Acne Scar Treatments

Treatment for acne scars: Although acne often is a chronic condition, even if it lasts only during adolescence, acne can leave life-long scars. Acne scars typically look like "ice pick" pit scars or craterlike scars. Dr. Rapaport uses multiple treatments on each patient to successfully treat acne scars. His "Multi-Lift Technique" exemplifies how important it is to treat each scar not with just one method but with with different modalities. This ensures an individualized approach to treatment with each patient for optimal success. Specific dermatological procedures to minimize acne scars will be determined by Dr Rapaport based on:

* your age, overall health, and medical history
* severity of the scar
* type of scar
* your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
* your opinion or preference

Subcision
(Subcutaneous incision) Subcision (aka Subcutaneous incision) is a technique in which a depressed acne scar is lifted to the skin surface with a surgical instrument such as a tiny scalpel or needle. The deep portions of the scar are released and the surface elevates with the wound repair process. Several treatments are usually necessary and are performed under local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. Subscision followed by Fraxel™ laser has had great results for acne scar patients.

This procedure causes bruising which fades after about 1 week. The risks of subcision include bleeding and the formation of subcutaneous nodules. Bleeding can be controlled with proper use of anesthetics and bandaging, and the subcutaneous nodules can be treated with injection of corticosteroids into the nodule. Good for most kinds of scars

TCA CROSS TCA CROSS (chemical reconstruction of skin scars) is a method in which trichloracetic acid is used to spot treat each scar. During the treatment, a high concentration of Trichlorocetic acid is introduced just inside the scar. The resurfacing response that occurs inside the depression stimulates collagen production which eventually causes the scar to rise up and close in on itself. Good for mild scarring

Fillers (Juvederm,Restylane® & Silicone) Restylane® the world's most popular filling agent. It is a clear, synthetic gel made with hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that is found throughout your body and carries little risk of allergic reaction. With its unique ability to combine with water, Restylane® remains in your skin for many months and can be used immediately. Silicone is another filler commonly used on acne scars. It produces a permanent change in the skin. Both Restylane® and silicone are injected into acne scars to raise the surface of the skin and give a smoother look. Good for deeper scars.

Scar Excision
(Punch Excision) This surgical method of treatment uses a scapel or punch to remove the scar. Under local anesthesia, the scar is excised and the skin edges are then sutured together. The newly produced scar eventually fades and may not be noticeable. If it is noticeable, it is more amenable now to resurfacing techniques.
Excision is typically recommended to patients with deep pitted scars that are not amendable to the TCA CROSS technique.Good for deeper scars like ice-pick scars, boxcar scars. Longer recovery time!

Punch Elevation This surgical method of treatment uses a scapel or punch to excise the base of the scar leaving the walls of the scar intact. The excised base is then elevated to the surface of the skin and attached with sutures, steri-strips, or skin glue called Dermabond. This method lessens the risk of color or texture differences as can be seen with graft replacement, and lessens the risk of producing a visible scar as can be seen when wound edges are sutured. Ask Questions Good for deep scars like boxcar scars having sharp edges and normal appearing bases. Longer recovery time!

Laser Skin Resurfacing Using the Erbium:YAG or CO2 laser, the skin is removed layer by layer which eliminates the scar's surface. Simultaneously, heat produced from the laser tightens the skin, which helps to smooth out the scars. This method has a significant recovery time and is used less frequently since the advent of the Fraxel™ laser. Good for shallow imperfections in skin

Chemical Peels Chemical peels are generally used to treat patients with very mild scarring. Different types of acid are applied to the skin in order to remove the top layer so that a smoother layer can surface. Chemical peels don't produce great results for patients who have severe scarring. Ask Questions Good for only mild scars

Dermabrasion Dermabrasion, or surgical skin planing, is a surgical procedure in which Dr. Rapaport removes or "sands" the skin with a rotary abrasive instrument which improves its contour and gives it a smoother appearance. Ask Questions Good for ice pick acne scars