3 Types of Acne Scars and Treatment Alternatives

Health Articles | July 13, 2009

Guide to the three types of acne scars and their their treatments.

Acne is a common skin condition that plagues many from teens to adults. For those who suffer from severe acne, scarring is one of the worst effects. This can cause a life long struggle with self-image, embarrassment and truly affects the self-esteem.

There are many treatments available that deal with scars, from very simple to more intricate surgical procedures. But, when considering acne scar treatment it is important to first understand the three types of acne scars.

Three Types of Acne Scars

Icepick Icepick scars are narrow, sharp scars that make skin appear it was punctured with an icepick. These types of scars are too deep to correct with skin resurfacing treatments or with laser.

Boxcar Boxcar scars are typically round to oval shaped and have vertical edges. The best treatments for these are resurfacing. Deep boxcar scars require full-thickness treatment styles.

Rolling Scars These types give the skin a rolling or undulating appearance. The best treatments for these are to break up the subcutaneous fibrous bands.

In the past many doctors used acutane to treat scarring of the skin as a result of acne. These days there are many ways and procedures to deal with scars on the skin, as well as other parts of the body.

Dermal Filler Dermal filler injections are used to raise the skin surface for a smooth look. This is not a permanent solution and future treatments are required.

Punch Excision A Punch Excision is surgery and is used to correct very deep scarring for the icepick and boxcar types. If the surgery is not enough to noticeably correct these scars then resurfacing treatments are performed as a follow up treatment.

Also, if necessary a skin graft replacement can be performed in addition to the above two procedures.

Punch Elevation This is another surgical method, which is often used on deep acne scars. Subcutaneous incision, known as Subcision, is used to break up the fibrous bands causing rolling scars. For this procedure a local anesthetic is used and it uses a beveled needle. There is some bruising as a result, which usually goes away after one week.

Laser Laser resurfacing is another treatment. This type of procedure uses carbon dioxide and erbium lasers, which burn the top layers of the affected skin area and in turn the skin heals itself with newer skin.

This is the most popular treatment to date, with many getting great results for even the worst of acne scars.

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Learn more about acne treatment with guides and tips such as Natural Acne Treatments, Causes of Acne, medical treatments, prevention and lots more at Best Acne Treatments Blog.