Treating Acne ScarsBy: Greg Mauro The aftermath of acne can be even worse than the acne itself as becomes a permanent fixture. Identifying the type of scarring you may have will help determine which procedure, if any, will help correct the acne scarring. Acne is bad enough while you actually have it, but it can also leave physical scars on your face. What do you do when your face scars from acne? The most important rule for acne sufferers to remember is that you should never pick or squeeze acne blemishes. This can lead to the spread of acne and the development of acne scars. In 2001, a classification of acne scars was created and labeled so that you can determine the best way to treat your particular scars. There are generally three kinds of acne scars: icepick, boxcar and rolling based on the appearance of the scars. After taking into account previous Accutane use, facial scars are mapped out and a staged treatment plan is developed. 1.) Icepick Scars are narrow, sharp scars that make the skin appear it has been punctured with an icepick. They are usually narrower than 2 mm and extend into the deep dermis or subcutaneous layer. Icepick scars are usually too deep to correct with skin resurfacing treatments such as dermabrasion or laser resurfacing. 2.) Boxcar Scars are round to oval depressions that have sharp vertical edges. Unlike icepick scars they do not taper to a point at the base. Shallow boxcar scars are >0.1-0.5 mm in depth and can usually be treated with conventional skin resurfacing techniques. Deep boxcar scars are > 0.5 mm in depth and require full-thickness treatment techniques. 3.) Rolling Scars occur as a result of tethering of otherwise normal-appearing skin to the subcutaneous tissue below. This process gives the skin a rolling or undulating appearance. Conventional skin resurfacing techniques do not work on rolling scars. They must be corrected by breaking up the subcutaneous fibrous bands. An important consideration in the treatment of acne scars is the past use of accutane. Accutane is a powerful medication that can significantly remodel skin. However, studies have shown that people who have resurfacing procedures performed within 6 months of finishing accutane therapy have a higher risk of developing scarring as a result of the procedure. Based on this data, most physicians do not surgically treat patients who have taken accutane in the past 12 months. Treatments and Procedures for Acne Scars There are many procedures out there today that can help treat acne scars. Each vary in intensity and effect, and some may be combined to get the best possible results. Speak with your dermatologist to determine the types of scarring you have and the best ways to treat it. The easiest treatment is what is referred to as Dermal Fillers. These are injected under the acne scars to raise the skin and even it out to give it a smoother look. Commonly used dermal fillers are fat, human collagen, and bovine collagen. Dermal fillers do not permanently correct the scars and must be repeated every so often. Subcutaneous incision, also known as Subcision, is used to break up the fibrous bands that cause rolling scars. Subcision is performed under local anesthesia by inserting a special needle under the skin so that it is parallel to the skin surface. Staying in the plane between the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue, the needle is slowly moved in and out cutting the tethering bands. This procedure causes bruising which fades after about 1 week. The risks of subcision include bleeding and the formation of subcutaneous nodules. Bleeding can be controlled with proper use of anesthetics and bandaging, and the subcutaneous nodules can be treated with injection of corticosteroids into the nodule. Laser resurfacing is a popular treatment for many skin defects. The most popular laser types used for resurfacing of acne scars are the carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium:YAG lasers. Lasers work by essentially burning the top layers of skin to a precise depth. The skin then heals, replacing the burned layers with newer appearing skin. The correct post-operative care of skin that has undergone laser resurfacing is a very important factor in determining the success of the procedure. Acne scarring does not always happen, but when it does, it can cause anxiety. The good news is that today's medical world can treat irregularities in the appearance of the skin and erase the physical (and hopefully the emotional) scarring that suffering from acne can bring about. With the right doctor and the right procedure, memories of acne can be a thing of the past, and you can have the clear, smooth skin you were meant to have! For all your health needs, visit Help for Health |
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