Female Speaker: That nasty pimple finally faded but it left a telltale mark. If an acne scar is marring your complexion, a variety of cosmetic options can minimize it's appearance.
Dr Hadley King: Acne, a common skin condition occurs when pores become blocked with dead skin cells and oil. These blemishes usually disappear over time but occasionally, one will leave a scar in its place. Let's look at the ways in which scars can form.
When a blemish appears, the body's white blood cells rush to the site to repair tissue and fight infection. A scar can form as a result of the healing process. Not even the hottest celebrities are immune to the scarring caused by blemishes. Cameron Diaz bears pockmarks and scars from past acne, yet the actress is still admired for her unique features.
Popping, picking or even touching a blemish can send bacteria deeper into the skin increasing irritation. This greatly increases the likelihood that a scar will result.
Scarring can also fall about a severe acne. Nodules and cysts, the more intense forms of blemishes, penetrate deep into the skin and are therefore more likely to leave behind scars.
A common type of acne scar is actually caused by a loss of tissue. These scars are characterized by depressions in the skin surface. Excess collagen can also causeacne scarring. When the body needs to heal a blemish, it creates new layers of collagen, a protein found in connective tissue. When excess collagen is produced, to compensate, this can transform into a hypertrophic scar, a smooth mark raised above the skin surface.
Your cosmetic treatment options depend on the type and the severity of scarring, as well as your current skin condition. One way to improve the appearance of a scar is via injection.
A dermatologist can inject collagen into a depressed scar, filling out the hollow area. The injection process can also be done by using fat from another part of the body. In both cases, the cosmetic benefits are temporary, lasting no more than six months. A dermatologist can also inject corticosteroids into a hypertrophic scar to flatten and soften the raised area.
Another scar reduction technique, laser treatment, reduces redness and evens out scar tissue. The results are permanent but can be tough to achieve. Laser treatments are expensive and can require multiple visits. In severe cases, skin surgery maybe used to remove scar tissue or to elevate it, as necessary.
Another effective treatment option for removing acne scars is Dermabrasion. This procedure uses a high speed brush to remove surface skin, eradicating superficial scars and reducing the appearance of deeper ones.
If acne has left you with embarrassing marks, there are plenty of options available to remove scars. However, it is always easier to prevent scars than to treat them. So, try to not touch your blemishes and talk to your doctor if your acne is severe.
Female Speaker: Want to learn more? Check out other videos and sources on this site for more information.
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