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Dermatology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
treatment of acne scars
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
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MedHelp Member's Question

treatment of acne scars

by Melissa, Oct 18, 1999 12:00AM


I have read recently that their are new skin resufacing treatments that can reduce the visibilty of acne scaring. I heard these treatments are outpatient and require 5-6 office visits and can cost around $110 per visit. I saw a picture of it on TV and it looked like a sanding tool and not a laser that the doctors was using. I'm wondering what this treatment is called and where it is performed?
Doctor's Answer

by Alan Rockoff, MD, Oct 18, 1999 12:00AM
Melissa:



What you read about is called microdermabrasion, or a "power peel" or a "lunchtime peel" or any of a variety of other names.  It refers to a sanding of the skin with silicone (sand) granules.



These peels are gentle exfoliations only.  They freshen the skin a bit, but don't do anything for scars.  To benefit those, you have to look into laser resurfacing or dermabrasion, which is more invasive and costly.



To find a physician skilled in these procedures in your area, you might want to check out the website www.aad.org, and "Find a Dermatologist."



Best.



Dr. R
Member Comments (33)

by amanda, Oct 27, 1999 12:00AM
I WENT TO A LOCATION WHERE THEY DO "LASERFACIALS" WHAT THEY USE IS THE EBRIUM LASER.  I WAS WONDERING WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN BE EXPECTED FROM THIS PROCEDURE, ITS FOR ACNE SCARS.  AND HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE RECOMMENDED?

THANX

by Alan Rockoff, MD, Oct 27, 1999 12:00AM
Melissa:



The erbium laser peels much more deeply than a "power peel."  Still, it gives only fair results for acne scars.  Sometimes the laser peel is repeated in 6 or 12 months for better smoothing.  Laser peels involve pain, cost, and lengthy recovery, however.  be sure the doctor you consult has a lot of experience.  And if you're serious about laser peels for acne, you may want to look into CO2 laser peels too.



Best.



Dr. R

by Shinya, Nov 03, 1999 12:00AM
First of all I would was wondering what the difference between blemish and scars are.  Secondly how do you distinguish the two from another.  I have a moderate case of acne, my forehead is full of brown spots(blmemish or scars?) is there any way to speed up the healing process while or retin-a micro?  and was wondering if this IGIA blemish remover works.  The product says that it removes blemishes through electrical charges........thanks

by my, Nov 06, 1999 12:00AM
would you explain to me what is the different between erbrium laser peel versus co2 peels. Which one is safer . Thanks

by Alan Rockoff, MD, Nov 09, 1999 12:00AM
Blemishes are marks that hang around after a pimple has been there.  They last a long time (weeks to months), but don't stay permanently if you don't pick them.  Scars tend to be indented or raised.  But you really can't be sure until you wait them out.  And I really don't know a way to speed the process of making them heal, other than leaving them alone.



The CO2 laser does a better job of smoothing deeper problems, like acne scars, while the erbium is OK for fine lines, like crows' feet.  Healing takes longer with the CO2.  Both are safe, if used by experienced people who know what they're doing.



Dr. R

by jules, Nov 18, 1999 12:00AM
I have red & reddish/brown marks left on my face from acne.  I had a dermatologist use a CO2 laser on one of the spots, which didn't seem to improve much after the first time.  He repeated the procedure on the same spot and now it seems there is a slight indentation on my face from the laser.  Did he use it for too long? Is  this sort of thing common?



Please reply.

by Irene, Jan 13, 2000 12:00AM
Hi, I had acne on my teen years , now I,m 33 years, old but still depressed with the marks that, the acne left on my face, please advice me on what to do, and which is the best new system on acne scars,

by Anna, Jan 24, 2000 12:00AM
hi, I am looking for some infomation about indented scars and

there apperances.



                     please could you help.

                           thanks

by Brenda, Feb 07, 2000 12:00AM
I have many acne scars, both red marks and indentations, on my face from bad acne during my pregnancies.  I want VERY BADLY to get rid of these scars.  What is the best proceudre for this.  I am not too concerned with the cost.  I just want smooth skin again.  Make-up does nothing for the indentations.  Also, does drinking a lot of water help to fade the scars?

by Rebecca, Feb 10, 2000 12:00AM
I had 4 treatments with the power peel and it only gave me temporary results. I don't suggest it to anyone. It was a waste of my money.

by Gloria, Mar 23, 2000 12:00AM
How does acne scaring effect you mental state of mind and is there reason not to be depressed over it!

by BunyipJim@aol.com, Mar 26, 2000 12:00AM
People are asking you serious questions about the Igia blemeish removers, and you keep ignoring them.  Please answer the question.  Do these devices work or not?

by phong, Apr 28, 2000 12:00AM
I read about a procedure called laserfacials using an erbium laser with no down time..purportedly the machine is based on electromanetic waves.  their site is laserfacials.com...would appreciate your input on this one. It seems to be soemthing other than the typical erbium laser used by doctors. Can someone other than a physician used erbium lasers?

I don't want to subject my face to a process that won't work or might possibly harm

thanks

by Kristina, May 13, 2000 12:00AM
Just a general FYI to anyone interested in this subject. I had Co2 laser surgery done twice (once in 1996, and again in 1997). I was not happy with the results. My dermatologist did a free service b/c of my disatisfaction w/the CO2 surgery. She inserted a few little tiny synthetic pieces into my face, that was supposed to be equal to "permanent" collagen (sp?) injections. Well, the little pieces eventually came out and left even worse scars on my face that the few little indentations I had to begin with. It is my recommendation that NOBODY ever get those things put in your face, or anywhere else, to try and "plump up" a scar. I believe they were called "polyform" or "plastiform" or something similar to one of those names.



I used to model back in High School, and was used to having smooth skin, but had developed acne in my early 20's, so I invested in the CO2 surgery