The result of severe acne is acne scarring. This occurs when this type of acne is left untreated and becomes more likely to develop unsightly scars. For this reason, the best way to avoid acne scars is to treat acne.

However, sometimes preventing acne scars is almost impossible due to the severity of the acne. In cases like this, scar removal is a reality. They type of scar treatment you decide on will depend on the type of scarring you have and the extent of the scar tissue.

How to Choose the Best Scar Treatment Option for You

Surgery is usually the best option for extensive scarring. There are three very common types of surgery. They are punch excision, punch elevation, and subcision also known as subcutaneous incision. These procedures are usually followed-up by using dermal fillers or laser resurfacing.

Ice Pick Scars & Punch Excision

Cystic acne may leave behind a scar that makes the skin seem as if it has been pierced by a pin or needle. This type of acne scar is commonly known as an ice pick scar. It is usually a deep scar that extends into the dermis.

Punch excision is the best option for ice pick scars.

This procedure entails the removal of scar tissue by using a cookie cutter like instrument. The remaining skin is sutured together. The result is a straight scar that is level with the surrounding skin.

Sometimes, the extent of the excised skin is so large that it needs to be sealed using grafted skin. Once again, there will be a straight scar, but it will be less noticeable than the original ice pick scar.

Punch Elevation and Boxcar Scars

Boxcar scars are usually oval or round-shaped and wider than icepick scars. These types of scars are caused by a loss of tissue during a particularly severe inflammatory reaction. The treatment for acne scars of this type is generally punch elevation followed by dermal fillers or laser treatment.

Punch elevation is similar to punch excision, however, in this case of punch elevation the walls of the scar are left untouched. Fillers or sutures are used to bring the base of the scar to skin level. Finally, grafted skin is used to close the wound.

Subcutaneous Incision & Rolling Scars

Rolling scars are caused when fibrous bands of tissue develop between the skin layers. These fibrous bands pull down the epidermis making the skin resemble a wave-like surface. Subcision is the best treatment option for this type of scar.

This procedure requires the use of a small needle or scalpel to separate the epidermis from the deeper scar tissue. Blood accumulates in the space between these two layers and helps the epidermis become more level. Dermal fillers may be required if the scar tissue is too deep.