Overview
Acne is a common skin condition that’s characterized by red pimples on the skin, especially on the face, created by inflamed or infected sebaceous glands. It’s prevalent mainly among adolescents but may also be present in some adults. After acne has healed, it can leave behind very visible scarring; some studies suggest that up to ninety-five percent of those who suffer from acne vulgaris will experience at least some scarring.
The problem of acne is certainly not a new one. The background of acne reaches back to the dawn of recorded history. There are records that several, ancient Egyptian pharaohs suffered from it. And 2000 years ago, in Rome, bathing in sulfur mineral waters was among one of the few treatments specifically cited as a way that the people of the past dealt with the inflamed bumps.
The good news is that with advancements in medicine and cosmetic procedures, there are now many treatments available to address the problem of acne scarring. If you’re interested in having one of these procedures done, this guide will help you learn more about the process so that you can determine whether acne scar treatment is the right choice for you.
What Causes Acne Scars?
When acne breakouts penetrate deep into the skin, they damage both the skin and the tissue beneath it. As the acne clears, the body tries to repair this damage.
During the healing process, the body produces collagen—a substance that gives the skin support. If the body produces too little or too much collagen, the skin will scar. There are two types of acne scars, and the kind you’ll have will depend on the amount of collagen your body makes.
There are two main types of scars, caused either by a loss of tissue, or an excess of tissue:
Depressed Acne Scars (atrophic) - This type of scarring occurs when the body produces an insufficient amount of collagen, resulting in small, cave-like depressions in the skin as it heals.
Raised (or hypertrophic) Acne Scars - If the body produces too much collagen as it tries to heal, a raised acne scar will develop.
Within these two categories, there are three different types of acne scars. These are known as icepick scars, boxcar scars, and rolling scars.
Icepick Scars: This type of depressed acne scarring is characterized by its long, thin, needle-like marks, and are widely known as some of the hardest acne scars to treat.
Boxcar Scars: Boxcar acne scars resemble chicken pox scarring, with sunken-in indentation marks that are typically broad and rounded.
Rolling Scars: Rolling scars are caused by damage underneath the skin, and can be characterized by their signature rough, textured appearance or round, boxcar scar-like shapes.
Why Should I Get Acne Scar Treatment?
Many people choose to have acne scar treatment for physical, emotional and social reasons. It can effectively improve appearance, enhance self-esteem and promote better skin health. If you feel that your acne scars affect your everyday life and limit your opportunities in areas like socializing, dating, or your career, acne scar treatment could be appropriate for you.
It’s best to consult with your doctor or a certified dermatologist in your area. Acquiring opinions from multiple specialists near you may help determine your options and the best possible prices for pursuing them.
What Benefits Can I Expect From Having Acne Scar Treatment?
The goal of acne scar treatment is to diminish the appearance of acne scars and dark spots and to improve skin tone. Many of these treatments, from dermabrasion to laser skin resurfacing and others can effectively reduce the visibility of acne scarring, especially over time. This can result in the patient gaining more self-esteem and having an improved appearance.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Acne Scar Treatment?
As there are many options available for treating acne scars, the best way to determine if any one type of treatment is suitable for you and your unique situation is to consult an experienced dermatologist. They will assess your skin and pay close attention to your scars to help you to decide what treatment, if any, is most appropriate.
The best candidates for acne scar treatment will have realistic expectations about what to expect after their procedure. This can be gained from a thorough consultation by your doctor, who will provide you with plenty of information about your options, what benefits you might have from each one of them, and what you can reasonably expect to achieve after the procedure is finished.
Will I Be Put Under Anesthesia During My Acne Scar Treatment?
Whether or not you are put under anesthesia—and what kind anesthesia you’re given—will depend on the treatment you receive.
In most cases, medication is often provided before acne scar treatments to help the patient relax during the procedure and to minimize any pain that might be felt throughout. Topical anesthetics are also commonly used to numb small treatment areas in many procedures, including dermal skin fillers, laser skin resurfacing, and subcision treatments.
