Introduction

Acne is one of the most common skin related concerns that affect over 90% of the people worldwide. It is most prevalent among adolescents, teenagers and early adults (age 20-40). Nearly 54% of women and 40% of men above 25 years are affected by acne vulgaris or acne. Acne is a chronic, inflammatory condition whose severity could range from mild to severe. Acne is a common bacteria found on the skin and hence only a handful of people are lucky to have never experienced acne and related problems. Acne in itself is painful enough. The scars that are left behind once the acne has healed is equally agonizing to many. To those with a mild form of acne, the scars would be limited and treatable with home remedies. But if the acne is severe and constantly recurring, then the scars could me many and deep to take longer to heal. Acne scars can be as tiny as a dot or as large as a cherry seed. Bigger scars need effective treatment in time for the scars to disappear to a substantial extent. Unfortunately, not all acne scars can be removed permanently. One can improve their chances of healing by consulting a dermatologist in time and undergoing treatment. Below are some of the best acne scar treatments that are most common. First of all, it is important to take required treatment to control acne to avoid future scars. For the existing scars, a doctor would be able to analyze and suggest any of the below treatment options.
Topical Creams
The most common acne scar removal technique that is used are topical creams / scar removal creams. A doctor would prescribe a retinoid or retinoid-like drug, antibiotics, salicylic acid, azelaic acid or a steroid based medication depending on the severity of the condition. Topical creams aim at controlling acne and decrease the scars to make them less noticeable.
Oral Medicines
Antibiotics, oral contraceptives, anti-androgen drugs (drugs that block the production of androgen hormones), drugs that derived from vitamin A and oral supplements. Oral medications and supplements require the completion of a course of the medication for good results. Supplements are used to reduce acne, acne scars and marks. When taken appropriately, the results show an improvement in both skin and hair texture, along with reducing acne and scars.
Cosmetic Treatments
For severe scars that do not subside with the use of topical creams and medications, acne scar treatment / cosmetic procedures could be the only option.
  • Laser scar correction / Light therapy – Laser treatment for acne scars is a commonly used procedure. In this technique, light energy or waves is used to treat acne scars. Different types of laser lights can be used such as infrared lights, visible lights, PDT (photodynamic) and IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy. Patients would have to undergo more than one sitting for good results. A complete removal of scar would not be possible, but a significant improvement could be noticed in a month’s time. Laser scar removal must be followed up with appropriate post-procedural care such as medications and application of topical creams. The cost of laser scar removal in India could fall in the price range of INR 1000 to INR 60K. Laser scar correction is a common scar removal treatment. It is also used to remove burn marks from skin, for surgical scars
  • Chemical Peels – Salicylic acid is a widely used chemical substance to reduce acne and related scars since it exfoliates the skin. In office, chemical peel procedures are based on the use of salicylic or lactic acids that help with scar reduction.
  • Injectable – Steroid drugs are administered to help improve acne scars
  • Microneedling – A derma roller is used to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin
  • Microdermabrasion – A medical grade blade is used to scrape off dead cells for scar removal and rejuvenating the skin
  • Surgical scar correction – A plastic surgeon would use excision techniques that aim at reducing the scars in cases such as keloid scars and heal the region by stimulating the production of collagen. This technique is not only used for acne but most commonly used as burn scar treatment. Surgical scar revision is quite invasive and can give a long lasting result but must be performed only by a qualified surgeon. Scar revision surgery costs between INR 25000 to INR 2 lakhs.
Acne scar treatment in India cost as low as INR 500 for topical creams and medications and could cost upwards upto INR 40000 for laser scar removal. Surgical scar correction treatments could cost higher and is dependent on the city, cost of the technology and doctor fees. Acne scar treatment before and after Plastic surgery for scar removal is done depending on the scar. This technique will minimize the discolouration and appearance of the scar to match the skin tone in the surrounding region. Plastic surgery for scar on the face has proven to be effective in reducing the scar. This procedure excellently reduces the pigmentation and appearance of the scar to match with the skin colour of your face, making it less noticeable. Though plastic surgery is an old scar removal technique, it is practiced even today because of the mind-blowing results of the treatment method. Plastic surgery scar removal, before and after The cost of scar revision by plastic surgery depends on the extent of wound. For a minimally invasive scar correction, it would cost between INR 17K to INR 50K. Skin scar removal techniques are best suggested by a plastic surgeon/cosmetologist who could suggest the right treatment based on the kind and depth of scar. To find a best doctor for scar removal, one must look through the cosmetologist’s experience and qualifications. All the cosmetic procedures such as lasers, microdermabrasion or scar correction surgery require expertise and skill. Any botched procedures could result in complications and risk. To identify a scar removal doctor you could look through the profiles of doctors in your locality and consider the one with good reviews from patients. It is important to disclose all health details to the doctor before undergoing scar revision treatments. Pregnant ladies and individuals with health disorders such as heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, bleeding disorders and others must avoid taking cosmetic scar removal treatment. Self-medication for acne and acne scars must be totally avoided since it could lead to complications. Patients could try home remedies for acne scars only after thorough consultation with a dermatologist. Most hospitals and cosmetic clinics in India are equipped to treat acne and acne scars. Patients must have a thorough consultation on the treatment plan, its results, probable risks and post-procedural care that needs to be followed before undergoing any procedure.

