Acne
Acne is one of most common skin conditions in the world, afflicting 40 to 50 million Americans. Acne scars may result from failure to properly treat even mild superficial acne lesions, not only from severe inflammatory nodular or cystic acne occurring deep in the dermis so stop playing with fire and become proactive. Acne scars result from two types of tissue response to the inflammation of acne:
(1) increased tissue formation, and
(2) loss of tissue.
Acne scars can give the skin an "old" look.
Treatment
Early treatment by a dermatologist may minimize the development of post-inflammatory pigmentation. A dermatologist expert opinion as to whether scar treatment is justified in your particular case, and what scar treatment will be most effective for you. Before committing to treatment of acne scars, you should have a frank discussion with your dermatologist regarding those questions, and any others you feel are important. The dermatologist needs to conduct a full examination and determine whether treatment can, or should, be undertaken. The objective of scar treatment is to give the skin a more acceptable physical appearance.
Scarring
Whether acne scarring is deep or superficial, extensive or scattered, the esthetic result can be less than desirable and even disturbing. Repeated and/or deep peels may be necessary to improve deep or extensive scarring. For example, the deep tissue penetration of a YAG laser may be used to "sculpt" irregular scarring and the infrared beam of the carbon dioxide laser may be used to tighten collagen fibers in the skin and elevate depressed scars. The best way to deal with acne is to get treatment soon after the acne appears to prevent further severe acne and more scarring.
Laser
Laser treatment of acne scars is a newer technology but one that can be very effective in selected patients. Laser technology has added to its systems the ability to restore pigmentation in those areas with a stimulation technique that brings back the natural substances that were stripped away. The newest form of treatment for acne scarring is called fractional laser therapy. This type of treatment works at a deeper level than laser resurfacing or dermabrasion, Because fractional laser therapy does not wound the top layer of tissue, healing time is shorter. Fractional laser therapy is quite costly, and it's not usually covered by insurance.
Acne scarring is no longer a problem without a solution. Acne scarring can be treated in a variety of ways including certain skin care products, prescription medications, chemical peels, laser or pulsed light treatments, soft tissue fillers, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. The newest form of treatment for acne scarring is called fractional laser therapy.