For more invasive procedures, including more intensive resurfacing treatments like dermabrasion, a nerve block (general or local anesthesia), or conscious sedation may be utilized.
How Will I Prepare for My Acne Scar Treatment?
Preparing for your treatment will depend on the type of procedure you’re having. Your doctor will let you know what you should do to be ready, and what you can do beforehand to ensure your safety and enhance the quality of your results.
In general, most procedures require patients to avoid sun exposure for a couple of weeks before treatment. If you smoke, your doctor will likely recommend that you stop from two to four weeks before your scheduled procedure. Your doctor might recommend stopping blood thinners and any medications that cause the skin to darken, and might prescribe antiviral medication and an oral antibiotic around the time of the procedure to help prevent infection.
You may also be prescribed the use of a retinoid cream for a few weeks before treatment to promote healing.
It’s also best to avoid irritating inflamed skin. Overly washing or scrubbing scarred areas can further reduce skin elasticity and heighten the appearance of the scar. Picking at scars should also be avoided. Bacteria from unwashed fingers and nails can increase the risk of additional cysts forming, sometimes leading to the development of a larger scar.
What Should I Expect After Surgery?
This will depend on the type of treatment that you’re given, but skin usually takes time to recover from acne scar treatments. Results may not be visible immediately, and the appearance of scars will generally improve over the next weeks or months after your procedure.
Of all treatments, dermabrasion is the most intensive and has the lengthiest recovery period, which could last between one and six weeks, depending on the size of the area treated. Laser skin resurfacing has an average recovery period of anywhere from a few days to three weeks, depending on the size of the area treated.
It’s not uncommon to experience some pain, swelling, itching, and redness after cosmetic procedures. You should consult with your dermatologist about what to expect after your treatment, and how to best prepare for your recovery process afterward. Following the skincare advice, you’re given before and after your visit will aid the recovery process and help you heal faster, and will also enhance the quality of your results.
Are There Any Potential Side Effects or Complications From Acne Scar Treatment?
Side effects of acne scar treatment include swelling, discomfort, itching, and redness. Generally, side effects will be mild and only moderately uncomfortable at worst.
Depending on the treatment and patient skin type, rare side effects and complications can occur including infection, scarring, hyperpigmentation, hematoma, or injury to nerves and blood vessel damage.
Some patients react differently to various medicine-based methods, so patients are advised to share their complete medical history with their medical professional before having any kind of procedure. Your doctor will be able to determine your risk for potential side effects and how to best prevent them from occurring.
How Much Does Acne Scar Treatment Cost?
The cost of treatment will vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of procedure, the area being treated and the severity of the scars.
Among the most expensive procedures for acne scar treatment, dermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, and dermal skin fillers top the list. Of those treatments, dermabrasion has the highest price range, between $1100 - $4000 USD. Laser skin resurfacing can cost anywhere between $750 - $3500 USD, and dermal skin fillers have an estimated price range from $300 to $3000 USD, per treatment. In all of these cases, the cost will vary depending on the size of the area being treated, and the technique being used.
For the most accurate estimate possible, visit your dermatologist or a cosmetic surgery professional to learn what kind of acne scar treatment you need and what it might cost for you. There are many options available, and your doctor will be able to suggest the most appropriate ones that will help your case and offer advice on which ones will best suit your budget.
Are Results Permanent or Temporary?
The type of treatment you choose will determine whether your results are temporary or permanent. Dermabrasion, for example, offers potentially permanent results. This means that this technique can remove or lessen the visibility of scars, but results may be affected by the natural aging of the skin.
Similarly, laser skin resurfacing offers potentially permanent results, depending on the laser method used and the number of treatments completed. Results are permanent, but will be affected by the natural aging process and if proper skin care is not followed after treatment such as avoiding sun exposure.
In other treatments like subcision and dermal skin filler procedures, results are usually permanent but affected by other factors, including improper aftercare, and failure to complete the proper amount of maintenance treatments.
