How Do I Get Rid of Old Acne Scars?

Acne is a bane that many people have to endure, especially during their teenage years. While the lucky ones just have to deal with an occasional pimple or two, however, often the acne can be so bad that it can result in permanent scarring, causing heavily pock-marked skin, that can remain for the rest of their lives. So, if you are one of those, and are wondering how to get rid of old acne scars, here are a few suggestions.

As a matter of fact, there are various treatments that are available these days that can help to get rid of old acne scars, or at least reduce them, such as chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser treatments, and so on. A dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin treatment, is the type of physician who deals with the treatment of acne scars. Hence, before getting any procedure done, you will need to consult a dermatologist.

During the consultation, make sure to ask to see before and after photos of acne scar treatment. This will give you a good idea of what to expect along with what the final results should be like. Most dermatologists will have a collection of photos of their past patients, and in case he/she does not offer them, make sure to ask for them. The dermatologist will also discuss what the options for treatment are, and which would be most suitable for you. Given below are some of the procedures that can help to get rid of old acne scars.

Chemical Peels: In this procedure, chemicals are applied on the skin, which results in blistering of the top layer of the skin, which then peels off in a few days, with a new layer of skin left beneath it. After the procedure, the skin may become dry, flaky, and red for a few days. The chemical peel treatment is effective for shallower depressed scars, plus, several sessions are usually required. This procedure is also useful for removing any acne that may be there currently.

Dermabrasion: This procedure involves rubbing off, or abrading the surface layer of the skin using a rotating brush head, akin to a sandpaper being rubbed. As only the topmost layer of skin is rubbed off, it is only effective for minor acne scarring, and quite ineffective for heavier and deeper type of scarring. After a session of dermabrasion, the skin looks rather raw, on which a scab will form, with healing taking place in about two weeks. Normally, some local anesthesia is used, and the procedure usually takes about half-an-hour per session, with multiple treatments often required.

Laser Treatment In this, a CO2 or YAG laser is used to remove the layers of skin, thereby improving scarred areas. Different depths within the skin can be accessed by these different types of lasers in order to treat acne scarring at various depths, without the necessity of having to remove the top layers or tighten the inner layers. The Fraxel laser resurfacing method is one of the newest types of lasers, which has the ability of penetrating down to the deeper layers of the skin, thus inducing the production of collagen, resulting in a surface skin that is much healthier looking.