People often ask us about ways to remove acne scars. Getting rid of acne scars can be a challenge, even though there are many treatments that are supposed to do that very thing. Sorting through all the options can
be confusing. We’ll tell you about the different treatments available and the pros and cons of each one.
Although there are many ways to remove acne scars, not every treatment is right for everyone. Some methods treat shallow scars while other treat deep scars. Some procedures are painful and most people would like to avoid the discomfort of those treatments. Multiple treatments may be required, and most people want to remove the scars as soon as possible. Expense can be an issue.
Lets now go over the different treatments for acne scar removal.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion involves removing the top layer of skin to reveal fresh, new skin underneath. The upper layer of skin is removed with a wire brush or rough diamond wheel. The wheel or bush is rotated quickly over the skin.
Dermabrasion works well for shallow acne scars. Getting rid of acne scars that are deep requires a different treatment.
Many people prefer treatments other than dermabrasion. Dermabrasion can be quite painful even though a local anesthetic is used during the procedure. It causes bleeding. It is expensive, and several treatments are often needed. The typical cost per treatment is about $1500.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are another way of getting rid of acne scars. The laser moves over the affected skin and removes the top layer. The results are similar to dermabrasion, except that it does not make the skin bleed. Skin is reddened and may appear crusty for a couple of weeks, however. If you pick at the crusty skin, you’ll cause new scars. Laser treatments work best on shallow scars.
Laser treatments are more expensive than dermabrasion, and again multiple treatments are usually required. The procedure usually costs about $3000 per treatment.
Chemical Peels
In this way of getting rid of acne scars, a chemical solution is applied to the affected area of skin. Like dermabrasion and laser treatments, the goal is to remove the upper layer of skin. This procedure works best on shallow scars.
Chemical peels are less expensive than dermabrasion and laser treatments, but are still costly. The average cost is $750 per treatment, and multiple treatments are usually required.
Punch Techniques
Punch techniques are ways to remove acne scars that are deep. A punch tool, like the kind used to take a biopsy of the skin, is used to remove the scar. The wound must then be sutured, or a skin graft from elsewhere on the body can be fitted into the hole.
Many people prefer to avoid this treatment because it can be painful and it is very expensive (doctors usually charge about $50 per scar).
Other Ways To Remove Acne Scars
There are other ways to remove acne scars. There are a number of over-the-counter remedies, some more effective than others. Some are quite costly, but not as expensive as the procedures described above. You might want to try an over-the-counter product before undergoing an expensive procedure. In addition to being more affordable, over-the-counter remedies generally do not irritate the skin the way those other procedures do. If you like, you can ask a dermatologist which product he or she recommends.
Recommended Product
A very effective product that we have seen a lot of success with is the Acne Scar Removal Kit from Zenmed. This product works to smooth the skin, diminish lines and imperfections, smooth rough patches and lighten scar tissue.
We learned of the Zenmed kit after several readers contacted us and told us of their success getting rid of acne scars. One reader in particular, Pete S. of Locust Grove, Texas had this to say:
”I’ve had bad acne scars for the past 15 years, ever since I was a teenager. I thought I was going to have them forever. I can’t afford any of the expensive treatments like dermabrasion or lasers, and all the over the counter stuff I tried did nothing. Then a friend told me about the Zenmed scar kit, and I decided to give it a try. After just a few weeks, I saw noticeable results. After a month of using it, I feel like a new person, and my confidence level is through the roof.”
You can follow this link to learn more about the Zenmed Acne Scar Kit, and see if it might be right for you.
Additional Reading:
Follow these links for additional articles on the most effective acne scar cure, removing acne scar tissue, and the best treatment for deep acne scars. We also have information on home remedies for acne scars. While acne scar home remedies don’t work for everyone, some might be worth a try. If you have any questions on our articles about acne scar healing, please write to us.
More Ways to Remove Acne Scars on our Healthy Skin Guide Home Page