7 Frequently Asked Questions about Acne Scar Treatment

In this article you will learn:

• Acne scars are caused by frequent squeezing and scratching of pimples
• Reducing acne breakouts with acne skin care products will help reduce both the appearance and the formation of new acne scars

Although removing unsightly acne scars might be a desirable goal for many people, questions about the options, costs, and procedures abound. Having unanswered questions can make deciding whether or not to go through with acne scar treatment difficult. For this reason, you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

1. What Acne Scar Removal Options are Available?

Acne scars can be removed through a number of different treatment choices. Chemical peels, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, fractional laser and plasma pulse treatments are just a few of the options you might want to consider. Discussing these choices with your dermatologist is the best idea so you can determine which methods would be most appropriate for your type of acne scarring.

2. Can Lotions or Creams for Scar Removal Work for These Scars?

Unfortunately, many of the non-invasive products on the market that promise to improve scarring will not work on acne scars because they are in the skin. Most scars occur on top of the skin from exterior damage, such as a wound or a cut. With acne, the problem comes from within our skin. As a result, these types of scars are notoriously challenging to treat.

3. Should I Consider Acne Scars Treatment?

The decision to consider treatment for your acne scars is something each person must decide on his or her own. That decision should be based on factors including your own feeling about the scars. For example, if you find yourself feeling less confident and avoiding social situations because you are embarrassed by your acne scars, you might want to consider treatment. Again, your dermatologist can help you weigh the pros and cons of seeking this type of treatment.

4. Will Acne Scar Treatment Be Painful?

Most of the treatments available will cause some discomfort. The level of discomfort varies with the chosen treatment, your tolerance for pain, and pain relief methods used by your physician. For example, dermabrasion treatment can be painful so most doctors will use a local anesthetic to minimize the discomfort during the procedure. Chemical peels, on the other hand, cause burning and stinging sensations that can be minimized with ice packs. After the procedure, you may also have some pain or discomfort, but these are usually treated with over-the-counter medications.

5. How Long Will Recovery Take?

Most people are surprised at how fast they can get back to their normal routines. With superficial chemical peels, you can return to normal activities almost immediately. With some laser treatments or anything procedure that involves the use of anesthetic, you should take the day off to recover from the medication. Healing of the area can take a few days to up to two weeks depending on the procedure.

6. How Much Does Acne Scar Removal Cost?

Costs vary greatly depending on the procedure you choose. Microdermabrasion treatment and chemical peels using alpha hydroxyl acid are the cheapest, ranging from $75 to $350. Dermabrasion and CO2 laser resurfacing will cost between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on where you are located and the size of the area requiring treatment. The most expensive options tend to involve lasers and plasma. These often run as high as $4,000 to $6,000.

7. Does Insurance Cover These Procedures?

Most medical insurance does not cover the costs of acne scar removal. However, many physicians do extend credit to patients so they can pay off the procedure over time.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.