Acne scar treatment

Severe acne during adolescence often leads to facial scarring. A facial treatment program, which may include removal of selected scars, dermabrasion or sanding, punch-grafts, and application of topical medications, can provide improvement for many people. Dermabrasion is the best treatment for common scars and deep lines. The process is like sanding the surface of a damaged table so that the scars are less deep. The procedure itself takes about an hour. First, the entire face is given a chemical peel to ensure an even appearance after healing. The skin surface is then frozen with a spray and abrased with a rotating wire brush or a diamond wheel. Though healing takes ten to twelve days, a significant improvement can usually be expected depending on the type and extent of scarring. Dermabrasion may not remove scars entirely if they are too deep. These deeper scars can be filled by punch-grafting. Skin from behind the ear is removed and placed in the hole of the scar. This process, coupled with dermabrasion, may eliminate these scars almost completely. Sometimes, shallower scars can be corrected by injections under the skin. Collagen and one's own fat can be used. For more information about acne scar treatment, contact a cosmetic or plastic surgeon.