treatment of acne scars

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?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

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

[amanda]

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

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

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

[Shinya]

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

[my]

would you explain to me what is the different between erbrium laser peel versus co2 peels. Which one is safer . Thanks

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

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

[jules]

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.

[Irene]

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,

[Anna]

hi, I am looking for some infomation about indented scars and
there apperances.

                     please could you help.
                           thanks

[Brenda]

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?

[Rebecca]

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.

[Gloria]

How does acne scaring effect you mental state of mind and is there reason not to be depressed over it!

[[e-mail]]

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?

[phong]

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

[Kristina]

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 to try and improve my skin's texture.
What the co2 did do, was eliminate some fine lines I had around my eyes. That's about it.

Anyway, I actually went back to my Dermatologist today (hence my internet searching now on this subject), and she said that there s/b something coming out in America soon (it is currently available in Europe, and I am seriously thinking about taking a trip to London........anyway, it is called "restylene" (this is how she spelled it, I was unsuccsefull at finding any info on the web under this spelling) but she pronounced it "rest-a-lene". She said this is a synthetic version of collagen that has not yet been FDA approved. She said she had thought it w/b FDA approved within a year or so.......

Kristina
(ps I don't know if this will post the email address I am on. I am currently signed on under my boyfriend's aol name.)

[mya]

After a course of accutane, how long should I wait before starting microdermabrasion treatments for residual acne marks

[mya]

After a course of accutane, how long should I wait before starting microdermabrasion treatments for residual acne marks

[mya]

After a course of accutane, how long should I wait before starting microdermabrasion treatments for residual acne marks

[mya]

After a course of accutane, how long should I wait before starting microdermabrasion treatments for residual acne marks on my face.

[Mark Morgan]

I am 33 years old and have deep wide acne scars. They are really affecting my emotional state of well being. I am depressed and dont want to go out in public. The only insurance I have is Medicare and I am on dissability. Is there any way to finance cosmedic plastic surgery with not so good credit? And wich treatment would work best for me?

[Beth]

I am a 45 year old African American woman with a tan complextion. I have two blemishes on my face which I am told are dermal.  I was advised that a laser skin resurfacing procedure could be performaed to remove the dark spots and smooth out some acne scarring.  I was told that the CO2 laser could not be used on African American skin due to pigment problems and have heard varying tales on weather the erbium laser would give me the results I want.  Could you clear up the confusion regarding these two lasers.  I seen the cost advertised anywhere from $375 to $5000.

[Melissa]

I offen breakout. I use gentle cleansers and acne fighting creams and exc. made for my skin type, but when they go away, I'm left with scars from the pimple. When I have a few pimples, it looks like I have lots of pimples, because I have so many scars. I've tried everything.I don't know what to do.

[NISIM]

HI, I AM 17 YEARS OLD AND I DEPRESSED OF THE MARKS THAT THE ACNE
LEFT ON MY FACE ,AND I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS CREAM TREETMENT THAT BLUR AND BRIGHTNES THE ACNE SCARS FROM THE FACE?

[Kristina]

HI, I HAVE THESE REDDISH ACNE SCARS/BLEMISHES ALL OVER MY FACE WHICH ARE REALLY NOTICABLE. i'VE HAD THEM FOR A YEAR AND A HALF NOW. IS THERE ANY MEDICATION THAT I COULD TAKE THAT WOULD MAKE THEM FADE AWAY AND DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY, BESIDES WAITING FOR THEM TO FADE. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!

and my 2nd question is that what gets rid of whiteheads, pus-filled, the fastest and bestest? thanx

[LILIANA LEITNER]

