How much acne scar treatment

Dermatologists may choose a filler that consists of a collagen-based product, which may require allergy testing. Alternatively, removing fat from another part of the body to use may be an option.

Dermal fillers work best for atrophic scars, but many are temporary. Treatment typically lasts between 6 and 18 months. Microneedling is the process of inserting tiny needles into the skin surrounding the scar to stimulate the body to make more collagen.

This collagen may reduce the appearance of acne scars by smoothing out the skin. In a review, microneedling provided an improvement of 31 to 62 percent in the appearance of acne scars.

However, microneedling can cause side effects. Many people experience redness, pain, and inflammation after the treatment, but these effects subside over time. Laser treatment resurfaces the skin without the use of chemicals or scrubs. It removes the uppermost layer of skin to reveal the younger skin cells underneath, which can help reduce the appearance of scarring.

Laser treatment is not suitable for everyone, however, as its success is mostly dependent on the acne scarring that a person has and their skin type. The treatment may also cause a reaction in some people, especially those with sensitive skin.

Suitable treatment options may vary slightly depending on the type of scarring that acne has caused. There are three types of acne scars:. Acne scars can be an unwanted reminder of acne and may reduce self-esteem in some people, but they do not have to be permanent.

Many people have success using one or more home remedies. Read the article in Spanish. Blue light therapy is a noninvasive phototherapy treatment for acne. Studies suggest that it can improve, but not totally resolve, some cases of acne…. The best ways to get rid of acne scars. Home remedies Medical treatments Types of acne scar Summary Acne breakouts can be frustrating, and they can also leave scars on the face and other areas of the body.

Select is editorially independent. Our editors selected these deals and items because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Treatments for acne scars are typically intensive, the best results coming from lasers, injections and fillers best handled by medical professionals, experts told us. There are, however, some solid home treatments you can consider if you want to improve the appearance of acne scars.

To understand how some of these at-home treatments work — and what their limitations are — we consulted dermatologists and found some highly rated options to consider based on their guidance. Before you choose an at-home treatment, it's important to understand what acne scars are, what they aren't and when to differentiate them from hyperpigmentation, dark spots caused by inflammatory skin issues like acne and eczema, according to board-certified dermatologist Corey Hartman , MD.

While hyperpigmentation can fade away on its own within 12 months, acne scars are permanent textural changes like bumps and roughness, according to Hartman. Since people with darker skin tones naturally have more melanin in their skin, they are more likely to experience hyperpigmentation due to those aforementioned inflammatory skin issues, explained Arisa Ortiz , MD, the director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at UC San Diego.

Inflammation from blackheads, whiteheads and cystic acne — large and sometimes painful breakouts — can damage skin tissue and result in acne scars, too, noted board-certified dermatologist Michele Green , MD. She said the "best way" to avert acne scars is to treat and prevent breakouts from occurring in the first place. There are hundreds of anti-acne products on the market, including acne face washes , acne spot treatments and acne sunscreens.

If you need help creating a routine or just want professional guidance, the MDs we consulted recommended consulting your local board-certified dermatologist.

To that end, we highlighted a few dermatologist-recommended ingredients that can help treat your current breakouts and prevent new ones and acne scars from forming. Resurfacing procedures When a patient wants to diminish the appearance of widespread acne scarring, a dermatologist may recommend a resurfacing procedure.

Resurfacing removes layers of skin, which allows the body to produce new skin cells. Resurfacing works well for treating acne scars that are nearly flat not too deep. Even dermabrasion, which removes the top layers of skin and some of the middle layers, cannot effectively treat deep acne scars. Best for: Depressed acne scars that are not deep. Useful for contouring scar edges to make scars less noticeable.

Deep scars often require skin surgery and resurfacing. Fillers Dermatologists use fillers to safely and effectively plump depressed acne scars. Many fillers give us temporary results, which last between 6 and 18 months. Some fillers are permanent.

Both temporary and permanent fillers have unique pros and cons. If this is a treatment option for you, be sure to ask your dermatologist about the pros and cons of the recommended filler. Skin tightening This is a newer treatment and tends to be more affordable. This treatment is safe for all skin colors.

Dermatologists often use a technology called radiofrequency to tighten the skin. As the skin tightens, depressed acne scars become less noticeable. Radiofrequency requires repeat appointments. Most patients return once a month for four months. After a radiofrequency treatment, many patients say they feel a burning sensation for about one hour and their skin has a pinkish color for two to three days.

Radiofrequency treatments require some at-home care. For at least one week after each treatment, you will need to apply sunscreen every morning and a moisturizing cream at night. Best for: Depressed acne scars. Sometimes, skin tightening effectively treats deep icepick and boxcar scars. To perform this procedure, a dermatologist moves a sterile, handheld needle-studded roller across the depressed acne scars.

This punctures your skin. As your skin heals, it produces collagen. Most people, however, notice gradual changes before nine months. Many patients require between three and six treatments and return every two to six weeks for a treatment. After each treatment, you may have some swelling and possibly bruising.

These side effects usually clear within four to five days. Best for: Widespread depressed acne scars. Not a treatment for raised acne scars, which form when the body produces too much collagen. Electrodesiccation This treatment uses electric probes to heat the tissue, which causes the tissue to die.

This treatment may be part of a treatment plan for boxcar acne scars. Electrodesiccation by itself is not an effective treatment for acne scars. Injections Your dermatologist may recommend injecting medicine directly into the scars. This can soften and flatten raised, thick scars. Getting the best results often requires repeat visits. These injections are usually given once every few weeks.

How often you will need to return for treatment depends on the scar and many other considerations. You may need to return once every two to six weeks for a while. Many patients receive injections of corticosteroids. A chemotherapy medicine known as fluorouracil 5-FU can also be effective in treating raised acne scars. Some scars respond best when injections of both 5-FU and corticosteroids are used.

Interferon, which is also used to treat cancer, can be effective. Our bodies naturally produce interferon.