Augmentation therapy
This is a procedure used to treat acne scarring where fillers are injected either to fill out a depressed scaror to flatten a raised scar. There are various types of fillers and the dermatologist who carries out the procedure may even use fat deposits taken from another area of the body which takes 6-18 months to be reabsorbed. It is not a permanent cure and may have to be repeated regularly. The aim is to improve the cosmetic appearance of the skin and therefore the feel good factor of the patient.
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Prior to the procedure a full examination is carried out as to the suitability of the treatment for the individual. Any predisposing conditions which may lead to delayed healing such as immunosuppressant conditions and Herpes Simplex is considered. Anti-viral treatment is usually commenced 2 days prior to treatment and completed about 10 days after treatment if required. |
As with any procedure counselling is an important part to evaluate the expectations of the patient and the psychological benefits and an explaination of the procedure and expected results. Information about the recovery time and any complications are discussed, especially about pigment changes. Side effects are rare but could include discomfort, pain, infection, bruising and allergic reactions.
The procedure takes from 30-60 minutes to perform and varies from individual to individual. It is carried out under a local anesthetic on soft acne pitted scars, ice pick or box car type. Naturally occurring substances found in the skin, such as hyaluronic acid based fillers, which help with volume and hydration in the skin or the patients own fat cells are often used. For deeper scars silicone microdroplet technique may be used to level the skin surface. Usually it takes a month before results are visible and there may be swelling of the area treated for around a week. This procedure may require repeating several times. Silicone gel sheeting is often used to flatten out keloid and hypertrophic or raised scars. Recovery time varies and the results are very effective.
There are lots of topical creams, gels and lotions, which have been specifically formulated and can be applied after treatment to help aid recovery.
Before undertaking a treatment such as Augmentation Therapy you are advised to seek advice from your doctor or other healthcare professional.
Information written by the talkhealth medical panel
Last Reviewed: 3 March 2011
Next Review Date: 1 November 2013
