 Acne
Treatments & Scar Removal
Details
At the Knight Dermatology Institute,
we are frequently asked if anything
can be done for old acne scars.
This condition, a result of previous
nodular/cystic acne, is emotionally
taxing for many patients. Fortunately,
we do have several weapons in
the fight against this disfiguring
condition. Modern acne scar treatment
options include laser treatments,
microdermabrasion,
chemical
peels, and surgical treatments
such as subcision, punch grafting,
CROSS therapy, and formal excision.
Laser Treatments for Acne Scar
Removal
Laser surgery is one of the most
successful means of treating acne
scars. The fractional CO2 laser
(Lumenis™
FX) is the latest device used
to treat this condition, and the
results are often stunning. We
are seeing results far superior
to those seen with older devices
(such as Fraxel, CoolTouch, Smoothbeam,
N-lite, etc).
Our Pulse Dye laser (Candela
VBeam) is also effective in
treating some forms of acne scarring,
especially if there is a red or
vascular component to the lesions.
When combined with Aminolevulinic
Acid (called photodynamic
therapy), the Pulse Dye laser
also shows good results in patients
who still have active acne breakouts.
Studies show that this procedure
can reduce the size of oil glands,
helping to eliminate both scars
and active acne lesions.
Microdermabrasion Treatment
for Removal of Acne Scars
Microdermabrasion works by exfoliating
the superficial layers of skin.
This process works well with more
recent scars and generally takes
several treatments to see results.
Chemical
peels cause the outer layer
of the skin to peel, revealing
newer, smoother skin. Peels can
be superficial, medium, or deep
depending on the level of scarring
and the desired result.
Surgical Treatment of Acne Scars
Surgical treatments can be used
on deeper acne scars. A process
called subcision is used to separate
the normal skin tissue from deeper
scar tissue. The scarred skin
“floats” up to match
the surrounding skin, smoothing
overall appearances. Once the
skin has leveled off, other treatments
such as laser, chemical peels,
or microdermabrasion can then
be used to further reduce the
appearance of the acne scars.
Other modalities, such as punch
grafting and excision, remove
the affected tissue surgically.
CROSS therapy, a newer technique,
uses high concentration trichloroacetic
acid (TCA) to freshen the scars’
edges and allow new skin to populate
the scarred area.
Although there are many options
when it comes to acne scar surgery,
we can help you choose the right
one for your skin. Ask us today
about a free consultation with
our experienced aesthetic staff.
Knight Dermatology Institute
serves patients with acne and
those who need acne scar treatment
and removal throughout Central
Florida including the Orlando
regional cities of Winter Park,
Maitland, Longwood, Sanford, Kissimmee
and Windermere. Click
here for directions to Knight
Dermatology Institute located
in Orlando, Florida.
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