Is There An Acne Scar Cure?

How To Cure Acne Scars

For the most dramatic results, the closest thing to a cure involves professional treatments that include laser resurfacing, medium chemical peels, dermal fillers, or steroid injections. While these treatments can be very effective, there is no guarantee of a 100% cure and multiple procedures are often required.

Also, it's important to select a qualified a doctor that is experienced in acne scar repair. Click here Top 10 Interview Questions to ask……before selecting a doctor or treatment.

It's equally important to understand what type of scar you have….ice pick, boxcar, hypertrophic, or rolling....etc.

Types of Scars

There are basically two reasons for a scar to form:

1 - Too much tissue. When the body tries to heal, for some people, it over compensates and produces too much skin causing a bumpy look.

2 - Not enough tissue due to inflammation, which can leave a depressed mark, dip, or dent.

Ice Pick – Probably the most common type, this scar looks like tiny pin holes or deep pits. The bottom of the scar - deep in the tissue - is wider than the top (surface) which is what gives it that ice pick look.

Boxcar – Another common scar, this one has a square type appearance they are usually shallow, but can sometimes be deep. They almost look like chickenpox scars.

Hypertrophic – The type is usually raised, thick and sometimes itchy .

Rolling – This scar has a bumpy, wavy, lumpy appearance. This look is caused by damage under the skin.

Curing Deep Pitted Acne Scars

Laser works best on ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars. These can be greatly improved with laser resurfacing treatments such as CO2, ErYAG, and fractional laser. Laser resurfacing removes old damaged tissue so new skin tissue can form.

Carbon dioxide is another form that is even more powerful, penetrates deeper, and usually produces the best results. However, this treatment also takes longer to heal and side effects are more intense.

Generally, laser treatments cost between $3000-$5000 for each treatment and some people may require multiple treatments. Side effects include ozzing, redness, crusting, and infection. Treatment time is around 30-45 minutes and is painless as local anesthesia is used.

Dermabrasion

This treatment also works well on these of scars. Professional dermabrasion is the use of a high speed diamond wheel that "sands" or "peels" off the upper layer of the superficial scars and can help reduce the appearance of deeper ones.

The cost ranges around $1200-1500 for each treatment and repeated session are often necessary. Side effects are not too severe….they include hyperpigmentation, sun sensitivity, swollen or redness. Recovery time is usually about 1-2 weeks.

Steroid Injections

Hypertrophic scars are more difficult to treat, but respond well to steroid injections. The steroid is injectioned into the scar which can help reduce the inflammation and reduce the size. This treatment cost about $70 per injection and most people require repeated treatments. Side effects include bruising and redness. It may take up to 4-8 weeks to see results.

Subcision

A popular treatment for rolling scars, this procedure involves actually cutting the scar, releasing it from the underlying tissue. It also encourages blood to pool underneath which helps more tissue to develop thus leveling it with the surface of the face.

Cost for this is between $100-$800 depending on how many areas are treated and how many treatments are required to obtain satisfactory results. Side effects include bruising, scarring and hyper or hypo pigmentation. Recover time is up to 2 weeks.

Additional Reading - Acne Scar Cure