Acne can be a real nightmare during the teen years, and sadly, it can extend right into adulthood. The scars that remain behind long after the condition has cleared can be disheartening. Many people have unsightly scars that have continued to act as unwelcome reminders of the acne years.
Fortunately, it is not all bad news when it comes to acne scars. It is possible to treat the scars to the point where they are no longer visible. However, before getting rid of the scars, make sure to treat the acne completely. New breakouts can reverse the treatment.
Acne scars have different types. Before treating your scars, you need to know what type they are. Different treatments are more effective for types of acne scars than others. The scars can be atrophic or depressed, or they can be hypertrophic or raised.
Atrophic scars occur below the skin, and they form when the production of collagen is not sufficient when the wound is healing. The hypertrophic scars are raised above the surrounding skin surface. They occur due to the production of too much collagen during the healing process.
Dermabrasion is one of the most common and effective acne treatments. The procedure involves exfoliation of the top skin layer to remove the imperfections. The dermatologist will use a special wheel or wire brush to deeply exfoliate the skin. The treatment is most effective for those with shallow scars. However, it can also make deeper scars less noticeable.
A dermatologist may choose to use chemical peels to treat acne scars. The process involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin. The relatively inexpensive treatment causes the damaged skin to blister and peel off. This reveals newly regenerated skin.
The new skin is smooth and fresh-looking without the appearance of acne scars. In most cases, the desired results appear after one treatment session.
Laser treatments work on acne scars. Doctors usually use carbon dioxide ablative lasers to effectively treat the scars. Lasers target specific blood vessels, helping to lighten scars and flatten the raised scars. The skin may appear red and swollen for a few days after treatment. Three to five sessions will often lead to the desired results.
Dermatologists often use dermal fillers to treat acne scars. The fillers work effectively for atrophic scars. There are different types of fillers, and they help by evening out the skin surface. The fillers are injected under the skin surface, helping to smooth out the depressed scars. The results usually last between 6 and 18 months. In some cases, the results can be permanent.
Some at-home treatments can treat acne scars. They also help to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. They include using lactic acid peels, topical retinoids, and salicylic acid. For best results, talk to a dermatologist about the best clinical procedures. The dermatologist can also recommend microneedling treatment or injections.
For more on getting rid of acne scars, contact Implant Dentistry Periodontics & Facial Rejuvenation at our offices in Tampa or Wesley Chapel, Florida. You can call 813.517.0100 or 813.973.7770 today to schedule an appointment.
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