• Skip to content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Shop ModernMom
  • Become An Insider

ModernMom

The premiere destination for moms

  • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Kids
    • Tweens and Teens
    • ModernMom Monday Videos
  • Cooking
  • Living Healthy
    • Breast Cancer
    • Health & Fitness
    • Body after Baby
    • Beauty
    • Relationships
    • Love
  • Lifestyle
    • Crafts
    • At Home
    • Education
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Decorate
    • Money
    • Brooke Burke
  • Celebrate
    • Holidays
      • Easter
      • Valentine’s Day
      • New Year’s
      • Christmas
      • Hanukah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
    • Birthdays
    • Parties
  • Must Have
  • Contests
  • Entertainment

Surgery for Acne Scars

January 5, 2011 by ds_81 Leave a Comment

Approximately 40 to 50 million Americans suffer from acne, according to 2009 information from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Additionally, each year, 85 percent of U.S. teenagers will have acne an breakout. Most cases of acne are mild and you can effectively treat them with readily available over-the-counter medications. Moderate to serious acne cases typically require professional medical intervention and sometimes result in unsightly scars. Contemporary surgical techniques can help diminish the appearance of acne scars.

Causes

No one knows the exact cause of common acne breakouts, but a combination of excess skin oil called sebum, P. acnes bacteria, inflammation and clogged pours are the most likely culprits, according to the AAD. Moderate to severe acne can cause widespread skin damage and result in permanent scars. This type of acne does not go away on its own and rarely responds to over-the-counter medications. Professional treatment is almost always required and in many cases, a variety of treatments may be attempted before a successful regimen emerges.

Identification

Moderate to severe acne can take years to successfully treat. The deep cysts and nodules usually associated with moderate to severe acne can result in extensive skin damage including changes in skin pigmentation, discoloration of the skin and different types of scarring. The most common types of scars associated with acne are boxcar scars, which are rectangular depressions with sharp edges, icepick scars, which are small but deep, rolling scars, which are shallow depressions and keloidal scars, which appear thick and inflamed.

Types

There are several different types of surgery for the treatment of acne scars, but there is no single type of surgery that is appropriate for all types of acne scars, according to the Baylor College of Medicine. A procedure known as subcision or subcutaneous incision that breaks up scar tissue beneath the acne scars can treat rolling scars. Punch excision and grafting, surgically removes the scar, which is then either stitched up or filled with a skin graft, can treat icepick scars.

Alternatives

Recent developments in laser surgery show promise in treating acne scars. There are two primary types of laser treatments: non-ablative and ablative procedures. Ablative laser surgery, sometimes referred to as laser skin resurfacing, involves using focused laser beams to burn away the surface layer of the skin. Ablative laser treatments cause visible wounding and requires patient downtime. This type of procedure is effective in treating depressed scars including boxcar and icepick scars. Non-ablative laser treatments do not cause visible wounding to the skin and rarely involve patient down time. This type of procedure produces improved skin appearance and a significant reduction of active acne infections, but the results are typically not as dramatic as ablative procedures. Multiple sessions are usually required to obtain satisfactory results.

Benefits

Acne, even in its severe form, is not considered a serious condition. Acne is not life-threatening and does not have detrimental effects on other body systems. However, acne can still have serious repercussions for those who suffer from outbreaks. Acne breakouts and scars can contribute to low self-esteem, reduced self-confidence, social anxiety, withdrawal and depression. Acne sufferers even have a higher rate of unemployment. Fortunately, even the most severe cases of acne can usually be treated. A combination of procedures that may include surgery, laser and light therapy, as well as oral and topical medications, can help reduce or eliminate acne scars.

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Living Healthy

About ds_81

After attending Hardin Simmons University, Kay Dean finished her formal education with the Institute of Children's Literature. Since 1995, Dean has written more than 2,000 articles for publications, including "PB&J," Disneys "Family Fun,""ParentLife,""Living With Teenagers" and Thomas Nelsons New York Times best-selling "Resolve." After 17 years of homeschooling her five children, Dean discovered that motherhood doesnt stop with an empty nest.

Reader Interactions

Primary Sidebar

Tell a friend

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Search

ModernMom Boutique

ModernMom TV

Featured

Coconut Oil

Why Coconut Oil Is So Good For Pregnant & Nursing Mothers

“Coconut oil contains large amounts of lauric acid, a … [Read More...] about Why Coconut Oil Is So Good For Pregnant & Nursing Mothers

Must Have

ToniBox

Meet Toniebox – A Loveable Storytime Friend For Your Kids

If you are looking for something to occupy your children … [Read More...] about Meet Toniebox – A Loveable Storytime Friend For Your Kids

Did you know?

early signs you are pregnant with twins

Early Signs You Are Pregnant With Twins

Soothe Red and Irritated Skin After a Brazilian Wax

How to Soothe Red and Irritated Skin After a Brazilian Wax

Best Way to Cook Boneless Shoulder Steak

The Best Way to Cook Boneless Shoulder Steak

Emotional Development of Adolescents

cooking with young children

Cooking With Young Children

How Does IVF Work

How Does IVF Work?

safe to color Your hair while breastfeeding

Is it Safe to Color Your Hair While Breastfeeding?

Footer

  • About Us
  • Contact ModernMom
  • Advertise With Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2021 Modern Mom. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the express permission of Mom, Inc.

The information provided on ModernMom is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.