There are many treatment options for acne scarring. However, safe and effective treatment for acne scars should begin with a consultation with a dermatologist. The doctor will examine your scars and for best results, may recommend more than one treatment. For example, if you have a deep boxcar scar (that looks like a large pore), laser therapy and a type of acne scar surgery called subcision may be necessary to give you the results you want. The most widely used acne scar treatments are listed below.
Types of Acne Scar Removal Treatment
1. Laser Smart Xide2 by Déka
This is one of the best acne scar treatment. The use of the Smart Pulse of Carbon Dioxide laser results in the one of the most complete reductions in skin lines, wrinkles, rough areas and acne scars. A fast, high intensity laser beam vaporizes the cells it hits and skin imperfections are quickly and accurately treated layer-by-layer, without bleeding, leaving you with less wrinkles, tighter skin and a more natural and even-colored complexion. This procedure can improve deeper lines and scars as well as more superficial lesions. The benefits of this procedure are the most long-lasting of any skin resurfacing procedure.
What can I expect after the procedure?
Localized facial areas are treated in the office under local anesthetic cream. When the entire face is treated, the procedure should be done at a certified laser center by a qualified and trained dermatologist only. After the acne marks treatment procedure, the skin takes about seven to ten days to heal. During the healing process, redness can be covered with makeup and gradually fades over several months.
How much does this acne scar removal cost?
It’s relatively more expensive because the equipment is sourced from Florence, Italy. Generally this acne scar removal costs about Rs. 600-800 per pulse shot. Results are best in patients with massive skin scarring.
2. Fraxel/Frazer
Fraxel is a laser treatment where the beams make tiny wounds that trigger the body’s natural healing process. This process causes collagen and elastin (the natural building blocks of skin) to grow, encouraging the tightening, smoothening and refreshing of your skin so that you appear more youthful. It is completely safe.
Is there any downtime after a Fraxel or Frazer treatment?
For light Fraxel or Frazer treatments, there is no downtime unlike the previous laser Smart Xide2. Your skin will look red immediately after treatment and will become dry and flaky over the next few days, but this can easily be masked with make-up. For deeper treatments, you may want to take a day or two off work.
What are the results of Fraxel or Frazer?
Your skin will look smoother, tighter and clearer, with reduced pore size and an obvious improvement in texture and scarring. The treatment works best on box scars and undulated, strophic scarring.
How much does this acne scar treatment cost?
It costs Rs. 250-300 per shot. You will need about three sessions of Frazer or Fraxel for good results.
3. Subcision
Subcision is one of the many acne scar treatment that reduces the scar. This method works by separating the outer skin from the deeper subcutaneous layer to break the fibrous tissues bands within the scars that are holding the skin down. Subcision is a simple and safe office surgery procedure for treatment of depressed acne scars especially the box, atrophic and rolling variety. It can easily be combined with other treatments such as laser, dermaroller and scar revisions for maximum efficacy.
How is the procedure performed?
Subcision is performed under local anesthesia. A fine needle is inserted adjacent to the scar into the deep dermis and moved back and forth in a fan-like motion under the scar to release fibrous bands at the dermal or deep dermal subcutaneous plane. A snapping sound is heard as the fibrous bands are broken. This is one of the best procedures and if done well can give 50% improvement in all types of scars except ice pick.
What can I expect after the procedure?
During the treatment, bleeding is expected but can be controlled with icing. Bruising under the skin does occur but fades within a week.
How much will this acne scar removal treatment cost?
Depends on the needle and expertise of doctor, the cost may range from Rs. 500-10,000 per session, depending on the number of scars being treated.
4. TCA Cross
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) has been used for a long time in skin care, and is very safe and useful when performed as a general peel or mid dermal depth peel in acne scars. A few years ago, TCA Cross also known as “Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars” was introduced. The dermatologist applies a very high percentage of TCA (at least 65% up to 99%) to the pitted acne scar tissue only. This is done by soaking the end of a toothpick into the TCA solution and poking the soaked end into the pits of each acne scar. The toothpick is left in the pit till it frosts over or turns white (about 10 seconds). Immediately after the session, the treated area is coated with Neosporin or Vaseline until scabs form and begin to fall off. Keep the areas coated with petroleum jelly or antibiotic cream during this period, and away from water. In a few days the scabs will fall off naturally.
The TCA Cross method needs to be repeated every couple of months so that dermal thickening and collagen production occurs inside the acne scars. After three to nine months, you should see a great improvement in the appearance of your acne scars. The good news is that the treatment works best for ice pick acne scars!
How much does this acne scar removal treatment cost?
It depends on the Dermatologist’s expertise and agents used. Generally the cost for each scar varies from Rs. 250-350Rs per session.
