Call (636)614-1665
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While many individuals suffer from acne during their teenage years and even into young adulthood, the physical reminder of this phase is often visible on the skin long after the acne has passed. Acne scarring is a very real reminder of just how aggressive acne can be and a residual effect that can be tricky to cover up or eliminate. Fortunately, those who bear the scars of acne now have many more options when it comes to treatment to get rid of acne scars. From topical solutions to medical procedures aimed at smoothing the skin, it’s not necessary to endure these scars when relief from their appearance is available. Learn how to get rid of acne scars below.
Until a plan of treatment is decided upon in order to get rid of acne scars, it’s important to maintain a balanced skin care routine to avoid further irritation or discoloration. Scars can become more pronounced with exposure to UV rays and care should be taken to protect scars from over-exposure. Similarly, it’s imperative that if scars are accompanied by additional acne outbreaks, the patient remains vigilant in their attempt to leave acne alone. Agitating the skin further could result in future scarring as bacteria build-up increases and collagen becomes damaged with efforts to remove acne.
There are several scar reduction creams on the market that are often the first line of defense when it comes to reducing the appearance of acne scars. Cortisone is generally effective against the red, swollen scars left behind by acne as the chemical make up of the cream actively reduces discoloration and swelling. Cortisone-based creams are easy to come by and are readily available as over-the-counter solutions. Individuals looking to lighten scars might also consider combining this treatment with a cream that is highly saturated with kojic acid, arbutin or Vitamin C to achieve successful results.
While topical creams are a great first step, there are many patients suffering from severe acne scars that will not see a noticeable difference with creams. In these scenarios, medical intervention is likely necessary. Fillers are often a highly successful solution for patients that are willing to go a more invasive route to smooth out skin. While filling deeper scar indentations is a generally quick process that can be done in the comfort of a physician’s office, it does require multiple visits as well as regular filling sessions every 4 to 6 months in order to remain effective.
Patients seeking a more permanent, long-term solution to acne scarring may be advised to go the route of laser treatment. Fractional lasers are used in an outpatient setting to directly treat lower levels of the skin in an effort to stimulate new collagen growth over time. As collagen is produced, indentations left by scars naturally fill and scarring is drastically reduced in appearance. Many patients who choose laser treatments for acne scarring report skin appearing fresh and more evenly toned post-procedure.
In order to get rid of acne scars, a customized plan of action is imperative to achieving successful results. Every individual patient’s skin is unique and what works for one person is not a guaranteed success route for the next. It’s important to have your skin examined thoroughly prior to picking a treatment option to make sure that an effective plan is put in place alongside healthy and safe care, healing and follow-up.
Dr. Wright and his team at the Laser Lipo and Vein Center have extensive experience in skin resurfacing treatments and begin the path to skin rejuvenation by having patients schedule an initial consultation. This consultation allows Dr. Wright the time it takes to review each patient’s medical history and have an open and honest conversation around what each patient’s physical and emotional goals are within the scope of a treatment plan to get rid of acne scars. Acne scarring comes with just as many physical impacts as it does emotional and our caring team is here to make sure every patient feels safe and secure in their treatment options. An initial consultation is a wonderful place for prospective patients to ask any questions they have, voice concerns and state treatment preferences prior to putting a plan of action into place.
Just as every patient’s skin is different, the cost of skin resurfacing procedures varies from person to person. Cost is directly connected to what type of treatment is selected for optimal results as well as the number of procedures required to achieve the desired outcomes. This timeline, as well as anticipated cost, will be discussed openly once Dr. Wright has presented a patient with procedural options that will prove most successful. While many skin resurfacing procedures are considered cosmetic, it’s important for patients to check with their individual insurance providers prior to treatment to see if coverage of costs is possible. Patients with any underlying medical issues will want to be diligent in following up with their insurance for potential coverage options. Click here to contact us!
