Different Types of Acne Scar Treatments

A lot of people spend significant amounts of money to look great especially when it comes to the facial aspect. One of the most sought after treatment when it comes to facial woes is acne and acne scars. Acne scars can take away your confidence anytime. Data shows that in the US, over $4 billion are spent on facial products and almost $1 billion of this figure is spent on acne treatments. Acnes scars seem so hideous that you just want to hide your face when you talk to other people and it definitely steals confidence. Thus there a lot of those who resort to acne scar treatments no matter how painful and costly the process may be.

Acne scars are the result of inflammation within the dermis brought on by acne. Firstly let us note that there are types of acne scarring namely ice pick scars which are the most common scars in acne; box car scars, those angular scars that occur on the temple and cheeks; then rolling scars, which give the skin a wave-like appearance; and hypertrophic scars those thickened or keloid scars. Before resorting to acne scar treatments, you must first have sufficient knowledge about such treatments so you will know what to expect. Firstly you must be free of active acne before undergoing treatment and you should also consult a trusted doctor about such treatments. On the other hand, since acne scars have different types, treatments on acne scars also vary depending on the type of the scar. 

Meanwhile, let us get to know the different treatments available for acne scars today. Laser CO2 involves the use of laser with the presence of Carbon Dioxide to remove skin so new skin can form in its place. Laser resurfacing provides deep penetration and easily controlled than with other methods. Since this a new technological treatment, this is more promising than any other acne scar treatments. The procedure involves passing the laser 1-3 times over the area and longevity of the process depends on the depth of the scar like few minutes for small areas and an hour or more for large areas. It has been noted that Laser CO2 provides the most positive results as compared to other treatments. However, this procedure has risky side effects and takes longer recovery time. Its side effects include darkening of skin, infection, cysts, eczema, prolonged redness, hyperthropic scarring, and dilated blood vessels. Its cost is usually at $3000-$6000 per treatment and may be repeated after 6 months. Healing usually takes effect in 10-21 days while the skin is covered for dressing in 3 days and pink facial skin is experienced in 3+months.

On the other hand, Er:YAG laser or Erbium (YAG) procedure is the same as to the Laser CO2. However it is designed to bring about milder effects than the latter and its costs and sessions are still the same. Ointment is usually prescribed from the doctor while on the healing process while redness from laser may last for weeks and pinkish skin may be manifested for months.

Meanwhile, fractional laser creates light on only a fraction on the skin in spots. It is very mild as compared to the previous two laser treatments with very mild side effects also. Side effects are only redness, scaling and crusting and hyper pigmentation. 2-5 days of swelling and pinkness may be experienced with bronzed appearance and flakiness for 3-14 days. The cost is usually at $1000 per procedure with 4-5 treatments needed.

Chemical peel is application of 10%-40%TCA (tricolor acetic acid) to the scar and left for 30 seconds to 10 minutes with 1-2 coats. Jessner's solution (glycol acid, salicylic acid) is another type of medium peel. Such treatment is best for few scars and has unlikable results to diminish acne scarring. It usually costs $150-$500 per treatment and multiple sessions are required. Redness, irritation, tight feeling, flaking and peeling and skin darkening are usually the side effects. Recovery is about 7 days and patient must avoid sunlight and use sunscreen when going out.

Another treatment is dermabrasion in which a high-speed diamond or wire wheel is used to remove skin surface for the elimination of superficial scars and reduction of deeper scars. In this type of treatment ensure yourself to get a professional and experienced operator for this. Such operation is often used from 6-8 weeks after surgical scar removal and is priced at $1500 per treatment. Side effects include infection, pain, eczema, keloids and other similar side effects to laser Er:YAG. Dressing is applied for 2-4 days with some redness appearance that can last up to 9 months.

In Punch technique there are three methods involved which are punch excision, punch elevation, and punch grafting. The three methods differ the way the scar is being leveled to the surrounding skin to make it less noticeable. Price is usually at $250-$300 per scar. Side effects include bruising, scabbing, possible keloid, and possible mistakes in skin leveling. Healing is usually from 6-8 weeks.

Furthermore, augmentation is a process in which needles are used to inject scars with bovine collagen, fat, or silicone. The treatment is usually at $500-$1500 with allergies, pain, bruising, infection, and possible technical error as the major side effects. Patient is asked to limit facial motion for 24 hours for faster recovery.

Another treatment is subcision in which the procedure involves cutting the scar and then unbound from the tissue to allow blood to fill the clot, which, in turn, helps form connective tissue under the scar leveling it with the surface. Price is $50-$750 depending on how the doctor charges either per scar or per session since the process involves multiple sessions. Side effects include bruising, discoloration, and scar recurrence.

Indeed acne scars do not only steal confidence and self-esteem but also a lot of money. The adage an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of medication is true. If you notice an unnatural occurrence of whiteheads or blackhead or unnatural surface of red pimples and pustule, consult a dermatologist immediately as these are the major symptoms of acne.