The Best Treatments for Acne Scarring in Adulthood

If you’ve experienced severe acne, you know that picking and popping can result in scarring of the skin. Acne scars may fade over time, but there are specific treatments that can help to reduce their appearance as well. Here are the best treatments for acne scarring in adulthood.

Soft Tissue Fillers

The first treatment to consider for acne scarring is soft tissue fillers; these are dermal fillers that a doctor will inject into the skin to raise the scarred area and stimulate collagen production. There are several filler types, such as hyaluronic acid, bellafill, poly-L-lactic acid, and autologous fat transfer. Each filler works a bit differently, but you can consult with a medical professional to find out which treatment is best suited for you and your skin. During the procedure, a doctor will inject the affected areas with a syringe and administer the filler as necessary.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments are the next solution for adult acne scars. Ablative laser resurfacing, also called “laser peeling,” is a treatment in which a doctor removes the top layers of skin to reduce the appearance of acne scarring. This process removes the old skin cells that show scarring to reveal newer, younger skin cells beneath the surface; the result is fresher, smoother, more even-looking skin. About a week after the procedure, you can start to see the results of the treatment. Ablative laser resurfacing is one of the most effective laser treatments for younger-looking skin free of scarring.

Dermabrasion

The third effective treatment to reduce the appearance of acne scars is dermabrasion. This skin resurfacing procedure utilizes a device that rotates rapidly to remove the top layer of facial skin. People typically use dermabrasion to reduce fine lines, skin flaws, acne scars, age spots, and wrinkles. Before your procedure, a medical professional will numb your skin with a numbing agent or local anesthesia. Depending on how much of the skin needs treatment, the procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.

Now that you know the best adult acne scar removal treatments, you can determine which option is best for you. Be sure to consult with a trusted doctor before deciding on a treatment, and follow any pre-procedure instructions they may give you.