Q: I have severe scarring from acne. Do I have any options?
A: While there is no magic cure for acne scarring, treatment can significantly improve the skin’s appearance. The best scar treatments will depend on the depth and severity of the affected area as well as the quality of your skin. If you are looking to improve the appearance of darkened areas, you may only need to use a cream with cortisone and/or skin-lightening components. For small, shallow acne scars, a doctor can perform spot treatment with an injectable filler to elevate the indented tissue. If you have deeper, larger scars, you might consider more aggressive treatments such as skin peels, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing or minor surgery. Often, a patient will need a combination of a few different treatments, so be sure to talk to someone who is experienced in dealing with acne scars.
– Dr. Cindy McCord, Associates in Plastic Surgery and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society