Author: C. L. Jackson
Source: articledashboard.com
As you know anyone with acne, not only have to worry beads. Acne can be quite bad in itself, but is often followed by significant acne scars. Since individual scars can sometimes take years to heal completely, it can seem worse than acne, and serve as a constant reminder of the acne-prone skin. Modern research and technology have led to the development of a variety of techniques to minimize scarring, such as microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, chemical peels and laser skin. Scar revision surgery is another treatment of acne scars, and this article explains the basics of these procedures. But first let's do a quick review on acne and scarring. Acne occurs when skin pores become blocked, trapping sebum inside the pore along with natural skin bacteria. There are a variety of reasons that can clog pores, besides being plugged by excess sebum or dead skin cells that fell apart when they should have been. Sebum itself is not necessarily cause acne and also necessary for healthy skin, as it has many moisturizing and protective qualities. However, when the sebum and bacteria are trapped together in a pore, the end result is usually the multiplication of bacteria causing an immune system response, causing swelling and redness characteristic of acne. During outbreaks of acne, scars may form in response to injury of the dermis, the deeper layer of connective tissue of the skin. These scars are actually comprised of collagen, and are intended to seal the wound shut while recovering and rebuilding skin. Even the very visible scars softer to some extent, since they lack the porosity of normal skin. However, some scars are fundamentally more evident, and this is due to the amount of collagen left on the wound. Once the wound has healed, an enzyme called collagenase breaks down collagen, so there is only a very thin layer. If too much collagen is removed, the scar may appear sunken compared to the surrounding skin. However, if too much collagen was created to begin with an excess of collagen is left behind, may actually protrude above the skin level. These are from very little collagen are called atrophic scars, and excess collagen are called hypertrophic scars. Surgical scar revision is a type of cosmetic procedure to help equalize such scars. When used for hypertrophic scars, surgery to remove scar tissue and extra places the scar in the back so that is gentle on the surrounding skin. This is called resection scar. One type of division known as punch excision is for deep acne scars. This process completely removes the scar and the surgeon suturing the wound edges back together to create a uniform thin scar. Subcision is a process created for atrophic scars, using fat and other substances to fill the depression in the scar so that it becomes level. Subcision may also involve the separation of skin tissue of the scar to allow blood to pool, forming the connective tissue and increased scar above. Both processes are always performed by licensed professionals, and the patient may be under local or general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Effects of surgical scar revision include swelling and bruising, and patients may take up to a week or two to recover, depending on the procedure, the size and depth of treatment, and the patient. The results can be very good, although the effects of some fillers injected into the scar can not be permanent. Possible side effects include infection, numbness, and reactions to anesthesia. There are many procedures to minimize acne scars that consultation with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon is a necessary first step. Many practices are specifically tailored to one type of scar, and it could have an effect on another type. For example, excision is generally useless for deep acne scars, punch excision which has excellent results. Another thing to remember about procedures such as surgical scar revision is to maintain realistic expectations. This can be a useful tool to minimize scarring, but it is impossible to completely eliminate the scars. Subcision excision and are often more effective when used in combination with other techniques for scar revision.
