Treating Acne Scars: Options and Effectiveness

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions to affect teens and adults in the U.S. Many effective over-the-counter and prescription treatments are available for clearing up blemishes, but acne scars can still be left behind. Dr. Linda Nims, Dr. Rebecca Barry, and Dr. Kelley Redbord, the board-certified providers at Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia in Vienna VA, specialize in treating acne and acne scars. 

Acne Scar Treatments 

Dealing with acne is frustrating enough without having to worry about scars being left behind once the blemishes finally clear. The good news is there are several treatment methods for significantly diminishing the appearance of acne scars or completely eliminating them. Some methods for treating acne and acne scars at our dermatology practice in Vienna, VA, include dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser therapy. 

Dermabrasion: This is a resurfacing treatment in which the top layers of skin are gently removed using a special device. Removing the top layers of skin reveals smoother skin underneath. Depending on how deep acne scars are, dermabrasion either greatly reduces their appearance or completely eliminates them.

Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion works similarly to dermabrasion in that the top layer of skin is exfoliated to reveal fresh, smooth skin below, which helps diminish the appearance of acne scars. The primary difference is that old skin is not removed with a device. Instead, small crystals are applied to the skin that works to exfoliate it. This method works well for small scars but is not as effective for deeper ones. 

Chemical Peels: A chemical solution is applied to the skin where acne scars are present. The solution exfoliates the outer layer of the skin, revealing smoother skin underneath. Medium and deep chemical peels are best for eliminating acne scars versus light or superficial peels.

Laser Treatment: Laser treatment works in two steps. First, heat from the laser removes the top layer of skin where the scars are most prominent. Next, heat and light from the laser stimulate the growth of healthy, new skin cells. Laser treatment works well to diminish the appearance of acne scars so they are less noticeable, but might not get rid of scars completely. 

Additional methods for treating acne scars include steroid injections, fat transfer, and excision and punch replacement grafts. Steroid injections diminish acne scars by breaking the bonds between collagen fibers in the skin and reducing the amount of scar tissue. Fat transfer works by grafting fat cells from another part of the body to the scarred area to increase volume and reduce the appearance of acne scars. Excision and punch replacement grafts involve surgical removal of deep acne scars. 

It is possible to reduce the appearance of or eliminate acne scars and enjoy smooth, even skin. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Nims, Dr.Redbord, and Dr. Barry to learn more about your options for treating acne and acne scars by calling Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia in Vienna VA, at (703) 938-5700.