SHARES
“I hated going to school. Every morning, I cried before getting into the car. I was scared that people will judge me because of my awful acne scars. I was ashamed to look people in the face when talking to them. Every time I break down and get stressed out, my face just got worse!” says Ismail, a teen suffering from severe acne scars, and self-esteem in tatters.
Teenagers with bad acne will experience scarring, which can be very distressing. As a result and not surprisingly, most sufferers become depressed, fed up and lose confidence leading to social isolation.
Advances in Acne Scar Removal
Your doctor may remove the scars individually or as an overall general approach if the scars cover a large area. Firstly he will examine your scars and discuss with you the treatments goals and make recommendations on treatment options, bearing in mind treatments may have their limitations.
To treat acne scars covering large facial areas, your doctor may propose these treatment options:
#1 – Laser resurfacing
This treatment involves a laser light to deliver heat energy. Heat energy stimulates the skin to heal faster, replacing lost collagen and elastin. Because of the stimulating effect, laser resurfacing is not only “the gold standard”, but a proven method in removing acne scars with great results in skin tightening and tone.
Two type of laser techniques are available:
- Ablative technique is more effective and faster but the flipside is the higher . You will experience much discomfort and it generally takes a longer time to heal. This method also increases your risk for skin hyperpigmentation and infections.
- Non-ablative laser delivers photothermal energy to target water in the skin without touching the overlying epidermis (outer layer of skin). That is why you will experience less skin damage and experience a shorter recovery time.
#2 – Dermabrasion
This is also a resurfacing technique using a manual process or machines to remove the outermost layer of dead skin called “epidermis” in the scar area. Sometimes, part of the underlying skin “dermis” is removed as well. As a result, you may have temporary skin sensitivity to sunlight or even prone to hyperpigmentation.
#3 – Chemical Peels
This method uses chemicals such as acids to peel off dead skin in small and less deep scars. Stronger acids can be used to peel of deeper scars in a technique called “chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS)”.
#4 – Micro needling
Your doctor will use tiny needles to penetrate the skin. This creates micro-trauma to the skin. Hence, healing process increases and this will produce new collagen to smoothen your skin and improve acne scarring. The best part of this therapy option is that it leaves the outermost protective layer of your skin intact. For this reason, your skin is protected against harmful sunlight with less risk of hyperpigmentation and infection.
#5 – Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency technique involves passing a small current through the skin to stimulate skin healing and remodelling. Increasing it to a stronger current will mean deeper skin penetration. However, using a stronger current will cause more discomfort or pain during the procedure.
Treatment Options for individual acne scars:
#1 Fillers
Doctors would inject fillers into the skin, to increase the soft tissue volume and smoothen the skin. Depending on the type, fillers can be temporary for 6 months – 5 years or even last for a lifetime.
#2 Punch excision and elevation
Your doctor will use an instrument to remove or “punch out” small sized scars and close up the skin with sutures. In addition, the skin can be raised before closing up with suture. This will give room for skin contraction during the healing process.
#3 Subcision
This technique involves using a needle to break the holding tissue underneath the scar surface called “fibrous tether”. These fibrous tissues are what your scar is comprised of. On top of that, the micro trauma inflicted will stimulate healing process and form new collagen! Voila! You have your new collagen that replaces the old scar tissues!
Conclusion
In summary, a well-tailored combination of techniques suited to the individual is the best approach to successful treatment and good outcomes. Overall, if you suffer from acne outbreaks, seek professional help early before it wreaks havoc on your skin. As the adage goes, “Prevention is better than Remedy”
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References:
1. Deirdre C, Ha LV, Kavita M, Nazanin S. Acne scarring – pathogenesis, evaluation, and
treatment options. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(9):12-23.
2. Phillip W, Richard SH, Victor ER, Edward Z. Treating acne scars: what’s new? J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015 Aug;8(8 Suppl):S2-S8.
by Chang Xian
View all articles by Chang Xian.
