Chapter 2: Acne Removal
Serious acne problems might need certain surgical procedures. People should go through acne removal as a last resort to eliminate acne and the marks that it has left behind. These procedures are mostly done in a doctor’s office and should be done under close supervision.
Soft tissue fillers
Collagen is injected into the skin to fill out and flatten any scars while stretching the skin. The effect of these injections is only temporary, so the procedure must be repeated periodically.
Chemical peels
Peels are strong chemicals that are applied on skin to remove the top layer and to even out the skin tone. Peels are effective against shallow acne scars. It is administered by a physician with a cotton ball who spreads the solution on the areas to be targeted. The stronger the consistency of the chemical peel, the deeper it penetrates to the skin and the longer it takes to heal.
Types of chemical peels
Trichloracetic acid( TCA)
This is the mildest chemical peel. TCA is used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and mild blemishes. The pretreatment of Retin A can help TCA penetrate the skin better.
Alphahydroxy Acids( AHA)
AHA is typically a term for a vast array of fruit acid peels like lactic acid, citric, tartaric, malic and glycolic peel. This peel is suited for sun damaged skin and helps eliminate pimples and wrinkles. Glycolic acid is from sugar cane and is used for mild exfoliation and can help promote collagen production. Citric acid is effective against minor skin damage. Lactic acid peel promotes softer and more radiant skin. Tartaric acid has similar effects to citric acid while malic acid peel is used to treat acne by cleaning the pores.
Phenol
Phenol is a strong chemical peel that is used to treat deep wrinkles and skin discoloration. Phenol can only be used in the face since it can cause scarring on other parts of the body. Also, phenol can only be used for fair skinned individuals because this peel can produce unwanted scarring on darker skin tones.
What to expect from chemical peels
Chemical peel procedure can be as quick as a few minutes. Deep chemical peels may require local anesthesia. The application of the chemical can produce a slight stinging sensation. The skin will be red and can peel afterwards. A cream is usually applied to help heal the skin. It is important to follow the specialist’s recommendation to avoid damaging the skin. Chemical peels can be done every few weeks, and treatment is usually based on the condition of the skin.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion removes the top layer of the skin with a rotating brush, thereby making space for new layer of skin to grow. Dermabrasion is not recommended for everyone. People with keloid scars and thin skin should not undergo dermabrasion. Moreover, patients with a viral disease such as oral herpes, are advised to skip dermabrasion since infection can spread during the process and cause permanent scarring.
What to expect from dermabrasion
The procedure can last from 15 minutes to 2 hours. The surgeon will carefully abrade the skin to the agreed depth. An antibiotic ointment will be spread on the face after the procedure to help protect the new skin surface.
The skin is very sensitive after dermabrasion, so it is not advisable to put anything on it without the consent of a dermatologist. It is also highly recommended to avoid sun exposure after a treatment.
Microdermabrasion
This procedure involves a hand-held device that blows crystals into the skin and gently exfoliates the top layer. There is a vacuum that removes the crystals and dead skin cells. The results of this procedure are subtle, but it does decrease the appearance of scars and lessens pimples. Dermabrasion is effective against scars but not on active acne, so patients have to let their pimples dry first before going through microdermabrasion.
What to expect from microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion can cause minimal discomfort is rarely painful. The procedure can last up to 40 minutes. Generally, people will need eight treatments to see the desired results. Treatments are usually done in two weeks interval. Avoid sun exposure and always apply sun screen after treatments. Patients are also advised against exfoliating for a few days after the treatment.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatments can reach deeper into the skin without harming the surface of the skin. It damages the oil glands causing them to produce less oil. Each laser has different wavelengths and color. Facial resurfacing is done with ablative laser that is effective against wrinkles and sun spots. A Non-ablative laser heats up the fibroblast and encourages collagen production instead of removing a layer of the skin.
Types of Laser Treatments
Carbon Dioxide Laser
Carbon dioxide laser treatment is the first ablative laser and is still considered the gold standard for laser treatments. CO2 lasers can dramatically improve skin texture and tone as well as reduce wrinkles and scars. It involves a recovery period of one month. Hyper pigmentation and redness can occur to darker skin.
Erbium-YAG
This laser penetrates the superficial layers of the skin and dissolves unwanted tissue. The pulsing laser reduces the heat to the skin thereby reducing damage. This is a less invasive option and is effective in improving sun damaged skin. The recovery period is shorter than CO2 treatments.
Q-switched
Q-switched laser treatments can remove pigmentations and tattoos. It can take eight to twelve sessions to see the desired results.
Fractionated lasers
Fractionated laser treatment is a form of ablative laser that is administered to patients who need stronger treatments. This laser improves the overall skin texture and has the least recovery time of all laser treatments.
What to expect from laser therapy
Laser resurfacing usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The exact number of treatments depends on the type of laser being used and the area