How Effective is Acne Scar Treatment?

The nightmare that many acne sufferers always have is scarring that most often acne leaves behind. It is so discouraging to patiently and carefully use different types of acne medications and treatments (some of which are not very pocket friendly), only to be left with another problem to worry about - scarring, sometimes which can even be permanent. While scarring is inevitable, with some degree of attention, one can reduce the chances of scarring. Just like the acne condition itself, scarring prevention is better than scarring treatment and cure.

First things first, a basic rule when dealing with acne is to never pop, pick, or squeeze the spots or pimples, as this contributes to scarring in addition to worsening the condition. Granted, many people would rather pop that pus-filled pimple than suffer the embarrassment of appearing in public with it. However, this act alone can aggravate the problem as not only will it cause scarring, but it will spread the acne causing bacteria.

With the said, the market provides many treatment options in form of creams, lotions, gels, and face washes, which allegedly remove scaring. A question that many people are left to discover for themselves is just how effective these treatments are, and if they are effective, to what extent? Truth be told, the active ingredients in acne scar treatments can only go as far as making the scars fade. This is because scarring takes place beneath the skin surface, hence these treatments are not effective enough to penetrate and get rid of the pitted scars.

Laser treatment is the only procedure at the moment that has recorded some significant level of success with the elimination of scars. However, the cost of this treatment alone is quite expensive, leaving out the option for a large majority of acne sufferers. Even so, the success rate of laser treatment is 99% as it excludes deeply pitted acne scars. The best possible alternative is to use a makeup that will effectively conceal the scars.

Important to also keep in mind when thinking of laser skin treatment is that success is based on a number of individual factors such as the type of skin one has, and how deeply rooted is the scarring. It is therefore advisable to talk to a dermatologist to discuss this treatment option because you might end up using a lot of money with no much success to write home about.

Should you finally settle on laser treatment after a thorough evaluation of the pros and cons of the condition with the help of a qualified dermatologist, be advised that just like any other type of acne treatment available today, the results of laser treatment are not instantaneous. Depending on the severity of your scarring, you will be expected to take a number of sessions to record success, which can take from a few weeks to some months.

Because no one is yet to clearly predict just how effective and successful laser scar treatment will be, you should only consider it after so much consultation. If your dermatologist feels it is the right thing for your scars, and your finances allow, you can go ahead with the hope of ridding yourself off these unsightly acne scars, because so far, it is the only acne scar treatment option that has some degree of efficacy recorded.

Penny J Chaney is an expert in Acne. For more helpful information about Acne and expert tips and tricks, please read all of Penny J Chaney's articles!