Certain forms of acne once cleared, leave behind a reminder; scars. Acne scars come in four different forms; ice pick, boxcar, rolling and keloid. The removal of acne scars varies depending on the type of scar that has formed.
Ice pick scars are deep with a pinpoint base. These scars can be treated with dermal fillers such as Restylane® or Juvederm® or with fat transfer. Filling the scar is fast and effective however repeat treatments are needed as the solution is not permanent. Ice pick scars can also be treated with a punch excision. Punch excisions remove the old scar with a cookie cutter type instrument called a punch. The opening is then either sutured closed or a skin graft is inserted into the opening. Healing can lead to visible color and texture variations to the surrounding skin and laser treatments or dermabrasion may be required to improve the overall look.
Boxcar scars have a flat base and wider diameter and look like a chickenpox scar. Removal of this scar is similar to ice pick scar removal. Dermal fillers or fat transfers can be done to raise the base of the scar. A version of the punch excision called a punch extension is also a minor surgical procedure that raises the base of the scar to be flush with the skin surface. These tend to heal nicely with no discoloration or texture issues.
Rolling scars give a lumpy hilly effect to the skin. Usually caused by deep dermal acne, the scar tissue within the dermis has healed in such a way that the fibrous band adhere unevenly causing the effect. Subcision or subcutaneous excision can be done to break up the fibrous tissue between the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Healing generates a flatter smoother look to the skin. Additional therapies such as skin resurfacing can add to a pleasant cosmetic effect.
While several treatments are available to reduce or even remove scarring from acne, the best treatment is to prevent the scarring from occurring. Early treatment for moderate to severe acne can help reduce or eliminate the chances of scarring. |
