Microdermabrasion. This new technique is a surface form of dermabrasion. Rather than a quick brush, microdermabrasion uses aluminum oxide crystals passing through a vacuum tube to remove surface skin. Only the surface cells are removed, so the original “wound” is intact. Multiple procedures are often required but acne scars may not be considerably improved.
Autologous fat transfer. Fat is taken from another part of your body and injected into your skin. The fat is injected under the surface of the skin to lift up depressed acne scars. This method of autologous (from your own body) fat transfer is usually used to correct deep outline defects caused by scarring from nodulocystic acne. Because the fat is reabsorbed into the skin over a period of 6 to 18 months, the procedure usually must be repeated. Longer lasting results may be achieved with multiple fat-transfer procedures.
Dermabrasion. This is thought to be the most effective treatment for acne scars. Under local anesthetic, a high-speed brush used to remove surface skin and alter the contour of acne scars. Superficial scars may be removed in general, and deeper scars may be reduced in depth. Dermabrasion does not work for all kinds of scars; for example, it might make ice-pick acne scars more noticeable if the scars are wider under the skin than at the surface. In darker-skinned people, dermabrasion may cause changes in pigmentation that involves additional treatment.
Collagen injection. Collagen, a normal substance of the body, is injected beneath the skin to “stretch” and “fill out” certain types of superficial and deep soft acne scars. Collagen treatment usually does not work as well for ice-pick scars and keloids. Collagen derived from cows or other non-human sources cannot be used in people with autoimmune diseases. Human collagen or fascia is helpful for those allergic to cow-derived collagen. Cosmetic benefit from collagen injection usually lasts 3 to 6 months.
