Acne Scars

Ice-pick scars: typically deep pits that can occur anywhere on the face.

Shallow, depressed scars: typically slightly depressed areas, which can often look like shallow chickenpox scars

Deeper, depressed scars: deeper depressions which occurs most commonly on the cheeks

For many patients, there is no one procedure that will accomplish all of one's goals. Therefore, is often best to use a combined approach utilizing two or more different procedures to achieve an optimal result. Occasionally these procedures can be performed at the same time, although often these procedures are performed several weeks apart. Below is a list of commonly performed procedures, their limitations and benefits.

Treatment modalities commonly used for shallow, depressed scars

Superficial Chemical Peel (glycolic acid, salicylic acid peels, and 15-20% TCA): these superficial peels are often used to improve acne and/or staining of the skin (dark spots). In general, these peels affect mainly the epidermis (the top layer of skin). Unfortunately, the superficial peels offer little improvement with acne scars, where the damage is in deeper layers of the skin--the dermis. In general, these peels offer little or no improvement of ice-pick scars, and minimal improvement of shallow depressed scars. One of the benefits of these superficial peels is that there is minimal recovery needed. Most patients will experience some peeling, redness, and/or flaking of the skin for up to week.

Medium-Depth Chemical Peel (70% glycolic acid or 35%+TCA peels): these peels are often used to improve wrinkles or superficial scars, including acne scars. Depending upon the depth of peel achieved, recovery may be several days to several weeks or longer. This type of peel works best for shallow depressed scars, with minimal affect on ice-pick scars.

Laser-Peel (carbon dioxide or Erbium:YAG): unlike chemical peels which rely on acids to damage the skin, the laser-peel utilizes laser energy to precisely peel away layers of skin. This type of peel works best for depressed scars. Like the medium-depth chemical peel, recovery typically takes several weeks or longer. Additionally, redness of the treated area may last for several months. The final result may not be fully appreciated for one year or longer.

Dermabrasion: with this modality, layers of skin are sanded away. In general, dermabrasion typically works best for shallow depressed scars, with only modest improvement, if any, on ice-pick scars. The recovery or dermabrasion typically is one or more weeks, although redness of the skin can persist for several months

Collagen Injections: collagen, which may be from a cow or a human, is injected directly into the scar. One of the benefits of this procedure is that little or no recovery is needed. Unfortunately, results are not permanent, and touch-up procedures are required every three to nine months to maintain optimal results. This treatment will be available until the end of 2010.

Restylane™ Injections: This product is injected directly into the scar. There is little to no recovery in most cases. Unfortunately, results are not permanent. Results typically last longer than collagen injections.

Fraxel™: This newer type of laser ablates microscopic spots of tissue. Unlike tradition Laser-peeling, several treatment sessions are needed and mild-moderate improvement can be achieved. The advantage of this modality over Laser-Peels is that healing is fast (days).

Treatment modalities commonly used for deeper, depressed scars

Fat Transplantation: in this procedure, fat is taken from one area of the body (usually the hip) and mesh transplanted beneath the depressed scar to elevate it. Occasionally, multiple procedures may be necessary to achieve optimal results. Results may or may not be permanent. Patients are usually required to abstain from any exertional activity for one week or longer after the procedure. Additionally, some mild swelling may result in the procedure, although typically resolve within several days.

Collagen Injections: collagen, which may be from a cow or a human, is injected directly into the scar. One of the benefits of this procedure is that little or no recovery is needed. Unfortunately, results are not permanent, and touch-up procedures are required every three to nine months to maintain optimal results. These products will not be available after 2010.

Gore-tex™ Implantation: Gore-tex, which is commonly used in clothing, is made into strands, threads, and mesh-like material. This material is placed directly beneath the depressed scars, thus elevating them. Correction using Gore-tex may be permanent, although the implant material can be felt under the skin. This procedure requires little or no recovery time.

Excision: deeper scars may be cut out using a scalpel and stitched together. This results in the formation of a linear scar, which in some cases may look better than the depressed scar.

Punch Grafting: with this procedure, small depressed scars are cut out using a small "punch", which resembles a small cookie cutter. A small piece of skin is then removed, using a "punch", from in front of or behind the ear and transplanted to where the scar was located. This new transplant skin is then secured in place using special tape strips or glue. The hole from where the skin was removed from in front of or behind-the ear is sutured using stitches. Often, several weeks later a dermabrasion or laser-peel is performed.

Sculptra™: this newer product is injected into the skin. Results can last for 1-2 years or longer. Most patients have 2-3 treatments spaced 6 weeks apart.

Punch Grafting: with this procedure, small depressed scars are cut out using a small "punch", which resembles a small cookie cutter. A small piece of skin is then removed, using a "punch", from in-front-of or behind-the ear and transplanted to where the scar was located. This new transplant skin is then secured in place using special tape strips or glue. The hole from where the skin was removed from in-front-of or behind-the ear is sutured using stitches. Often, several weeks later a dermabrasion or laser-peel is performed.

Excision: deeper scars, including ice-pick scars, may be cut out using a scalpel and stitched together. This results in the formation of a linear scar.

Laser-Peel (carbon dioxide or Erbium:YAG): more recently, the laser-peel has been used for ice-pick scars. Unfortunately, results are typically inferior to other methods such as punch grafting or excision unless combined with excision or punch grafting.

Collagen Injections: collagen, which may be from a cow or a human, is injected directly into the scar. One of the benefits of this procedure is that little or no recovery is needed. Unfortunately, results are not permanent, and touch-up procedures are required every three to nine months to maintain optimal results. Individual results vary considerably, as some experience little or no benefit, while others may experience moderate or significant improvement. This will be available until the end of 2010.

Summary: As with most cosmetic surgery, treatment options must be considered on individual basis, as no one procedure is best for all. In many cases, one procedure may not afford as much benefit as two or more procedures. Therefore it is essential to evaluate each person on individual basis and devise a treatment plan based on the patient's desires for improvement, recovery time needed, cost, and the risks of the procedure(s).

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