Can Acne Scars be Improved?

Scarring of any type occurs after the skin has suffered an injury and has undergone tissue repair.  The body’s various inflammatory molecules and while blood cells heal damaged skin and fight any infection that may be present.  However, after this the skin is not always able to completely restore itself and this results in a scar.

In terms of acne scarring, it is not fully known how or why it occurs, not why some people are more susceptible than others, although it may be hereditary.  As so little is known, the best way to avoid acne scars is to prevent acne in the first place.  If it is treated early and for as long as necessary the number of inflammations can be reduced which in turn reduces the possibility of scarring.

Another thing to bear in mind is that the way you handle any spots or pimples can have a drastic affect on the surrounding skin.  Picking and harsh squeezing, for example, will increase the damage to the skin thus also increasing the chance that a permanent scar will remain even after the original lesion has healed.

Finally, in terms of preventing acne scars, it should be remembered that a healthy and well-maintained body is much more able to heal itself quickly and completely.  Drink plenty of water, get enough sleep and generally take care of yourself.  Chances are your spots will become fewer and the possibility of acne scarring will be reduced.

However, if you already find yourself with scars as a result of acne, you will be pleased to know that these can be improved.

One method involves collagen injections.  Collagen, which is naturally found in the body, is injected under the skin where it fills out the scar.  It works best for superficial and deep scars, initially formed by tissue loss.  The benefit from collagen injections usually lasts three to six months and must be repeated to maintain the image.

A second method, autologous fat transfer, involves the transfer of fat from a site on your own body to beneath the surface of the scar.  Similar to collagen injections, it is best used to treat deep scars and must normally be repeated after six to eighteen months.

Dermabrasion is thought to be the most effective treatment for improving acne scars.  A high-speed brush is used to remove the surface skin and as a result, many superficial scars can be completely removed.  However, there are also disadvantages to dermabrasion.  With the surface skin removed, scars which are larger the deeper they go may actually become more obvious.  In darker skinned people, due to a change in pigmentation, further treatment may also be necessary.

Laser treatment is another option in improving acne scars.  Lasers can be used to reshape scar tissue and diminish surrounding redness.  More powerful lasers can be used to completely remove tissue if it is more feasible.  Often a single treatment is enough to bring permanent results but it should also be noted that, as a result of the power of the laser, redness can be present for several months after treatment.

In terms of scarring from acne, there is one further important point to note: as an acne lesion heals, the inflammation gradually flattens and results in a reddish spot.  This is known as a macule and is the final stage of an acne lesion.  A macule may last anything up to six months but it is not a permanent mark.

Take care of your body and give it a fighting chance to successfully heal itself.