Acne is hard enough to deal with in adolescence and early adulthood, but the stubborn scars it leaves can be a persisting reminder of a skin condition you’d rather forget. Scar revision is a procedure that can give you the smooth complexion you’ve always dreamed of. How does the process work, and what can you expect?
Why Does Acne Leave Scarring?
Acne breakouts cause inflammation and swelling in the affected pores, causing their walls to break down. The resulting scars can be either pitted or raised. Depressed scars occur when lost tissue creates indentations in the skin’s surface, while raised scars are due to your skin overproducing collagen to heal the wounds. If you’re one of the many people with acne scarring, you likely have both these types in areas like your forehead, cheeks, and jawline.
Scar Revision for Acne
In performing scar revision, Dr. Schmidt will use his extensive expertise to decide which technique or combination of approaches will work best for you, based on the nature and extent of your scars. In some cases, Dr. Schmidt cuts out individual acne scars and closes the resulting wounds with supportive sutures that smooth the skin and allow for clean, discreet healing.
Other methods Dr. Schmidt may use alongside or instead of surgically excising acne scars include the following.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels exfoliate the skin with solutions of various strengths, encouraging new collagen growth and restoring a healthy, vibrant complexion. If you have extensive acne scarring, Dr. Schmidt may suggest a deep peel, the most aggressive choice. Deep peels create a dramatic transformation by stimulating ongoing collagen production and skin cell turnover for months after the procedure. However, this treatment requires a sedative and about two weeks of recovery time to allow swelling and skin crusting to subside.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a skin resurfacing technique that relies on your body’s innate regenerative processes. By using a rapidly rotating tool to remove dull, dead skin cells, dermabrasion encourages healthy, new skin to grow in its place. This treatment requires twilight anesthesia and a 10-day to two-week healing process. Results will gradually reveal themselves over the weeks following your dermabrasion treatment.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers for acne scars are another solution for patients looking for a quick, minimally invasive, and zero-downtime procedure. If your acne scars are shallow and pitted, you may be an excellent candidate for using biocompatible hyaluronic acid-based fillers to minimize signs of scarring. While this option is less aggressive than dermabrasion or a deep chemical peel and carries little risk when performed by a skilled provider, your body will metabolize the filler over time. Maintaining your results will require you to return for periodic touch-up treatments.
PicoSure Laser Skin Resurfacing
The PicoSure Laser is a pioneering method of eliminating scarring, discoloration, and other flaws that may mar your complexion. Dr. Schmidt is one of the first physicians in Denver to offer this state-of-the-art laser skin rejuvenation technology. Facial rejuvenation with PicoSure provides quick results with no recovery time required. This laser sends brief, rapid-fire bursts of energy deep into damaged skin, activating your natural healing mechanisms for a smoother complexion.
Acne Scar Revitalization in Denver
Dr. Schmidt is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon serving the greater Denver area. With a patient-first philosophy and a collaborative approach, Dr. Schmidt will use his expertise to create a customized plan to minimize your acne scars and make those breakouts a distant memory. Start your journey to flawless skin by scheduling your consultation today.
