The best acne scar treatment available for those who have had severe cystic acne in the past may be surgery. However, the best treatment really depends on the type of scars you have and how long you have had them. While surgery is the only sure way to completely remove acne scars (and replace it with a smaller scar), there are several other remedies for acne scars that can work best for you.
If you have had mild to moderate acne and there is only slight discoloration and small scars, it is likely that the problem will resolve itself over time. However, you can help this process by choosing the best acne scar treatment for this type of scarring: a skin cream made specifically for scars.
If you have had mild to moderate acne that resulted in box car or ice pick scars that are depressed into the skin, it may be necessary to see a dermatologist in order to get the best treatment.
A procedure known as subcision can help with these types of scars. During a subcision procedure, a doctor or cosmetic surgeon uses a special tool to cut the top layer of the scar away from the deeper parts of the pores.
In the void that remains from the cutting, new collagen can develop and fill the scar so that it rises closer to the level of the skin’s surface. Then, doctors can focus on changing the texture and appearance of the scar.
To change the texture and appearance of a scar, or to improve skin discoloration caused by acne scarring, microdermabrasion may be the best acne scar treatment. During this procedure, a dermatologist uses a high powered air tool that blasts the skin with finely ground crystals.
The crystals blast away the top layer of dead skin cells and leave behind new and softer skin that is easily blended with healthy skin. It can take several sessions for this to be effective, however.
Dermabrasion uses a courser sanding paper or diamond grinding tool to tear away the top layer of skin. While this is one of the best acne scar treatments for scars that rise above the surface of the skin, it is also one of the most invasive procedures and can be quite painful. Some people need to wear bandages for several days or weeks after the procedure.
For severe acne scarring however, the best acne scar treatment is surgery. Surgery, or excision, is the only way to completely remove acne scars. The doctor will cut the existing scar tissue out of the body and suture the wound closed (or use a piece of skin to cover the wound, grafting it into place over time). Once the stitches are removed and in place of the scar, a small incision scar that will eventually fade may appear on the skin.