appearance is not the only problem caused by acne and pimples; in some cases, they can also leave some permanent scars. However, there are some conditions that are not scars but appear to be scars. For example, macules may occur even after the acne have been treated. Macules are noted by a change in color of the skin. It may be brown, blue, red or exhibit a lesser pigment or an absence of pigment. Redness may also persist for up to a year. But these aren't true scars.

True scars are a permanent change to skin tissue produced by the healing process itself, mainly creating fibrous tissue. As white blood cells attack bacteria they can produce changes in underlying skin cells in the surrounding area. This is one way scars become permanent.

There are different types of scars that can be left by acne lesions and may not be limited to areas under the skin surface only.

For example, small pinholes known as icepick scars are formed on the surface of the skin. These types of scar look like as if the skin has been poked with an icepick; they are typically too deep to be treated by conventional skin resurfacing techniques such as dermabrasion. Icepick scars are usually treated with an acne scar treatment known as the "punch techniques".

Boxcar scars are similar but unlike icepick scars they do not taper to a point at the base, they are flatter on the bottom. Shallow boxcar scars can usually be treated with conventional skin resurfacing techniques. Deep boxcar scars, however, require full-thickness treatment techniques.

Keloid scars are firm, rubbery lesions or shiny, fibrous nodules, and can vary from pink to flesh-colored or red to dark brown in color; they grow beyond the site of the injury and characterized by an excess production of collagen.

Below are some standard treatments for acne scars...

1. Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a treatment in which the dead outermost surface of the skin is removed by abrasion; this procedure is quite painful and usually require a general anaesthetic; dermatologists use high speed brush to remove the surface of the epidermis of the skin. Dermabrasion is useful for shallow imperfections or scars that are raised above the surrounding skin, but is less effective with sunken scars.

2. Lasers

Many dematologists offer this revolutionary, effective and long-lasting procedure for enhancing your skin. It uses an ultrapulsed mode of the carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers to smooth scars and improve facial discolorations; it also helps to remove wrinkles, rejuvenate sun-damaged and aging skin. Laser surgery may have some side effects such as causing a superficial burn (or redness) on the surface of the skin which may take several days to heal.

3. Punch Techniques

This procedure is typically used to treat deep acne scarring such as icepick scars. A tiny cosmetic surgery tool or punch tool is used to cut the scar from the skin. This treatment will cause some small scars but they're generally less obvious than the original scars. The new scars can further be removed or faded by using microdermabrasion or laser treatment.

4. Drugs

Certain acne scars such as Keloids don't work well with these cosmetic procedures; since altering the skin often just provokes the formation of more keloids. For this reason, steroid-type drugs are often used to treat such acne scars. Sometimes a topical retinoid is also recommeded. Results vary widely from person to person.

Whatever acne scar treatment you choose, it's important to consult with the professionals first. They have the knowledge and are the best source for finding out about all the available alternatives, and their potential side effects.

For more complete guide and successful skin care tips and how to keep acne away, visit our skin care tips online.

You can also download a FREE report: "Facial Skin Care Secrets" at our site. This little report is packed with lots of great skin care tips. Go and download it at http://www.facialskincareinfo.com/

acne scar treatment