Treatments for Acne Scarring
Our treatment protocols for acne scarring are customized to the type of scarring present, the amount of scarring, and the patient’s treatment goals. First and foremost we ensure that the patient’s acne is under control to prevent future scarring.
We offer treatments for all types of acne scarring, usually offering a combination of procedures. The following procedures are recommended, depending upon severity and type of scar:
1. Glycolic acid peels and microdermabrasion These are helpful after recent outbreaks to optimize healing and may prevent
2. TCA ‘cross’ Procedure or Punch Excision These are helpful for “ice pick” scars
3. Laser Rejuvenation Gentle gradual procedures using one of our YAG lasers can result in gradual improvement in scars. Many sessions are needed at approximately monthly intervals to help mild/moderate scarring, pore size and skin tone.
4. Skin Resurfacing Although initially invented for skin wrinkling and textural problems, our Pearl Fractional resurfacing laser can lead to dramatic improvement in the appearance of scars in one or a few sessions. However, these procedures involve more down time and greater risks.
5. Subcision After thorough numbing of the skin, the physician can free up sunken acne scars with a fine sterile needle; this procedure often results in the greatest improvement for depressed ‘rolling’ scars, with rapid healing and improvement in the appearance of the scars in a few weeks. Several sessions may be needed.
Treating acne scars is a long term process, there are no quick fixes, and the realistic goal is for scar improvement not elimination. Physician consultation is required in order to create a customized treatment plan.
