The Whole Truth About Acne Scar Removal

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 26th, 2010

Do you avoid mirrors and hide your face because of ugly acne scars? Acne is a common problem among people of all ages, especially teenagers. Perhaps your skin has cleared up and you are left with embarrassing scars that you don't know how to get rid of. It could effect you psychologically as well as emotionally. Luckily for you, there are various treatments for acne scar removal.

The first step you should take in this process is to consult a dermatologist. Acne scar removal procedures have become very common. Remember when choosing a method of removal, consider the condition of your skin. If you have sensitive skin you should try the least abrasive procedure available. Acne scar removal is the key to regaining smooth and healthy looking skin.

Some acne scar removal options are dermabrasion, collagen injections, steroid injections, laser treatment, radiotherapy, or chemical peels. Some treatments may not completely remove all scars but the appearance of most of them will lessen dramatically. Your doctor's recommendation toward a certain procedure depends on the type and severity of the scarring.

Dermabrasion is a procedure done under local anesthetic in which the doctor will remove the top layers of skin with a sanding instrument. It is one of the most effective treatments available for facial scar removal. It is not recommended for people with darker skin because it could reveal lighter layers of skin, which could cause another problem with your appearance.

Collagen injections are a less permanent solution to acne scars. They generally last from 3-6 months and require future injections to maintain their effect.

Steroid injections are a long term treatment for acne scar removal. The side effects of this procedure are minimal, but there is a chance that the scars will still remain visible.

Laser treatment is still in an experimental phase. The use of a vasecular laser may fade the color of scars. A carbon dioxide laser may flatten scars and resurface the skin, however this effect is not definite. This procedure is not recommended due to the uncertainty in the safety of the treatment.

Radiotherapy is a controversial treatment and is only recommended for extreme cases. It is used to prevent the reoccurrence of severe scarring. The long-term side effects, even in the small doses of this treatment, is the risk of cancer induced by radiation.

A chemical peel is a minor form of surgery that can be done by a cosmetologist. This is usually the solution to getting rid of minor scarring. A layer of skin is removed by the application of chemicals. Afterwards, a new layer of skin can form and reduce your scars.

For some people, more than one type of treatment is necessary for the best outcome. Each person's face and skin are different and it is necessary to research these and other procedures available for you. Realistically, some people may not get rid of the appearance of scars completely.

Choosing the right dermatologist is as important as choosing your treatment. Qualifications and experience are key factors to look at. You can read about a dermatologist in any area online (www.IEnhance.com/physician). Acne scar removal can get expensive so you shouldn't rush to give your money to just anyone. A good doctor will work closely with you to get your skin appearing as clear and smooth as possible.