Types of Acne Scars

Many people take away more from their teen years than memories of school and first loves. Unfortunately, bad battles with acne can leave faces scarred for years. Being familiar with the different types of acne scars will make it easier to choose which treatment or removal option to use.

Icepick

As the name suggests, these narrow, sharp scars make the skin look like it has been punctured with an ice pick. They are typically narrower than 2 mm and extend into the deep dermis or subcutaneous layer. Because of their deep nature, they usually cannot be treated with dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.

Boxcar Scars

This type of acne scar is a round to oval depression that has sharp vertical edges. It does not taper to a point at the base the way that an icepick scar would. Boxcar scars are shallow and can usually be treated with conventional resurfacing techniques. Some of these scars may be deeper, requiring full-thickness treatment techniques.

Rolling Scars

When otherwise normal-appearing skin is tethered to the subcutaneous tissue below, rolling scars result giving the skin a rolling or undulating appearance. Once again, conventional resurfacing techniques are no good at correcting these scars. The subcutaneous fibrous bands must be broken up using incision under the skin.

Speak with an Austin Facial Cosmetic Surgeon

If you have suffered with the discomfort of unsightly acne scars since puberty, you do not have to continue to be displeased with your skin. Contact Austin facial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Apostolakis, M.D. at 512.329.8989 for a primary consultation.