Acne Care – Surgery

Sometimes surgery may have to be considered for post acne scarring and will complement any treatment which is already being given for active acne. This is extremely rare, and not undertaken unless necessary. There are various techniques performed by the Surgeon or Dermatologist. The proposed procedure will be discussed with the patient first to evaluate psychological needs, the patients expectations etc. The procedure will be explained, expected outcome based on the examination, information about the recovery time, any complications that may be expected, and advice give on after care.

Subcision, is a technique, where the surgeon uses a probe to lift scarred tissue from the healthy tissue underneath it thus raising a depressed scar.

Punch technique is where the scarring is removed to a lower level. The cavity is then repaired with sutures or a skin graft, the aim being to join up the loopholes. This procedure needs a longer healing time but is very effective, especially for ice-pick scars and crater like depressions.

Skin grafting may be necessary in extreme conditions when extensive tunnels called sinus tracts, are found under the skin. These are caused by trapped sebum and bacteria in the pilosebaceous unit causing an inflammatory reaction. Grafting covers the unroofed sinuses.

There are many products which have been specially formulated for the after-care of surgical techniques.

Information written by Christine Burden - TalkAcne Web Site Manager