Few of the Best Treatments for Depressed Acne Scars
It is a general observation that the people who have had cystic acne are often left with depressed acne scars, which give the skin a crater-like appearance. Depressed acne scars are large scars that resemble much like chicken pox scars, which have steep sides and sharp margins. These depressed acne scars are caused due to the collagen and epidermal damage.
If left untreated these scars do not go away and remain forever. Therefore best possible treatments should be given for curing depressed acne scars. Here we will discuss some of the best treatments for depressed acne scars. Sometimes a single treatment will not help in getting rid of depressed acne scars. In such cases combination of 2 or 3 treatments is required.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is one of the best and latest treatments for depressed acne scars. This procedure involves the use of YAG (erbium) or CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser. Procedure is done under local anesthesia, as it is a bit painful. The tissue-penetrating power and energy of these lasers may help in treating depressed acne scars. CO2 laser produces infrared beam, which helps in tightening collagen fibers in the skin and elevating depressed acne scars.
Autologous Fat Transplantation
This procedure involves the removal of fat from one area of the body and injected or transplanted beneath the surface of the depressed acne scar to elevate it. Autologous fat transplantation is usually used for treating depressed scars caused due to acne. Results obtained from these procedures may or may not be permanent. Therefore multiple fat transplantation procedures may be required for long lasting results.
Collagen Injections
Injection of collagen is one of the best treatments used for depressed acne scars. In this procedure collagen is removed either from a human or a cow and injected directly into the depressed acne scar. This procedure requires a little or no recovery. Since the results are not permanent the procedure should be repeated every 3 to 9 months in order to obtain best possible results.
Punch Grafting
This procedure involves cutting out small depressed scars with the help of a small punch. Then again by using a punch a small part of skin is removed either from behind the ear or in front of the ear. It is then transplanted on the location of the depressed scar. Then by using either glue or special tape strips the transplant skin is secured. The area from where the skin is removed is stitched using stitches. This procedure is often followed by laser peel.
Chemical Peels Treatment
This procedure involves the use of acids for improving small, depressed acne scars and even some of the larger acne scars. The procedure may be repeated to remove or improve deep depressed acne scars. There are two types of chemical peels treatment.
- Superficial Chemical Peel Treatment: This procedure involves the use of salicylic acid peels, glycolic acid and TCA to improve depressed acne scars. These superficial peels mainly affect the top layer of the skin and therefore they are less effective in treating deep acne scars and show minimal improvement of shallow depressed acne scars. This procedure requires minimal recovery. Some people may experience redness or peeling of the skin. But these symptoms generally disappear within a week.
- Medium-Depth Chemical Peel Treatment: This procedure involves the use of TCA peels and glycolic acid for improving the depressed acne scars. Medium-Depth chemical peel treatment is the best treatment for shallow depressed acne scars. This procedure may require several days or weeks for recovery.
These were the best possible treatments for depressed acne scars. Depending upon the intensity of the scars dermatologist will decide which one of the above treatment is appropriate for you.