Treating Acne Scars: What Your Dermatologist Might Suggest
ShareAcne treatments are often started too late into an already severe acne problem. Even if they do get an early start and see a dermatologist regularly, people with severe acne can still end up with scars. If your dermatologist has done a great job with clearing your acne, but you have a lot of scarring left, here are some solutions that your dermatologist might suggest to clear scars.
Scar Gels and Creams
These are dermatological compounds that help scars quickly fade away. In regards to your acne scars, the lighter scars will fade more quickly than the deeper scars. However, with regular daily use, these gels or creams recommended by your dermatologist will clear away almost any acne scar you have. Most of these gels and creams can be purchased over the counter in any pharmacy or pharmacy department. They tend to be a little pricey, and insurance does not cover them because they are not prescription medications, but they are worth a try.
Laser Microdermabrasion
If your skin is not too sensitive, your dermatologist might suggest laser microdermabrasion. In this procedure, the dermatologist takes a laser and closely scans the scars on your face with the laser. It will feel either warm or cold, depending on the type of laser the doctor uses. The laser speeds up healing while removing the dead cells that cause the appearance of scar tissue. It is much longer-lasting with more immediate results than the scar gels and creams.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are typically reserved for older patients whose skin is not likely to bounce back as well from other scar removal procedures. However, if you (as a teen) have some very deep acne scars, your dermatologist might suggest using an injectable dermal filler to plump the skin under each deep acne scar, thereby transforming it from a pit to smooth skin on the surface. It is only used to fill the deepest of acne scars. Insurance does not typically cover this option either. The filler cost is based on syringe price, but a single syringe of dermal filler might be able to plump several acne scar pits before the syringe is empty.
Be Sure to Wait for Your Acne to Stop Flaring Up
Many of the above options are not offered until your dermatologist is certain that new acne over old scars will not cause more scar tissue. Your doctor wants to prevent repairing skin that will fight back, so to speak. If that means having to wait until you are no longer an adolescent, then that might just have to be the plan for now.
To learn more about acne treatment, visit a website like http://www.greaterdesmoinesdermatology.com/.