Many people who suffer from acne also suffer from acne scars. Scars in general are the result of injury to tissue. Scars may be raised or may form depressions in the skin. Some people have very few scars as a result of acne, others form many acne scars. For some, the scarring can be so severe that they feel a loss of self-confidence.
What causes acne scars?
Simply put, acne scars are caused by the body’s reaction to the sebum, dead cells and bacteria that are plugged up in the sebaceous follicle. This matter that is trapped irritates the skin and may become infected. The body sends white blood cells and inflammatory molecules to the site to try to fix the problem, and in the process, acne scars may develop. There are two types of acne scars: depressed scars and raised scars. Usually, the more severe the case of acne, the more severe the risk of acne scars. Acne scars sometimes diminish over time, but may never diminish or disappear completely.
Acne scar treatment
There are a number of treatments available for acne scars, but it is first necessary to determine if treatment is really necessary. Some people with acne scars are not bothered by them or may have only a few small scars. These people probably don’t need to worry about treatment. Others have quite extensive acne scars and feel that the scars diminish their quality of life. In this case, acne treatment is necessary if possible. Other factors that must be considered are cost, what the expected outcome is, and if treatment is even possible, as some people are not good candidates for acne scar treatments. A dermatologist will help to clarify the answers to these questions. Remember, it may not be possible to restore the skin to exactly the way it looked before the onset of acne.
Here is a list of acne scar treatments currently available:
Collagen injections – Collagen is injected under the skin at the site of the acne scar to stretch and fill the area. This works well with surface scars and deep soft scars. Collagen injections last three to six months, so the injections may have to be repeated.
Autologous fat transfer – Fat cells are removed from another part of your body and injected into the acne scar area to lift depressed scars. This is often effective in treating deep acne scars. The injections can last up to 18 months.
Dermabrasion – This acne scar treatment is very effective. A high-speed brush is used to remove surface skin thus smoothing the acne scar. Dermabrasion does not work for all scars and may not work well for those with dark skin as it may cause some change in pigmentation.
Microdermabrasion – This treatment is less invasive than dermabrasion, but works the same way. Aluminum oxide crystals are passed through a vacuum tube to remove surface skin cells. This method may require several treatments, but can improve acne scars significantly.
Laser – Lasers may be used to reshape the acne scar and also to reduce the redness that occurs at the site of a healed acne lesion. Often, only one treatment is necessary, but there may be redness in the area as a result of the laser treatment for several months.
Surgery – Some deep ice-pick type acne scars may be removed surgically and repaired with a skin graft or by suturing.
How can acne scars be prevented?
The best and most important step in prevention of acne scars is early treatment of acne. Prevention or at least control of inflammation is key in the fight against acne scars. Acne scars can be emotionally scarring, too. It is important to treat your acne at the first signs. Consult with your doctor or dermatologist for treatment options. If you have acne scars that are affecting your life, there are treatments available.
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