Acne Scar Treatments

Today, there are many procedures available for acne scar treatment and the discoloration that can occur with scarring. The type of acne scar treatment required by any individual patient is largely determined by the type and depth of the scar. In cases where the scarring is relatively shallow, many treatments can result in nearly total elimination of the scar.

Acne scar treatment varies, generally based on the type and depth of scarring. Acne scars form as a result of injury to the skin?s tissue caused by acne. As the skin attempts to recover from this injury, scar tissue is formed.

Options for acne scar treatment range from relatively invasive procedures like dermabrasion and surgical removal of the scar, to non-invasive procedures, including recently developed procedures which rely on light and laser energy to reduce the appearance of scars, such as the Smooothbeam procedure.

During this procedure, laser energy is directed at the structures beneath the surface of the skin, promoting healing as well as the development of new collagen. The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete, and a topical anesthetic is sued to reduce discomfort. Skin may appear slightly red following treatment, and results are usually apparent after 2 to 6 treatments. Smoothbeam costs generally range from $300 to$500 per session.

Individuals with active acne may consider treatments to prevent scars from forming, including treatments like blue light therapy, which uses intense blue lightwaves to kill the bacteria which cause acne. Because there is no treatment to completely eliminate scarring once it has occurred, preventive treatment remains the best option. Blue light treatments take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete in most cases, and costs range from $50 for a single treatment, to $1,000 and more for a complete treatment package.