If you feel embarrassed or self-conscious of your acne scars—don’t fret. Fortunately, there are treatments out there can reduce or completely eradicate them, depending on what kind of scars you have. But keep in mind that these acne scar treatments are not one-size-fits-all and cure-alls.
Kinds of Acne Scars
To determine which acne scar treatment will be the most effective for you, you need first to determine what kind of scars you have. Some scars go away faster with treatment or stay for a while and then fade over time without treatment. These scars include the following:
- Skin discoloration, also called PIH or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, are dark brownish spots
- Macules, or post-inflammatory erythema or PIE, are reddish or purplish spots
- Tissue scars, also called hypertrophic scars or keloids, are raised bumps
- Atrophic scars, which include pitted scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars, and icepick scars
Options for Acne Scar Treatments
The most effective acne scar treatment for you will be dependent on the exact kind of scars you have. That said, the following are common treatments for different types of acne scars include:
- Chemical peels. These can minimize the appearance of PIH or shallow scars. A medical professional or spa esthetician can administer chemical peels at your local medispa in Salt Lake City. This involves the application of chemicals to the skin to get rid of the outer layer, making your skin more even and smoother.
- Dermabrasion and Micro-dermabrasion. Also good for PIH and shallow scars, this involves the use of a high-speed brush or similar abrasive tool for resurfacing the skin and reducing the depth of acne scars.
- Retinoic Acid. Great for atrophic scars, this involves the application of retinoic acid on scars to minimize their appearance.
- Lasers. Different kinds of lasers can be used for removing your skin’s outer layer and lighten discoloration of scars.
- Fillers. Substances such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and even your own fat can be utilized for filling in specific acne scar types such as deeply depressed ones.
- Punch Excision. This is a surgical procedure that eliminates acne scars by cutting out or individually excising scars. It will leave a hole that will be repaired with a skin graft from the skin behind the ear or simply with stitches. It is typically used for treating very pitted and big scars.
- Skin Grafting. This acne scar treatment involves the use of a tiny piece of skin, usually from behind the ear, for filling in deep acne scars.
A Couple of Things to Keep in Mind
Treatment outcomes will vary from one individual to another, as no case is exactly the same. That being said, your results will depend on specific factors such as the kind of treatment used, the type and severity of your acne scars, as well as the frequency and length of treatment.
It is likewise very crucial to remember that although these acne scar treatments can really make a visible difference to your appearance, the extent to which they’ll work will differ from one person to another. So hope for the best, but keep your expectations realistic.
