What is the Best Acne Scar Treatment?

Any qualified dermatologist is likely to inform an audience, if asked, that there is no such thing as a best acne scar treatment, especially one that applies to everyone. There are good treatments and some effective treatments, but treatment may always depend on the type of acne people have. This varies from person to person or even may be variable on one person’s face. Since there are different kinds of scars, not all are as effectively treated with the same things.

Dermatologists have found they can make some decisions about a best acne scar treatment based on individual needs, price range (since treatments are seldom covered by insurance) and preference. For those looking for the best acne scar treatment that is temporary, and would be used to treat small depressions in the skin, many dermatologists recommend fillers. These could include collagen fillers, or autologous fat transfer that transfers fat from one part of the body to the face directly below a scar to flatten it out. Depending on substance used as a filler, results could last from about three to 12 months or a little longer, but they are certainly not permanent.

Options that may last longer can be used for varied types of acne scars like the ice pick type, which looks like a hole in the skin and is often profuse. Doctors can use a punch excision, which removes the scar tissue and is usually followed by suturing skin. Though a new scar will form, it may not sink and good wound care may help the scar heal better. Another treatment for profuse ice pick acne is microdermabrasion.

Other methods that might qualify as the best acne scar treatment include dermabrasion, which goes to deeper levels and may help reduce look of scarring and stimulate new skin growth. Alternately, many are turning to laser treatments. Ablative forms resurface or remove outer layers of skin, which may remove some pitted forms of acne. Non-ablative lasers might be the best scar treatment for very mild acne scarring or skin discolorations, or to prevent some acne from forming.

Another way that layers of skin may be removed is through procedures like chemical peels, but these may not be the best treatment for everyone because they can cause skin irritation. Without a doubt, the hardest type of acne scar to treat is the keloid scar, where tissue grows outward instead of falling in and creating pits. Those interested in getting these removed should talk to their dermatologist about available options.

There are milder and less expensive treatments that many consider the best acne scar treatment, especially by those with lighter pockets. For instance certain anti-scarring lotions like Mederma® are now highly recommended to minimize look of scars. For women, consulting with a good aesthetician or cosmetics expert about cosmetics that might minimize acne appearance may also be of use.

Perhaps for most people, the best acne scar treatment is following the advice of a board certified dermatologist who bases his/her opinion on a thorough examination of the skin. While the Internet is a boon in getting preliminary information it cannot be a substitute for the advice of doctors. Without a real doctor’s opinion based on patient exam, advice on the best acne scar treatment can only be considered very general information that does not apply in all cases and to all people.