Acne Scar Revision
Overview
When you suffer from acne, the biggest concern is often just clearing up your blemishes. However, if you end up with acne scars, the work doesn't stop once your last blemish heals. Numerous acne scar revision procedures are available, however, to give your skin a smoother texture and to give your self-confidence a boost.
Acne Scar Types
Acne scars can fall into several different categories. For instance, there is temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which leaves red marks on your skin where acne once was. You can also end up with more permanent scars like rolling scars, which create slight indentations in the skin; boxcar scars, which leave sharp angled depressions; and icepick scars, sharp and narrow marks that look like greatly enlarged pores.
Topical Treatments
To get rid of hyperpigmentation, you can use skin lightening lotions that help the skin slough off a little faster. For mild scarring all over your face, you can use chemical peels, which can be made up of a type of acid like glycolic acid or phenols to remove the top layer of skin. Mild peels can be done at home, while stronger ones will require a dermatologist's attention.
Resurfacing Procedures
For deeper scars, a dermatologist can resurface your skin, giving you a smoother complexion without so many pronounced indentations from scars. Laser resurfacing is a popular choice, since it removes the top layer of skin right away. Results can be good for those with some boxcar and icepick scars. Microdermabrasion and its stronger relative, dermabrasion, can be used to essentially sand off the top layer of skin. This will leave your skin very sensitive, red and maybe even scabbed. Proper aftercare is essential, including an avoidance of sunlight.
Surgery
Surgical procedures can revise or remove acne scars as well. Options include punch excision, which involves removing an entire scar. A punch graft may be used to fill in a scar. Punch elevation involves lifting up your skin so that a scarred depression is no longer visible.
Prevention
The best treatment for acne scars is prevention. If you have persistent acne that will not go away with over-the-counter treatments, see a dermatologist to receive a stronger solution or oral medication. Most importantly, never pick at your acne blemishes.
Related Articles

Overview Acne is a skin disease caused by the overproduction of oil, improper shedding of dead skin ...

Overview Acne scars are alterations in normal skin structure that occur as a result of abnormal, or ...

Overview Almost everyone gets acne, but it's your family's genetics that mostly determine whether yo...

Overview If you had severe acne, you most likely have scars. Bad acne, especially nodularcystic acne...

Overview Nearly everyone gets acne, usually starting in their early teen years and continuing into t...

Overview Acne is a common skin problem that occurs in a wide range of people, starting around the be...