Saturday, July 28, 2007

Acne Scars: How to find the best dermal filler to correct deep acne scarring

by: Naweko Nicole Dial

Softening deep acne scars resulting from severe bouts of cystic or nodular lesions requires a well thought out cosmetic corrective plan. And according to reports in Dermatologic Surgery, popularized scar removal options like laser resurfacing may not satisfactorily smooth away deep acne scars. Yet, patients can readily witness scar depth reductions in indented acne scaring using aesthetic therapies such as dermal fillers.

Silicon based dermal fillers

In a 30-year perspective study of using dermal fillers to correct acne scars, doctors Jay Barnett and Channing Barnett deemed medical-grade liquid silicone the only filler substance that permanently and precisely corrects acne scars. During their investigation, the researchers reviewed the lives of five patients with a history of acne scarring. Each patient showed improvements from injections of liquid silicone at the initial treatment session and at 10-, 15-, and 30-year follow-up sessions.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers

Even though silicon based dermal fillers work, heavily marketed fillers made of hyaluronic acid also present a potential deep acne scarring corrective. While the results from dermal fillers can prove pleasantly dramatic, in the case of hyaluronic acid, the enhancements may only last six months. Moreover, most Food and Drug Administration approved dermal fillers like Perlane have only been tested on and prescribed for correction of nasal labial folds, not acne scars that can arise on multiple areas of the face.

Calcium-based dermal fillers

In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, investigators tested a dermal filler composed of calcium hydroxylapatite to treat acne scars. Researchers used the filler to correct both round or saucerized acne scars, and deep acne scars with a sharp triangular shaped called "ice-pick" scars. After administering the dermal filler to ten patients with various types of acne scarring, the investigators found that only saucerized acne scars responded well to the treatment. Scar improvements lasted up to twelve months in some volunteers.

How to select a dermal filler

While dermal fillers offer dazzling results, they aren't cheap. And typically, the longer the filler lasts, the more expensive the treatment. Dermal injections can run from $300 to $2000 for treated area so plan to spend smartly. Moreover, a dermal injection is only as aesthetically beautiful as the professional delivering the shot.

When seeking a dermal injection, seek a professional possessing experience with correcting deep acne scars with dermal fillers. Finally, when using a dermal injection, make certain that you have your acne outbreaks under control because dermal injections are contraindicated for facial areas experiencing pain or inflammation, including pimples.

Sources: Barnett, Jay & Channing Barnett. Treatment of Acne Scars with Liquid Silicone Injections: 30-Year Perspective. Dermatologic Surgery, November 2005; vol 31, no 4, pp 1542-1549.

Food and Drug Administration. Perlane Injectable Gel – P040024s006 Labeling. May 2, 2007. http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/pdf4/p040024s006c.pdf

Goldberg, David; Snehal Amin & Mussarrat Hussein. Acne scar correction using calcium hydroxylapatite in a carrier-based gel. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, September 2006; vol 8, no 3, pp. 134-136.

Woo, S; J Park & & Y Kye. Resurfacing of Different Types of Facial Acne Scar With Short-Pulsed, Variable-Pulsed, and Dual-Mode Er:YAG Laser. Dermatologic Surgery, April 2004; vol 30, no 4, pp 488-493.

2 comments:

expert author said...

Acne scarring is perhaps worse than the acne itself.

My acne scars weren't horrible. They probably weren't even that noticeable after I put on my foundation. However, I certainly noticed them and that was all it took to bother ME.

If you've got acne scars, you may feel a bit helpless. But you don't have to because there are alternatives to getting rid of acne scars. And you CAN do something about it.

So what do you do about it? Well, there is totally a solution ... actually there are many.

These are NATURAL treatments.

Now, just because you hear the word "natural", I don't want you to shake your head and think you need to just buy some over the counter miracle cream. These remedies WORK! And you'll find that by consistently using them, your acne scars WILL fade just like mine did.

So without further ado, here are my favorite natural acne scar solutions:

Vitamin E
Don't underestimate the power of this healing lotion. You can get it at any drugstore in topical form. I have a HUGE bottle of it under my sink :) . Vitamin E naturally heals scars by moisterizing the damaged skin. Use it everyday to fade away acne scars.

Cocoa Butter
This one should be used carefully. If your acne is not already under control, cocoa butter does pose the threat of additional breakouts. However, if you're using the 3 Day Cure technique and your skin is finally clear, this is a powerful healing tool. Cocoa Butter will soften skin, lighten the scars and make them fade into nothing. I love this one. By the way, Cocoa Butter also works great on fading stretch marks.

Honey
Okay, this is totally gonna change your life! Honey works overtime on acne & acne scars. Yes, Honey! When I first learned about this natural remedy, I was pretty bewildered. The sound of it alone is confusing. Honey is a sticky, sugary substance. How can it possibly clear up skin?

Honey kills bacteria while simultaneously lessens the red look of irritated skin. The acidity in the honey evens out your skin tone, shrinks current pimples and will give your skin a softer feel. Listen, I know you may be skeptical of this solution. I was at first, then I tried it. This natural acne scar remedy works great.

Lemon
Lemon will help clear up acne as well as fade acne scars. Plus your face will smell like a freshly shined harwood floor, so that's a plus ;)

The acidity in the juice will lighten the redness of the scars and balance your skin's pH levels to prevent future breakouts. Give it a shot.

You can find a lot of other natural acne treatments and acne scar treatments by visiting:
http://www.Natural-Acne-Control.com

Acne scars said...

Patients can receive acne and scar treatment from acne healing centers. Natural acne treatment is also the good option for healing acne and skin troubles.

http://www.treatmentsforacne.net/skincarebytype/Acne-Scar-Treatments/index.htm