Dermabrasion is an effective procedure done under local anaesthetic for the treatment of skin imperfections. A high speed brush with a spinning disc is used to remove the outer surface layer of skin (epidermis) to allow for regrowth of new skin tissue. The uneven, old scar tissue is replaced to alter the contour of the scar. The deep exfoliating effects of dermabrasion treatments can often remove deep wrinkles around the chin and mouth area, some scars and surface pigmentation.

How are acne marks and other scars formed?

Acne scars occur as a result of the body’s inflammatory response to the skin oils (sebum), bacteria and dead skin cells which form blockages in the pores of the skin. These blockages result in a plug like formation and begin to develop in the follicle of the skins pore. This causes local inflammation and the body releases white blood cells to fight of infections and repair damaged skin tissue. Fibrous scar tissue, eroded skin tissue or an increased amount of skin tissue may result (keloid scar).

The extent of scarring differs between each individual as it is dependent on the different skin types (oily or dry) and the condition (chicken pox, acne) resulting in the formation of the scars. There are two types of scar formation :

Depressed scars such as ‘ice pick scarring’ usually occurs due to a lack of skin tissue formation. The scars are usually firm and appear with irregular edges. A depressed scar can improve when the skin is stretched such as periods of growth spurts or weight gain. Depressed scars are also known as ‘crater scars’ or ‘pock marks’.

Raised scars which are also known as keloid or hypertrophic scars occur with an increase in tissue formation. An excessive build-up of cell substance called collagen forms a raised scar. The scar appears smooth with an irregular shaped border resulting in the abnormal growth of scar tissue.

What are the benefits of dermabrasion treatments?

Dermabrasion is often use in the treatment of acne scaring, removal of tattoos, pigmentation, birth marks, liver spots, keloid and chicken pox scaring, freckles and sun damaged skin. The appearance of the skin is improved with long lasting effects of the treatment. Dermabrasion resurfaces the skin and removes severe imperfections. The principle behind dermabrasion involves causing inflammation to the skin and allowing it to heal, hopefully removing pre-existing imperfections. Medicated creams or vitamin-rich ointments, usually high in vitamin A, may be applied to allow the skin to heal more effectively.

What are the side effects of dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion is not suitable for all types of scars, like ice pick scars, as the scar can become more noticeable if it appears wider after treatment. The abrasive technique of dermabrasion may aggravate pigmentation or melasma. After the treatment of dermabrasion the skin usually appears raw and irritated which leaves the area treated more susceptible to pressure and light or sun sensitivity. Infections can occur after the dermabrasion treatment which can result in further scarring and leave the skin looking worse that it initially appeared. Individuals that suffer with conditions such as rashes due to allergic reactions may have adverse effects to the dermabrasion treatments.

There are two type of acne scars, scarring caused by increased tissue formation or scarring caused by tissue loss.

Increased Scar tissue formation

Scarring caused by Increased tissue formation (see diagram above, to your right) is the result of keloids or hypertrophic scarring (enlargement or overgrowth) which are both associated with excessive amounts of collagen. Keloids project above the surface of the skin and can form large mounds of scar tissue while hypertrophic scarring doesn’t get as big as keloids but appears in the same form. Increased tissue formation is the less common form of acne scarring and can persist for years, but usually fades in size over time.

Tissue loss

There are several type of tissue loss acne scarring which is far more common than increased tissue formation scars, such as:-

Atrophic macules acne scarring – soft, flat scars of a bluish/violet color due to blood vessels underneath the skin. Discoloration may fade in time. More common in Caucasians. Atrophic macules are usually small and prevalent on the face in most cases but can appear on other parts of the body in larger forms.

Ice-pick acne scarring – usually small, deep scars with jagged edges that get their name from their appearance. Ice-pick scars are most common on the cheeks and can fade with skin stretching, however harder, and deeper scars are difficult to treat.

Superficial, soft acne scarring – soft, sloping edged scarring that blends into the skin. Soft scars are usually small, circular and smooth to the touch. Very common scarring.

Follicular macular atrophy acne scarring – small, soft whitehead type scarring that mostly appear on the back or chest. This type of scarring is faint and does not fully develop, can last months or years.

Depressed fibrotic acne scarring – usually large scars which actually develop from Ice-pick scarring, again, deep, jagged and with a firm base.

Acne Scars – How To Prevent Scarring

Different forms of acne scars occur in different people and it is difficult to predict what works best or to what degree methods and procedures work effectively to actually prevent scarring.

To give yourself the best chance of preventing future scarring, treat your acne condition at the earliest form of development and continuously throughout the condition.

The key is to prevent inflammation or to moderate inflammation which requires that you do not pick at your acne, scrub it vigorously or try and “pop” those “zits” as this can only cause further damage to what is, already fragile skin.

Acne Scar Treatment

There are various forms or methods of acne scar treatment either to remove scarring, improve scarring or to minimize the potential of scarring from acne. Here we explore what methods, products and treatment are available to you the acne scar sufferer.