Microdermabrasion

Laser resurfacing is especially effective on complex scars. It also tightens collagen in the skin and can elevate depressed scars.

Types of Surgical Treatment for Acne Scars

Microdermabrasion is one surgical skin care tratment for acne scars, but there is a wide range of surgical solutions for acne scar treatment and scar removal, such as laser treatment and subcision. Before deciding on a method, there are many factors to consider, including your skin type, financial situation and expected results. Sometimes, a combination of surgical options can be most effective. These treatments include:

An older woman receiving a microdermabrasion treatment for scar removal

Dermabrasion is a procedure in which the top layer of skin is removed with a fast-rotating wire brush, removing surface scars and making deeper acne scars less visible. This treatment can cause skin pigmentation changes in individuals with darker skin.
Microdermabrasion employs a hand-held device for blowing crystals on the skin that "polish" the skin's surface. This treatment may achieve only subtle improvements.
Subcision is a procedure in which the scar is detached from deeper tissue, allowing blood to pool and clot to form connective tissue under the scar, elevating it to the same level as the surface skin.
Punch grafts use skin grafts to replace the scarred skin. The surgeon punches a hole in the skin, removes the scar, and replaces it with the skin graft.
Laser resurfacing employs high-energy light to burn away the scarred skin. This treatment is especially effective on complex scars. It also tightens collagen in the skin and can elevate depressed scars.
Fraxel laser treatment is a new FDA-approved laser treatment for acne scars that boosts collagen formation and may be more effective than more traditional treatments.

What do these treatments cost?

The costs of surgical acne scarring treatments vary widely. A dermabrasion treatment costs about $1,500. The cost of microdermabrasion treatments vary widely but average about $150 per treatment. Punch skin grafting costs about $50 per punch, and multiple punches may be needed. Laser resurfacing treatments run about $3,000 per treatment and, again, multiple treatments may be necessary. The cost of a Fraxel laser treatment session can range from $600 to $1,000 and can be painful as it penetrates deeply into the skin.

Now that you've learned about microdermabrasion and laser treatment, visit the next page to find a dermatologist.