How-To: Reduce Your Acne Scarring
Young or old, no one likes unsightly acne scars. Now there is a way to treat these scars effectively and safely with the use of clinical treatments. From the age of about 20, our collagen production slows down (about 1% per year), which leaves our skin loose, sagging, and showing enlarged pores and fine lines and wrinkles. This is even worse for patients that have had acne and are left with scars. Typically the scarring is caused by picking, over exposure to sun, and steroid injections, however some skin tends to scar regardless.
Acne scars are stubborn, and no single treatment is best for everyone. However, various procedures can improve your complexion.
Laser treatments.In laser resurfacing, a laser beam destroys the outer layer of skin. As the wound heals, new skin forms. Less intense lasers cause less damage, but are also less effective. Other energy-based procedures. Pulsed light sources and radiofrequency devices help create new skin without damaging the outer layer of skin. After several treatments, acne scars may appear less noticeable. Dermabrasion. This procedure involves removing the top layer of skin with a rapidly rotating wire brush. Surface scars may be completely removed, and deeper acne scars may appear less noticeable. Surgery. In some cases, surgery to remove deeply indented acne scars is an option. A minor procedure, called punch excision, cuts out individual acne scars. Stitches or a skin graft repairs the hole left at the scar site. Tissue fillers. Injecting collagen or fat under the skin and into the acne scars can fill out or stretch the skin, making acne scars less noticeable. Results are temporary, so you’d need to repeat the injections periodically.
Acne scars can be greatly reduced with these treatments, leaving the skin smoother and brighter. Acne patients must however have realistic expectations. Acne scars are not made overnight, nor will they be repaired overnight. Treating acne scars will take a series of treatments over a period of time, depending on the depth and amount of damage. It is essential to be patient and committed to your treatment protocol as well as using prescribed skin care to help obtain your desired skin rejuvenation results.
To determine what’s best for you, discuss the pros and cons of each procedure with Shapiro Skin Klinic.
