Microdermabrasion
Instead of using the rather barbaric-sounding wire brush employed in the dermabrasion technique, this treatment makes use of aluminium oxide crystals that pass through a vacuum to remove the surface skin. Only the skin cells at the surface are gently scraped away and new cell growth is stimulated, so this treatment has the added bonus of creating no additional wounds. Although microdermabrasion does not sound very appetising, it’s often called the “lunchtime peel” because it is such a quick procedure and it leaves minimal redness. This is not a very hectic procedure and it is best suited to people with very mild scarring. Because of the superficial nature of this method, multiple treatments will be necessary.
Treating keloids
Keloids are the most tricky scars to treat. Surgical removal is hardly ever used on keloids, because if one’s skin is prone to forming keloids, more might actually form in response to skin surgery. The only other two options are to inject steroids into the skin around the keloid, or to apply topical retinoic acid directly onto the scar. Sometimes though, the best treatment for keloids is nothing at all.
What are the risks?
The different treatments available for acne scars all sound very high-tech and safe, and most of them are. But certain people, including patients that have recently taken Roaccutane, have active cystic acne or those that have unrealistic expectations of how the treatment will dramatically transform their lives, are not good candidates for treatment. Resurfacing techniques may cause short or long-term pigment problems. Your skin tone may be increased temporarily or decreased for a longer period. It is safe to carry out procedures in Roaccutane patients but not until 6 - 9 months after they have finished treatment. More scarring, infection and persistent redness can also result from treatments. Any substances injected under the skin may be incorrectly positioned and may also cause allergies. Some of these side effects are temporary, but others can be permanent, it’s just a risk that you will have to take.
