As difficult as it can be to deal with the redness, swelling, and pimples that come with acne, it can be even more difficult to deal with the scars they leave behind. Pimples go away with time, but scars can be permanent. If you don't do anything about them, you may have your acne scars for the rest of your life.
So, what can you do to get rid of your acne scars? Well, there are four main treatment methods available. All of them need to be performed by a professional such as a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. None of them are all that pleasant, so the best thing to do is learn as much as you can about each of them and then decide (with your doctor) which one is right for you.
Here is a brief overview of each of the procedures.
Dermabrasion and Dermaplaning
Both of these methods involve scraping off the top layer of skin. The purpose of this is to allow new healthy skin to replace the scarred skin that was removed. In dermabrasion, the skin is removed with a swirling wire brush. With dermaplaning, a motorized blade called a dermatome is used to skim off the top layer of skin.
Both of these procedures are usually done with the use of local anesthesia and a sedative to control the pain. They can also be done under general anesthesia. Another alternative is to use a numbing spray along with the local anesthesia.
Since the top layer of skin is removed in these procedures, the skin will be raw afterwards. For the first few days, the skin will ooze a clear liquid. Once the oozing stops, a crust will form over the skin. After about a week, and possibly for a few weeks afterward, the skin will appear red, shinny, and smooth.
Chemabrasion
This procedure is much like dermabrasion except it is done with chemicals instead of scraping. The top layer of skin is removed by applying chemicals that cause the skin to peel away. For this reason, chemabrasion is also called a chemical peel. Two of the chemicals that may be used are trichloroacetic acid and glycolic acid.
After the procedure, you can expect the skin to be red and swollen. After the skin heals, the procedure may be repeated if necessary. The depth of the scars will determine if multiple treatments are necessary and really deep scars may not be able to be removed completely, though their appearance will be improved.
Laser Resurfacing
This is essentially a more precise way of accomplishing the same thing as the two previous procedures. As with the others, the top layer of skin is removed so that new skin can replace it. The difference with this method is that a laser is used and it can be very precisely controlled. This allows the doctor to only treat the exact areas that need treatment.
Since this method is so much more precise than dermabrasion and chemabrasion, it is now the preferred method of the three. However, even with the precision of the laser, the skin will still be red and tender after the procedure.
Collagen Injections and Gelatin Implants
These two procedures are completely different than ones discussed above. These procedures are performed by using a needle to inject collagen or gelatin under the scars. The goal in this method is to raise the scared skin. Acne scars leave depressed areas in the skin. When collagen or gelatin are inserted under the scars, it raises the skin in that area up to the level of the surrounding skin making the whole surface of the skin look smooth again.
It is possible for some people to experience an allergic reaction or side effects to the collagen or gelatin. This usually manifests as redness, itching, or swelling. In addition to these side effects, it is also possible for hard bumps to form under the skin where gelatin implants are inserted.
Conclusion
Acne scars can be difficult to treat, but there are options available. There are pros and cons to each method so the best thing you can do is to learn as much as possible about each one. Once you have educated yourself, speak with a professional concerning the best option for your particular case.
To be fully armed in the difficult battle against acne, there is no better weapon than a thorough education. Learn as much as you can about acne and you will be well on your way to clean and clear skin.
To learn more about acne treatment and prevention, acne scar removal, acne home remedies, and much more, get instant access to my FREE ACNE NEWSLETTER at www.TheAcneAssassin.com www.TheAcneAssassin.com.
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