If you have suffered from acne, you probably have some scarring, or at least some marks and discoloration. Getting rid of current and future acne is only half of the acne problem. Now you are left with the remnants of your past acne. You likely have one or more of the following: post-inflammatory pigmentation (skin discoloration), macules (soft, flat scars that often have a bluish or purple color), keloids (raised bump-like scars), ice pick scars (scars narrow and sharp scars, the skin looks as if it has been stabbed with an ice pick), depressed fibrotic scars (scars that look like large ice scars), boxcar scars (round pits that look like chickenpox scars, usually found on the temple and cheeks), and rolling scars (scars that give the skin a wavy appearance).
There are several types of dermatological scar removal:
dermabrasion
microdermabrasion
Soft tissue augmentation (fillers)
Circumcision
subcision
laser skin resurfacing
chemical peels
steroid injections
dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is the mechanical removal of the top layers of skin to improve its texture. A power tool removes or “sands” the skin. The result is that a new, smoother layer of skin is formed. After the treatment, the skin will be red and swollen. Several days after treatment, swelling, redness, and pain begin to subside, and the outermost layer of skin falls off. It will take time for the skin to heal (approximately 10 days to 3 weeks) after a dermabrasion treatment. Dermabrasion is not recommended for people with dark skin. Asian or dark-skinned people may experience permanent discoloration.
microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is not as effective as dermabrasion because this skin resurfacing procedure only removes the top outer layers of skin. Microdermabrasion is similar to dermabrasion in that it uses a mechanical tool to “sand” the skin. Microdermabrasion uses aluminum or magnesium oxide crystals on the skin. However, microdermabrasion is not as aggressive as dermabrasion because only a very thin layer of skin is removed. If you have deep acne scars, such as ice pick scars, this procedure will not provide a significant improvement. If your acne scars are not deep, you may be satisfied with the results. Another benefit of microdermabrasion over dermabrasion is that redness typically disappears within an hour of treatment. Microdermabrasion is also good for removing acne marks and discoloration. Like dermabrasion, dark skin types should avoid microdermabrasion because it can lead to discoloration.
Now you can perform a microdermabrasion at home. There are several microdermabrasion kits that you can get at your local drug store or stores like Target or Walmart. Some of the microdermabrasion kits include the Oil of Olay Regenerist Dermabrasion Home Facial with Lactic Acid, the L’Oreal Derma-Expertise ReFinish Microdermabrasion Kit, and the RoC Renewex Microdermabrasion Expert System.
Soft tissue augmentation (fillers)
Fillers injected into the skin to help “fill in” acne scars. Collagen, Restylane and Hylaform are the most popular fillers. Autologous fat transfers can also be used to fill in scar tissue. The fat transfer method involves transferring fat from your own body. Fillers and fat transfers are injected below the surface of the skin to elevate the depressed scar. The procedures are not permanent and must be repeated. Fillers tend to last up to 9 months depending on which one you use. Autologous fat usually lasts up to 6 months. Rolling scars can often be improved with fillers.
Circumcision
Excision is literally cutting the acne scar. Tissue is removed and filled using any of three methods.
(a “punch is a round, sharp cookie-cutter tool”)
1. Punch excision: The scar is cut and the surrounding skin is brought together. Deep acne scars, such as ice picks and deep boxcar scars, are often treated with the punch excision method.
2. Punch replacement: The scar is cut out and a small piece of skin is removed from behind the ear and transplanted to where the scar was. This is another method often used for deep scars, such as ice pick scars or boxcar scars.
3. Awl elevation: The base of the scar is excised, but the walls of the scar are left intact. The base of the scar is then raised to the skin surface and attached with sutures or skin glue. This method is often used on deep boxcar scars that have sharp edges.
subcision
Subcision is a method in which a surgical instrument, such as a scalpel or needle, is used to separate scar tissue from unscarred skin. The method is used to break up the fibrous bands that cause rolling scars. Subcision is often applied in combination with dermabrasion or laser therapy. Rolling scars are frequently treated by subcision.
laser skin resurfacing
There are 2 main categories of lasers that are used in acne scar therapy. They are ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers. Ablative laser resurfacing removes the outer layers of the skin. Scar tissue is burned and dermal collagen is stimulated. This results in the dermal collagen hardening and the amount of scar visibility is reduced. There is usually reddening of the skin for several months after an ablative laser treatment.
Non-ablative laser resurfacing or “photorejuvenation” does not damage the outer layers of the skin, so unlike ablative laser treatments, the skin does not remain red for months after the procedure. Smoothbeam is the newest FDA-cleared laser for non-ablative laser resurfacing. The laser heats the sebaceous gland which stimulates collagen. Like the albato laser treatment, the result is that the dermal collagen is tightened and the visibility of the scar is reduced.
chemical peels
Chemical peels involve the top layer of skin being literally peeled off with the use of a chemical application. The result is that the underlying skin can regenerate. Chemical peels are divided into three types: superficial, medium depth, and deep.
Superficial or “light” peels are the mildest of the chemical peels. These peels include glycolic, lactic and fruit acid (AHA) or salicylic acid (BHA) peels. This peel is good for superficial acne scars that are not deep. Superficial peeling usually involves redness and scaling that ends in three to seven days.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is the main exfoliating agent used for medium peels. Although medium and deep depth chemical peels are more aggressive, they also cause lesions within the dermis and result in significant inflammation over a period of 7 to 14 days.
Deep peels are performed with carbolic acid (phenol). Although deep peels last longer, it can take several months for your skin to recover from a deep peel.
steroid injections
A series of steroid injections can be repeated at 4 to 6 week intervals to soften and flatten a keloid acne scar. The steroid is injected into the scar itself. A minimal amount is absorbed into the bloodstream.
If you are still suffering from acne and would like to have clear skin within 3 days, there is a method you can use.