People with acne often look at themselves at the mirror and sigh! There is good news though. Today, there are many treatments available that can clear even the ugliest of acne scars. But before that you need to know your level of scarring. This would help you find the right treatment to get rid of your scars.
Types Of Acne Scarring
Acne scarring is of three kinds. These are:
• Ice pick scarring: Here the scars have a deep pit appearance. They are 1-2 mm in diameter and are the most common kind of acne scarring.
• Box car scars: These scars have a more angular appearance to them. They are generally raised and are also called the rolling scars. These blemishes measure more than 3 mm in diameter and appear quite similar to chicken pox scars.
• Hypertrophic scars: These scars give the skin a thickened and a textured appearance. They are 4-5 mm wide and are caused by abnormal fibrous bands under the skin.
Besides the above three kinds, one also observes acne scars in the form of skin discoloration and pigmentation.
Kinds Of Acne Scarring Treatment
You would need to visit a dermatologist to understand the kind of acne scarring treatment that’s best suited for your skin. He would help you understand the different procedures that can be adopted to clear the scars on your face. He would also conduct a complete examination of your skin before offering you the several treatment options available. Some such treatments are:
• Microdermabrasion: This is the easiest way in which you can treat your acne scars. It involves chemical peeling of the skin. But you might need to take several sittings before you see any improvement in the scarred areas.
• Laser treatment: This treatment also requires several visits to the dermatologist. It involves the use of laser to remove the upper layers of the skin, much like microdermabrasion.
• Surgery: Surgery is often suggested to those who suffer from acute scarring. However, acne surgery is only done on the underlying skin and the patient does not have any stitches or other visible marks on the upper layer of the skin.
• Collagen injections: These are also commonly used to treat the affected areas. Here collagen is used to stretch and fill out the deep acne scars. These injections suit only the soft scars and are not suitable for ice-pick or box scars.
• Dermabrasion: Much like microdermabrasion, this procedure is performed under local anesthesia. A high-speed brush is used to remove the surface skin and remove the ugly scar contours to help revive fresh new skin from underneath.
• Autologous fat transfer: Here the fat from some other part of the body is taken out and injected into the scarred area. This treatment is best suited for contour skin defects caused due to nodulocystic scars.
• Lotions and gels: Discoloration and pigmentation of the skin can be treated best with topical lotions and gels. The kind of lotion that would be help you get rid of your kind of acne scars would be best decided or consulted with your dermatologist.
One of the above treatments is sure to treat your acne scars effectively.
One last bit of advice; act on your acne as soon as you see it. Even though acne is a temporary phase, it can leave ugly scars on the skin if you leave it untreated. Early acne therapy can prevent acne scarring and pigmentation.