Both teenagers as well as adults deal with acne, whether it is moderate to severe. The best one can hope for is to manage their acne and keep a fairly clear complexion. However, the presence of acne scars serve as a haunting reminder long after the effects of acne are gone. Getting rid of these scars isn’t easy but there are alternatives to look into.

The problem with acne scarring is that it can be difficult to predict who will develop them and who won’t. Severe cases of acne, such as cystic acne, almost always leave scarring after healing but even in those who have mild to moderately inflamed acne on the surface of the skin can also be prone to acne scars. There is no such thing as one type of acne scar. Its size, appearance and depth vary widely. Acne scars can be deep within the skin, superficial (on the surface and not as deep), extensive or scattered everywhere. Regardless of the type or location, its appearance alone can be emotionally disturbing.

Luckily, there are some treatments that are designed specifically to target acne scarring. Some of these treatments can be combined for better results or may take multiple sessions depending on the severity of the scarring.

Dermabrasion: This procedure works best for those with superficial scarring that hasn’t penetrated deeply into the skin. Dermabrasion can help with improving slight imperfections on a person’s complexion and is considered one of the most basic forms of acne scar treatment.

Laser Resurfacing: Like dermabrasion, laser resurfacing also targets superficial scarring but instead of using tiny granules to blast the skin, this procedure involves the use of lasers, which penetrate further into the skin layers.

Chemical Peels: Those with mild acne scarring can turn to chemical peels. This involves applying various types of acid to the skin and then removing the top layers, revealing smoother skin cells and a fresher, clearer complexion.

Punch Techniques: This procedure is ideal for those who suffer from acne scars that appear deep within the skin that often resemble chickenpox scars. There are three types of punch techniques: punch replacement (removing a pitted scar with an ice-pick type of tool and replacing it with a skin graft from behind the ear), punch excision (removing the pitted scar and closing the wound to allow it to heal), and punch elevation (cutting the scar loose from the bottom and allowing it to float up to the level of the surrounding skin for an improved appearance).

Subcision: For this procedure, the scar is detached from the deep tissues of the skin, which causes a pool of blood to form underneath the scar. This blood clot forms connective tissue under the scar, which allows the surface of the skin to be more leveled out.

Augmentation: This procedure involves injecting a substance, usually collagen, under the scar to bring it up to the surface and level out with the rest of the skin.

Because of the wide range of issues and factors involved, acne scar treatment is done on a case-by-case basis. What works for one person may not necessarily work for the next. To find out which procedure will work in your best interest, it is important to consult a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.

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