What are the Best Solutions for Acne Scars?
- Depressed scars are reduced with collagen injections or an autologous fat transfer. These treatments raise the depression, reducing its appearance. Collagen injections, injected directly into the depression, fill the area with collagen. An autologous fat transfer takes fat from another location on the body and injects it into the surface of the acne scar. According to SkinCarePhysicians.com, autologous fat transfers are reserved for serious, deep depressions caused by nodulocystic acne.
Both procedures only last temporarily. Collagen injections last for three to six months whereas autologous fat transfers last for six to 18 months. - Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion help reduce the appearance of discolored scars. According to Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson of the Mayo Clinic, microdermabrasion removes skin cells from the skin's surface whereas dermabrasion goes deeper, removing cells from the top layer of skin. Dermabrasion is considered to be the most effective treatment by SkinCarePhysicians.com.
- Laser treatments also reduce the appearance of acne scars. The lasers remove the top layer of skin while tightening the skin underneath it, leaving smoother, clearer skin. According to KidsHealth.org, it takes three to 10 days for the skin to heal after treatment.
- For severe, depressed scars with excessive discoloration, skin surgery can eliminate it. The surgeon removes the skin in the scar down to the fatty tissue, patching the hole with a skin graft. The surgeon can also perform an alternative procedure that lifts the scar tissue. Using a small surgical device, the surgeon lifts the scar tissue away from the depression, reducing it appearance.
