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Acne Scar Removal

Acne removal gets rid of pimples, but does not guarantee the removal of any skin damage, usually damage caused by earlier acne flare-ups. Such skin damage generally takes the form of a thick acne scar. Doctors have now found that they can remove acne scars by treating the scarred skin with a laser beam. By using pulsed laser technology, doctors can burn-off the scarred skin tissue. The heat from the laser tightens the skin. Following acne scar removal, the deep skin cells begin to divide and to push new skin cells to the surface. In this way, the application of a laser beam can lead to replacement of scar tissue with healthy skin tissue.

Someone who chooses to get a laser acne scar removal should know that medical professionals are still researching the best way to make use of the available laser equipment. Doctors are not yet sure just how many passes of the laser beam should be used for successful removal of all scarred tissue. Doctors also remain unsure just how many acne scar treatments are necessary for various patients.

Doctors have learned that laser acne scar treatment works best if a patient first comes in for a pre-treatment evaluation. During the evaluation, the doctor can examine the patient’s acne scars. Treatment is based on the examination, where the Doctor will decide on the appropriate medication or technique specific to the patient. Sometimes a single treatment is not enough, and the patient must return for a second treatment for acne scars.

An acne patient should understand that a doctor cannot know for sure whether or not a second treatment will be necessary, until he or she examines the skin. The examination should take place 6 to 8 weeks after the first scar treatment. At that time, the doctor will check to see how rapidly the body has replaced the old skin with the new skin.

Based on the appearance of the new skin, the doctor will determine whether or not the acne scar removal process has rid the skin of all scar tissue. If some tissue remains, the doctor may schedule another laser acne scar treatment.

Of course a patient can always aid the healing process by eating a diet rich in Vitamin A, and by following a rigorous cleansing routine such as the one used in exposed acne treatments. The patient may also want to talk with their doctor about the use of skin care products containing collagen which can serve as a base on which new skin tissue can develop.