Acne scar treatment is only given to those who experience no new re-occurences of acne. If breakouts continue to occur, the patient should first stop it with a specific treatment. Only then comes the following treatments that are as described in this essay.

Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a ground-breaking beautifying treatment that very efficiently removes the upper layer of dead skin cells to reveal healthier skin below. It removes fine lines, wrinkles, scars and stretch marks and generally damaged skin. It can be done professionally at doctors clinics, spas and even at home, if you are experienced enough.

Professional treatments can be quite costly and for a whole treatment regime can cost up to $1000-$2000 depending on where you live. In simple terms, tiny micro-crystals (e.g. aluminium oxide) are blasted onto the skin to remove the dead skin cells, and then a wand is used as a vacuum to clear them up right afterwards. Creams and special ointments can be used to supplement the procedure to make it more enjoyable.

If you didnt already know, the procedure is painless and there are very few side-effects. Chemical Peels: Chemical peels use special acids that are applied to the skin, their effect is similar to that of microdermabrasion, but because of the strength of the acids, the procedure is faster. The only disadvantage is that it can result in allergic skin itching post-procedure, and it is not very effective in severe cases of acne scars. Laser Treatment: This is quite a new approach, and it is still not 100% clinically approved for use in clinics, although some clinics around the world have been recently approved- be sure to check out for these in your area. Again, this technique basically involves microscopically burning away the acne scars by removing the upper-most dead skin cells. But be warned, because soreness and swelling have been reported rarely after undergoing this procedure.

Augmentation: In this technique, material such as collagen is injected into the acne scar, and this causes the scar to cascade upwards towards the surface of the skin. Compared to laser treatment and microdermabrasion this procedure doesnt causes much swelling, and the recovery time isnt as long. Subcision: Subcision is normally combined with microdermabrasion or laser therapy, and it involves detaching the acne scar from the skin beneath. A blood clot forms under the scar and allows the connective tissue to build up under the scar. In conclusion, there are many and more ways to remove acne scars.

Weigh out the advantages and disadvantages of each method before going forth and deciding with haste. Remember that acne scars are removable, just make sure you get the right opinion from your family doctor first.

Asanka Samaranayake (BSc Hons Neuroscience) and Darren Patten (Bsc Hons Surgery & Anaesthesia)have a specialist interest in microdermabrasion and provide you with an indispensable resource at Microdermabrasion Info. Net