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It is important to examine which of the four types of acne scar you have before deciding on a treatment.
1. Ice pick scars are acne scars that sink deep into the skin, in a “V” shape. They’re almost conical in and come to a point at their deepest set portion. They are typically narrow and are one of the most common types of acne scars.
2. If you could look at a boxcar acne scar from the side, it would appear as a sunken box, hence the name. The sides are angular, clearly defined and have walls. These often appear on or around the temples and on the higher portions of the cheek.
3. Rolling scars get their name because they give the skin a rippled, wavy appearance. The scars are shallow and broad, and they can overlap each other.
4. Hypertrophic, or keloid scars, are raised above the skin’s surface. Although they are typically grouped together, as raised scars, there are some differences between the two. Hypertrophic scars, according to The Patient’s Guide, remain within the boundary of the wound and can be effectively diminished over time. Keloid scars result as an over production of collagen and can grow outside the bounds of the original wound. They can be itchy and agitating, and they often take on a dense, rubbery texture.
Effective acne scar removal treatments are diverse. One of the most widespread treatments is laser-based. Lasers are commonly turned to as an effective means of treating acne scars. CO2 lasers, once the only option, served to destroy the top layer of the skin. Side effects, such as skin lightening and additional scarring sometimes occur from the use of CO2 lasers.
Advances in laser technology means that there are now better, safer choices for treating acne scars with lasers. Many doctors use non-ablative lasers which don’t actually remove layers of skin. After about a week, patients should be able to visibly see the collagen reshaping and minimizing the appearance of the scar.
Pulsed-dye lasers are used when scarring is particularly red. They can decrease the brightness and redness of acne scars.
Fractional lasers are an innovation. Instead of coagulating the scar tissue, fractional lasers create small holes in the scar tissue, over which fresh, new, non-scarred skin can form.
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