Pimples can be a problem for anyone, most notably for those in their teenage years. If treated improperly, pimples, especially acne, can lead to scarring of the skin that can be quite severe in some cases. While dermatologists are still trying to discover the exact process that causes pimples to form scars, they are most often attributed to scratching or popping pimples that are healing. However, scarring can occur even after proper treatment, so it is important to be aware of available options for reducing the appearance of these scars.
A classification system was developed to identify the different types of scarring as a result of pimples and acne. “Icepick” scars are deep, narrow scars. icepick. “Boxcar” scars are fairly shallow scars that look like a furrow through the skin, and “rolling” scars have a wavy or undulating appearance.
It is important to avoid exacerbating pimples and acne by attempting to pop deep subdermal nodules or cysts. A dermatologist may be able to offer cortisol injections to reduce the swelling and pain of subdermal lesions and reduce the likelihood of resultant scarring. Creams containing alpha hydroxy acid can help prevent the formation of new lesions and halt the growth of those already formed. Daily washing with a facial cleanser, treatment with creams containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or other over-the-counter treatments, and moisturizing also are beneficial to maintaining clear skin. It may be necessary to try multiple treatments before you find one that is most effective for you.
Treatments exist to help reduce or possibly eliminate the scarring that comes as a result of pimples or acne, but each treatment is generally only effective at treating a specific type of scarring, so it is important to get information from a doctor regarding the effectiveness of each treatment.
Dermabrasion and laser resurfacing are good for treating shallow scarring, but can cost an average of $2000-3000, and multiple treatments may be necessary. Both procedures work by removing the top layers of skin and allowing new, smoother skin to grow. Skin treated with these methods will appear reddish and scraped or burned for several weeks while healing, and will be especially sensitive.
Chemical peels also remove the top layer of skin with the use of chemicals, but are only effective for mild acne scarring. Repeated treatment is often necessary at a typical cost of $600-700 per treatment. Chemical peels affect fewer layers of skin than dermabrasion or laser resurfacing, so the skin tends to recover more quickly.
Punching and subcision are two surgical options available for deeper scars. Punching involves removing the scarred tissue, leaving a hole where the edges of the skin are stitched together and allowed to heal. Subcision consists of separating the scar from the underlying skin and allowing tissue to form and bring the skin up to the same level as the surrounding area. Subcision may require multiple treatments to be effective.
Injections of collagen and saline may also be used to fill in affected areas and smooth them out. Injections usually require multiple sessions of treatments, but are minimally invasive, so they heal much more quickly and leave the skin looking more normal in a much shorter period of time. Collagen injections are only a temporary cosmetic solution, and need to be repeated on a regular basis to maintain results. Saline works by promoting natural collagen growth, so it is a slightly more permanent solution