Acne scars can be a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness for many people. Fortunately, there are several surgical techniques available to help reduce the appearance of these scars. Two of the most common techniques are excision and punch elevation.
Excision or punch excision is a surgical technique that involves cutting out the scar tissue and then suturing the skin back together. This technique is most effective for scars that are deep and narrow, such as ice pick scars. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and the patient may experience some discomfort during the healing process.
Before the procedure, the scar and surrounding skin are examined to determine the best approach. The surgeon will mark the area to be excised and then use a scalpel to cut out the scar tissue. The edges of the wound are then sutured together, and a dressing is applied to protect the area.
One of the advantages of excision is that it can be used to remove scars of any size. However, the technique is not suitable for scars that are wide or irregularly shaped. In addition, there is a risk of scarring at the site of the excision, although this can be minimized with proper wound care.
Punch elevation is another surgical technique that is used to treat acne scars. This technique is most effective for scars that are shallow and wide, such as boxcar scars. The procedure involves using a small circular punch tool to remove the scar tissue and elevate the surrounding skin.
Before the procedure, the area to be treated is numbed with a local anesthetic. The surgeon then uses the punch tool to remove the scar tissue, leaving a small hole in the skin. The edges of the hole are then lifted and sutured together, creating a raised area of skin that is level with the surrounding tissue.
One of the advantages of punch elevation is that it can be used to treat multiple scars at once. In addition, the technique is less invasive than excision, which means that there is less risk of scarring. However, the technique is not suitable for scars that are irregular, deep or narrow.
In addition to surgical techniques, we can combine different non-surgical treatments available for acne scars, such as chemical peels, Fraxel laser, Fractional Co2 laser, Picosure laser, Dermapen, TCA CROSS and subcision. These treatments can be effective for mild to moderate scarring, and it will be more effective when combining together for treating acne scar.
Excision and punch elevation are all effective surgical techniques for treating acne scars. The choice of technique depends on the size, shape, scar morphology and depth of the scar, as well as the patient’s individual needs and preferences. Please contact us to determine the best approach for your specific case.