I HAVE READ ALL THIS MESSAGES AND EVERYONE OF THEM SOUNDS JUST
LIKE MY CASE. I AM A 38 YEAR OLD FEMALE WITH ACNE SCARS, I HAVE
TRY JUST EVERTHING IN THE MARKET AND SEEN AT LEAST 2O DERMA DOCTORS IN MY LIFETIME. NO ONE CARES ENOUGH OR NO ONE HAS THE
RIGHT ANSWER FOR THIS PROBLEM WE ALL SUFFER. ALL I CAN TELL YOU
RIGHT NOW I AM RESEARCHING FOR INFORMATION THAT HAS TO DO WITH
LASER BEFORE I LET ENYONE TOUCH MY FACE. IN THE MEAN TIME I
MAKE THE BEST OUT OF MI LIFE. EVERY MORNING I THANK GOD FOR
MY FAMILY, MY FRIENDS, MY HUSBAND AND CHILDREN. I AM VERY BLESS
TO BE ALIVE AND BE ABLE TO COMUNICATE MY FEELINGS TO OTHER PEOPLE
I AM ALSO TRYING A NEW TREATMENT I FOUND ON T.V. SO FAR AFTER
2 WEEKS MY OILY FACE SEEMS MORE CLEAR. I LET YOU GUYS KNOW IF
REALLY WORKS.
SINCERELY, LILY.

[Eric]

I  am wondering if the co2laser will have better results then the  peel;demabrasion for acne scars

[Jacqueline Jordan]

I am preparing to have laser resurfacing for acne scarring on my face.

I have had a consultation with a surgeon who used the Co2 laser. As I have done more research, I have now been enlightened that there is an Erbium laser as well.

Please advise on which method serves best for long term results. Is one of the differences that the Erbium laser is used for more "surface" scaring and the Co2 is used for deeper results?

I appreciate your response.

[Michelle]

I have had powerpeels done....felt nice but not satisfying
I had a nervous condition,(turned out to be my thyroid) where I dug at my skin...didn't really heal right.  Left scars..not keloids but flat red scars, where I have trama marks which remained with these scars.
I have tried fading creams, not too helpful
I then opted to try the Photoderm, which is not considered a laser, but for the most part acts similar.  It is cheaper and from going to many 3-5 different dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons, the photoderm is the most diverse.  I unfortunately got burned by someone who really didn't know what they were doing.  It hurts they say like a rubberband, but for me being splashed by grease is more like it.  I suffered through it as the 2nd time they gave me a numbing cream (Emla), which I was told by a cosmetic surgeon not to use because it masks the penetration of the laser (as I call it).  My advice is they give you something for the pain, as it truely isn't a pinch.  Also, it is hard finding doctors who use this anymore.  I almost made a trip to the New York Center of Dermatology, but it is sooooo expensive for a consultation!

[Jack Dillon]

I have acne raised scars on my nose and chin area.  I want to get rid of them.  Should I get a microdermabrasion, dermabrasion,..etc.  And how much is it going to cost me?

[amanda]

i was wondering what i could do to get rid of acne scaring. my acne has mostly cleared up, but i have severe scaring that makes it look like i still have acne. what can i do to get rid of the embarassing scaring? thanks!

[Tammy]

I've heard tea tree oil heaps tremendously with acne.  Check it out.

[Mahatmelissma]

MELISSA and others...I just had a procedure done by a wonderful
doctor who teaches sometimes at Stanford. He used a needle
to "raise up the fibers" of my acne scars and then he
dermasanded the area with sandpaper around a block thing.

I chatted with him, the nurses and my mom while this went on,
it was pretty low key. I am now recovering (on day 1).

I went to this guy after searching up and down for a doctor
who SPECIALIZES in acne scarring.

I recommend you all look around for a doctor in your area
who specialzes in acne scars more than anything else. My
doctor said he gets better results this way then only using
the laser. I got refered to him by another doctor I consulted
with who told me how impressed he was with this particular
doctor, seeing this doctor at some semninar at Stanford
or something.

Anyway, if any of you live in the Bay Area of California,
go to webpage http://www.agedefy.com/
and see Dr. David R. Harris,
he is a GODSEND. My heart goes out to people who have
bad scarring like me, believe me, I know what it feels like!
(BTW, I took accutane like 8 years ago and it does help
keep the cystic acne down to a minimum).

If any of you want to write, ***@****

God bless.

[Skin Storm]

It's so saddening to hear the same old stories over and over again. Just when will medical professionals/dermatologists realise how serious a psychological problem acne and acne scarring is? It has to be the worst thing anyone can go through.

We pay serious money to see consultants who then proceed to patronise us and then they only offer limited help!

I am wishing to use the internet to find fellow people afflicted with acne scarring and other dermatological problems to form a virtual support group, where people can share thoughts and ideas online. If you are interested (even if you have nothing to say) then I'd like to hear from you. Email me at:

***@****

Thanks...