Acne inflames the skin and tissue beneath the surface. When the skin finally starts its natural healing process collagen is produced in order to heal the skin and smooth out any irregularities. Depending on the amount of collagen produced, raised or depressed acne scars can appear on the skin. Unlike scars from a cut or scratch, acne scars are difficult to fade because they generally develop much deeper in the skin. If you suffer from acne scars, Miguel Delgado, MD offers a variety of treatments for removing or reducing even the toughest scars—even surgical scars. Dr. Delgado developed an effective protocol for acne laser treatment.
Common Treatments for Acne & Surgical Scars
- Skin peels come in various degrees of intensity and have been proven to be very effective in reducing acne scars. The skin peel procedure uses chemicals which are applied on the face to initiate exfoliation of the skin layers. As the outer layer sheds, fresh and healthy layer underneath the old skin surfaces. Even though skin peels will not completely remove acne scars, they can lighten them and even out raised texture.
- Microdermabrasion uses a handheld device that releases small crystals on the skin which attack the top layer of the epidermis. As the outer layer is removed, dead skin as well as scarred tissue are also eliminated in the process. Though it can treat light scars, microdermabrasion is not suitable for deep acne scars and surgical scars. Patients may need to resort to dermabrasion procedure to treat deep scars.
- There are various lasers available today for treating acne and surgical scars. Among few others, the two widely used devices are CO2-based lasers and erbium lasers. The CO2 laser uses high intensity light beams to damage the scarred layer of the skin. Once this skin is damaged, it fosters the production of new skin. Erbium laser also works in a similar way – removing the outer layer of the skin for new skin to replace it. However, erbium laser is mainly used for mild scars and does not penetrate as deeply as the CO2 laser. Both of these lasers require local anesthesia as well as downtime after the procedure. During your acne laser treatment in Novato, Marin County, our medical professionals will take the appropriate steps to ensure your comfort during your appointment.
The Palomar Icon 1540 Fractional Laser
In addition to the above two lasers, a new and innovative method of scar removal is the Palomar Icon laser. The Palomar offers various benefits which are not found in traditional lasers. Our medical professionals use the Palomar device for acne laser treatments in Novato, Marin County. This new technology has the ability to utilize different applicators and attachments from a single device. Therefore, a wide range of skin conditions can be treated though the Palomar Icon laser. For acne scar removal, this laser can be highly effective.
For removing acne and surgical scars, Dr. Delgado also recommends the 1540 Fractional Laser hand-piece. The 1540 laser has an edge over other types of lasers because it releases a much stronger light energy which penetrates the skin further below the surface. As a result, the skin starts healing from within and new collagen and elastin are produced. Moreover, it also requires less downtime, brings faster results, and involves less risk to the patient.
If you would like to learn more about acne scar removal treatments, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.