If you've more or less outgrown your acne outbreaks and now you're looking for something to help you remove, or at least diminish, your unattractive acne facial scars there is good news. There are many things that may be able to help you. Everything from home remedies to creams, to chemicals and lasers that work by removing the top layers of skin. The trick is to find the method that will work best for you and also is the least expensive and invasive.
Here is a list of some of the most common options available to you. Many of them can be fairly expensive and while all of them have had some success none of them will work on every person every time. You will need to learn more about each technique so you can determine the best option for you and your situation:
1. Dermabrasion. This is more intense that mirco-dermabrasion which only sloughs off the top layer of skin. Dermabrasion will remove the top several layers of skin. This process will require a healing time of several weeks while the scabs from the procedure heal over with a new layer of undamaged skin. This procedure tends to work best on either light or dark skinned people. Someone with a more middle of the road skin tone might not get as good of results.
2. Laser treatment. This treatment option works in a similar fashion to dermabrasion, it removes the top damaged layers of skin which allows new growth, undamaged skin to replace the damaged skin. You can have an even texture and no discoloration following this treatment. Make sure you take time to talk to your doctor about this procedure. It does tend to be expensive and the healing process can be a little long. You may also need several treatments before you see the full effectiveness.
3. Chemical peel. This procedure involves your dermatologist applying a layer of acid to your skin. This chemical will slough off your top layer of skin. This procedure works best for skin that has only a little light scarring. Once the acid is removed you may experience some swelling and redness. Recovery time will vary depending on the amount of skin covered, but usually ranges from a day to a few weeks.
4. The last form of scar removal is augmentation. This procedure involves your doctor using collagen, or fat from another part of your body, to fill in your pitted scars. This procedure will require minimal recovery time, usually less than a day, and will give your skin a smoother more healthy appearance. The downside to this procedure is that it is a temporary fix. In the future if other forms of filler are discovered it may last longer but now with collagen it generally lasts around 6 months. While it does provide relief, you will need to have the procedure done over and over again to maintain the results.
When it comes to getting rid of, or at least diminishing, acne facial scars you have several options. Each has it's own pros and cons and cost considerations. You should take some time to investigate each method thoroughly before you make your decision.
