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Last updated on February 8th, 2021 at 8:52 pm

How to remove acne scars permanently?

Having to deal with acne and its aftermath is a real pain. The scars left behind are a grim reminder of your past breakouts. This is why more people are seeking ways to get rid of their acne scars. Thanks to the advancements in science and technology, it is now more accessible than ever. And you can once again have the smooth skin you deserve.

Getting rid of acne scars permanently

Acne scars form as a result of your body trying to heal the inflammation and tissue damage. Depending on each person, the scars that result from this process are different. There are people whose faces are pockmarked with hundreds of tiny holes, while some form small keloids.  The best way to make these scars go away is through special acne-removal options that your dermatologist can suggest to you. Here are some of the most common acne scar treatments that you can choose from. 
  • Chemical peels. For shallow acne scars, chemical peels can be used. It is designed to treat hyper-pigmentation using a chemical to remove the outer layer of the skin. The chemical used will make the skin blister and peel off, revealing the newer skin underneath. After treatment, your skin will be more sensitive to sunlight, so it is best to use sunscreen or any other form of protection against the UV rays to prevent sunburn. 
  • Retinoic Acid. Sometimes, traditional acne scar treatment isn’t enough. Retinoic acid can help treat keloid scars. Retinoic acid is a cream that is applied directly onto the affected area.  It then helps to reduce the appearance of the scar over time, allowing for better skin. 
  • Lasers. Aso referred to as Laser Peeling, is a procedure that aims to stimulate collagen production underneath the skin’s surface while simultaneously removing the old skin cells on the surface. After the procedure, the skin will often have a smoother, more even appearance. Immediately after treatment, patients are required to care for the affected area by cleaning it and applying petroleum jelly to prevent scabs from forming. This procedure is effective but requires 10 to 21 days to fully heal. 
  • Filler. Dermal fillers allow you to get rid of certain acne scars, particularly rolling and boxcar type scars. The procedure involves injecting a filler, most often collagen or something similar. You can expect immediate results after the treatment. Before the procedure, talk to your dermatologist and discuss which scars, in particular, you want to treat. The doctor will then determine if it is suitable for the treatment or not. Depending on the results you are looking to get, you might be required to get treatment again after a few months.  
  • Punch Excisions. For severe scarring, punch excision is your best choice. It is a type of skin surgery that physically removes the scarring from the skin, and repairing the affected area with stitches or a skin graft. This technique is often used for pitted acne scars like icepick, rolling, and boxcar scars. Professionals suggest pairing this treatment with other forms of acne scar removal such as laser removals and chemical peels for maximum results. 
  • Skin grafting. Another technique to consider is skin grafting. Skin grafting uses a small piece of normal skin to help fill in the scarred area. The skin used is taken behind your ears. Sometimes other acne scar removal procedures like dermabrasion can leave large tunnels in your skin. A skin graft can be used to resolve the problem for smoother healthier skin. 
One thing you should know about these treatments is that although they can successfully remove your acne scars, sometimes there is no guarantee that it can fully restore your smooth skin before your breakouts. Consider this and have a realistic expectation of the results. Your dermatologist will always be more than happy to let you know what to expect before getting the treatment itself. 

Author

Medical Director

After graduating from the National University of Singapore, Dr Boey’s journey in aesthetics brought him to esteemed institutions such as Harvard Medical School, American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and Queen Mary University of London in diverse cities like Seoul, London, Boston and New York.