The result of severe acne is acne scarring. When this type of acne is left untreated or is not treated properly, you will be more likely to develop unsightly scars. For this reason, the best way to avoid acne scars is to treat acne.

Sometimes, however, preventing acne scars is hopeless due to the severity of the acne. In cases such as these, scar removal becomes a reality. Scar treatment will depend on the type of scarring you have and the extent of the scar tissue.

Finding Your Best Scar Treatment Option

Surgery is usually the best option for extensive scarring. The most common types of surgery include punch excision, punch elevation and subcision (or subcutaneous incision). After having undergone one of these procedures the specialist will usually follow-up with laser resurfacing or dermal fillers.

Ice Pick Scars & Punch Excision

Cystic acne usually leaves behind a scar that makes the skin look as if it has been pierced by a pin or needle. This type of acne scar is known as an ice pick scar. It is usually a deep scar that extends into the dermis.

Punch excision is the best option for ice pick scars.

This procedure removes scar tissue by using a cookie cutter like instrument. The remaining skin is sutured together. The result is a straight scar that is level with the surrounding skin.

Sometimes, the extent of the excised skin is so large that it needs to be sealed using grafted skin. Once again, there will be a straight scar, but much less noticeable than the ice pick scar that it will ultimately replace.

Punch Elevation and Boxcar Scars

Boxcar scars are wider than icepick scars and are usually oval or round. They are caused by a loss of tissue during a particularly severe inflammatory reaction. The treatment for acne scars of this type generally involves punch elevation that is later followed by dermal fillers or laser treatment.

Punch elevation is similar to punch excision, the only difference is that the walls of the scar are left untouched. Fillers or sutures are used to bring the base of the scar to skin level. The final step is the use of grafted skin to close the wound.

Subcutaneous Incision & Rolling Scars

Rolling scars are caused when fibrous bands of tissue develop between the skin layers. These fibrous bands pull down the epidermis making the skin resemble a wave-like surface. Subcision is the best treatment option for this type of scar.

This procedure requires the use of a small needle or scalpel to separate the epidermis from the deeper scar tissue. Blood accumulates in the space between these two layers and helps the epidermis become more level. Dermal fillers may be required if the scar tissue is too deep.