Treatments for Post-Acne Scarring

Acne is almost always treatable and early intervention is recommended to avoid the complication of scarring. An array of treatments exist, reflecting the diversity of acne and post-acne scarring conditions.

Acne is aesthetically unpleasant and embarrassing and may cause severe physiological distress. According to several studies, employment prospects can be decreased and interpersonal difficulties are common.

Acne is so common that it is often thought of as a normal stage in human development but with early treatment, subsequent scarring can be averted. Post-acne scarring is particularly devastating and often represents the failure of adequate and timely medical treatment.

The nature of post-acne scarring

Acne scarring is either a problem of excess tissue (hypertrophy) or of loss of tissue (atrophy). In addition, scars may be obvious because of their colour.

Scars with excess tissue are seen in people who are predisposed to this type of scarring. They are difficult to treat, and many different types of treatment may be necessary.

Scars that result in a loss of tissue are much more common. Post-acne scarring often involves the deeper structures, rather than the surface of the skin, leading to the appearance of indentations. These indentations may appear as depressed scars, or as sharp-walled 'ice-pick' scars. There may also be pigmentation changes in the skin. Hyperpigmentation (an increase in colour) is more common in olive-skinned patients, and will fade in 3-18 months if sun protected. New scars may also be red and will mature in time, losing their colour.

Treatments for post-acne scarring

A number of different procedures may be employed in the treatment of indented acne scarring. Laser resurfacing of the area is commonly performed; often in conjunction with other techniques such as fat transplantation, photodynamic therapy, blood transfer, punch grafting and skin rolling. If the scars are particularly indented or are in areas with a loss of tissue, subcision or Fraxel^® laser treatment may be favoured.