SKIN DEEP
Help for acne scars
Posted on Tue, Apr. 01, 2008
By DR. LESLIE BAUMANN
Q:The acne I experienced as an adolescent is finally gone, but the scars it left behind seem to be permanent. Are there any treatments that can significantly improve acne scars?
A: Absolutely. Acne scars can be almost as troubling as the condition that caused them, and for years people have assumed there was simply nothing they could do about it. Enter the Fraxel laser, my favorite tool for the treatment of acne scars.
The Fraxel targets deep columns of skin as small as a pinpoint -- called microscopic treatment zones -- which makes it perfect for treating small areas like acne scars. Like all lasers, it slightly burns the skin below the surface, thereby stimulating your skin's natural healing processes. One of those processes is increased collagen production. At each treatment site, new collagen begins to plump up acne scar depressions, eventually causing them to disappear.
The Fraxel is suitable for use on dark skin tones (not always the case with lasers), and you should see optimal results in about three treatments. The down time is about two to four days and the cost is around $3,000 for a series of three treatments.
Dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm can be injected into acne scars to improve their appearance. The cost is $500-$600. Topical products to treat acne scars do not work, however, skin care products are a must to prevent acne.
Dr. Leslie Baumann is a board-certified dermatologist at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. E-mail: drb@drbaumann.com
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