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.