Monday, November 30, 2009

Common Acne Scarring Treatments

By Kim Hartley

There are different treatments for acne scars. The most common scar treatments are dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, punch techniques, subcision and augmentation. Each treatment is used for certain types of scars, so a thorough examination by a highly qualified and experienced dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon will help determine the procedure or combination of procedures that is right for you.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion came about from the laser craze in the mid 90's. It's the oldest of all resurfacing methods, and many dermatologists got rid of their traditional methods to make way for the technology.

Removing layers of skin with an abrasive, rapidly rotating wheel, takes a skilled hand to achieve the best results. Used unskillfully, it can create an unnatural contoured skin surface that has an uneven appearance.

Laser Resurfacing

A common method for acne scarring is laser resurfacing. It uses a laser beam to pass through a chamber filled with carbon dioxide gas, or with Erbium, the crystal through which the beam passes. Experts regard this treatment with the carbon dioxide laser as a high standard to resurface the skin.

Chemical Peels

Containing higher concentrations of salicylic acid, approximately 20-30 percent, than the products more commonly used by consumers, which is usually, 0.5-2 percent, these higher concentrated peels will unclog pores, clear acne and even improve the look of brown spots.

Punch Techniques

This next common method, punch excision, is often used for scars referred to as ice pick scars. Using a biopsy punch instrument, the scar is punched out of the skin. Although this will leave a small cylinder type hole, it can be filled with a punch graft, a piece of skin taken from behind the patients ear, or is closed with small sutures. This will depend on it's size and location.

Subcision

For large, nondistensible scars, some doctors use a method call subcision, inserting a beveled needle under the scar and moving it back and forth to cut the fibrous strands of collagen that are holding it down. This can be useful for some scars, but there are trade-offs. You get a fair amount of bruising and discoloration with subcision, which can take a long time to heal.

In your search for an acne scar treatment that's right for you, know that there are other options available. Perhaps you're looking for a quicker, less invasive method, without paying for costly procedures, or expensive visits to the salon or doctor's office.

About the Author:

0 Comments: