Millions of people suffer from acne. It can start as a young teen or as an adult. Whether your breakouts respond to home treatments or you see a dermatologist regularly one of the most feared complications is acne scarring. This can range from one "pock mark" to an entire face. The strange thing is that no one can predict who will develop a scar and who will clear with no lasting skin damage. Sometimes patients with only a few acne break outs with scar with each one, and some people can have extensive acne and heal without a problem. In recent years the options for treating acne scars have expanded with new and exciting technology that can treat even old scars with minimal downtime.
While there are many different type of acne scars, all of the treatments seek to normalize that collagen deep in the skin and produce a smoother surface. The less invasive the procedure, the more times it must be performed with the trade off of minimial "down time" -- or time away from work or social activities. Here are 5 new ways that dermatologists can improve even older scars:
- Intense Pulsed Light or Vascular Lasers: We use these in the acute phase where a patient had many red spots that may be starting to form into a scar. A few treatments with these light based devices can shut down the red vessels and make skin look more even and decrease the chance of a permanent scar formation.
There are many new, safe, and exciting ways to give relief to acne sufferers. It is best to consult a physician who is experienced in all of the treatments available as your treatment should be specific to achieve your personal best.
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