FAQ

Does scar revision really work?

Scar revision works in a way to make the scar minimally noticeable. It will improve the condition to a great extent that the scar would become light and appealing. Unfortunately, scar revision will not be able to completely remove a scar but only improve it.

Is scar revision surgery covered by insurance?

Plastic surgery or scar revision surgeries for acne or other cosmetic purposes are mostly not covered by insurance. Scar revision surgery for burns or injuries would be at the least covered partially.

Is scar revision surgery painful?

Surgical scar removal would be painful. Medications are prescribed for pain management and recovery post the procedure. Also, the patient will be administered anesthesia during the surgery to make it as painless as possible.

What is the best treatment for scar removal?

The best treatment for scar removal depends on the type of scar the patient has. For acne related scars, a doctor might begin with topical creams and medications. Laser treatment, chemical peels and other invasive techniques are opted only if the severity is high. For scars due to burns and injuries, surgical scar correction would be the best option.

Can new skin grow over scars?

After an injury or wound, scar tissue grows/appears over the wound. These are called keloids. Keloids could appear for small wounds as well as large ones.

How can I remove acne scars?

Acne scars can be removed through cosmetic procedures such as laser treatment, chemical peels, microneedling, microdermabrasion, surgical scar correction and other techniques. For mild scars, an individual can try home remedies, topical treatments and oral medications.

Can acne scars be healed?

Acne scars get healed with time. Though most mild acne scars can heal on its own, not all acne scars can be removed. Some scars that are deep tend to stay making it permanent. Appropriate treatment can help reduce the scars.

How do you get rid of red acne scars?

Salicylic acid has the ability to exfoliate the skin and decrease hyperpigmentation due to scars. Red acne scars can be considerably reduced with the use of salicylic acid since it keeps the pores open and clean. It keeps the skin off dirt buildup which increases ones chances of getting acne.

How do you get rid of acne without leaving scars?

Medications to reduce acne must be taken to reduce inflammation and recurrence of acne. Light therapy, chemical peels, topical creams and oral medications can be used to get rid of acne and its scars. It is best advised not to touch or squeeze an acne to reduce the chances of scarring.

Is acne scarring permanent?

Acne scarring could remain permanent depending on the severity of the acne. Timely treatment for acne can prevent more scars being formed. It is not possible to completely reduce the scarring but a significant improvement in appearance can be noticed with treatments.

What is the best treatment for Acne scars?

Laser scar correction, injectable, microneedling, fillers, microdermabrasion are some of the techniques to be considered for best results. Depending on the individual’s acne and scars, a dermatologist would be able to create a treatment plan for best results.