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5 Methods of Facial Scar Treatment

Facial Scar Treatment

  • Shallow acne scars can be treated with chemical peels and laser resurfacing
  • Deeper facial scars may require more intensive treatments, such as subcision or punch excision
  • Augmentation may be used alone or with punch excision for deeper acne scars

If you have facial scars, such as those associated with acne, you might be desperate to find a more permanent method for covering up the unsightly area. The good news is that you might want to consider a facial scar treatment. Several methods are available. Below are a few of the best scar treatment options.

1. Chemical Peels

For mild scarring, chemical peels can be effective as a facial scar treatment. With this procedure, a type of acid is applied to the skin. The acid literally burns away the upper layers of the skin so that new, fresh layers can grow in their place. When those upper layers are gone, the shallow scars can disappear with them. Mild burning and discomfort are involved in the process but no anesthesia is usually necessary. The cost of the procedure is around $750 per treatment.

2. Augmentation

Deeper scars may require a different type of facial known as augmentation. With these types of treatments, the scar is actually filled in with a type of injection. That injection could include artificial substances, collagen, and even fat from other parts of your body depending on the preference of your dermatologist. This method of treatment is particularly effective against icebox scars and other deep scars. Treatment costs vary from between $300 to $700 per cubic centimeter of scarring.

3. Laser Resurfacing

With this type of facial scar treatment, a carbon dioxide or erbium:YAG laser are used to remove the upper layers of skin similar to how chemical peels work. However, the benefit of using lasers is that the depth of the burned layers can be more accurately controlled. For deeper levels of resurfacing, local anesthesia may be needed. After the procedure, patients must properly care for their skin if they are going to achieve the best results possible. This method is not effective against deep acne scars.

4. Punch Excision

Dermatologists have tools known as punches which work almost like cookie cutters for the face. The physician chooses a cutter that is as large as the scar and the surrounding tissue then uses it to remove that section from the patient’s skin. If the scar isn’t too wide, the area can be stitched together and the resulting scar should heal on its own. With larger scars, the punch excision may need to be augmenting with injections of collagen or other substances.

5. Subcision

Almost any type of scar can be corrected using this facial acne scar treatment, which is also sometimes called subcutaneous incision. The patient is given a local anesthetic. A beveled needle is inserted under the skin at a parallel angle to the skin’s surface. Once in place, the needle is moved in and out like a piston to break up the fibers in the skin. This helps destroy the scar. While the procedure will leave behind a bruise, this fades in about one week. Bleeding can sometimes be a problem as well with this type of procedure. The costs can vary a great deal depending on the treatment area and the number of treatment sessions needed.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.

4 Responses to “5 Methods of Facial Scar Treatment”

  1. 1
    Claire Thomas Says:
    I was a little bit apprehensive in getting the Dr Max Powers Scar Serum because of the name (I believed it to be off brand). I have a 14 year old who's face started to break out severally and it left acne scars all over her face. I wanted to get the more expensive name brand acne product but I purchased this @ a good price on sale. We used it as directed "Gently rub into scar 3-4 times per day for 8 weeks on new scars; 3-4 times per day for 3-6 months on existing scars." I could see the difference in her face and about a month later. The downside is that its hard to find in store and we always have to order online, and cant avoid shipping costs. I would use this again if needed. But so far it hasn't been needed. everyone give it a try - it worked for my 14 yr old.
  2. 2
    Jack Says:
    Honestly, I have some really, really bad acne and when I got rid of it, it left a lot of scars. I did not want to be like that and after reading this article, weighing my options, I decided to go with a chemical peel and I look great now!
  3. 3
    Wilson Says:
    This is the number one reason why you really should listen to the people who tell you not to pick at or pop pimples. I learned this the hard way, so thanks for the information!
  4. 4
    Gina Says:
    I had really bad acne as a teenager and I was left with pock marks all over my face. I decided to go ahead a try a chemical peel after my dermatologist suggested it. I was really happy with the results and recommend this procedure as it works wonders.