When faced with the issue of acne scars that troubles many, especially those with deep ice pick scars, many might have tried various treatments with little improvement. When laser treatments and microdermabrasion do not yield significant results, punch excision may be your last option.
Punch excision is an advanced treatment method specifically for severe acne scars, particularly effective for very deep ice pick scars. In many cases, traditional fractional lasers and microneedling may not effectively improve these types of scars, as they mainly target the skin’s surface and cannot reach deeper skin defects. Punch excision involves cutting out the damaged skin and then stitching it closed, allowing it to heal naturally.
However, this treatment is not suitable for everyone. First, the postoperative recovery period is relatively long. The skin will need time to heal, experiencing some discomfort and swelling. Additionally, the wounds will not be completely smooth and may require follow-up laser treatments to achieve better visual results. Therefore, before undergoing this treatment, patients must fully understand the entire process and its effects.
For patients with a large number of ice pick scars, punch excision may not be the best option. If the number of scars is too many, the complexity of the surgery and the challenges of recovery will also increase accordingly. Many patients find that after undergoing other treatments, the improvement in their acne scars meets their needs, eliminating the necessity for punch excision. In fact, some patients have achieved significant improvements through a combination of TCA CROSS and laser treatments, reducing the need for surgery.
In addition to the surgery itself, post-operative scar management is also very important. Initially, there may be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, similar to pigment deposition after acne, which can last three to six months or even up to a year before gradually returning to a normal skin tone. Hence, post-operative microdermabrasion and skincare are indispensable to ensure the scars achieve the best possible appearance.
As with all medical procedures, it is crucial to fully assess one’s conditions and the necessity of treatment. If you only have a few ice pick scars, considering punch excision might be feasible; however, if you have a large number of acne scars, there are simpler and more viable methods available. Importantly, regardless of the treatment choice, consultation and assessment under a doctor’s guidance are essential to finding the most suitable plan for yourself.