Meghan T Hession1, Emmy M Graber1. 1. Department of Dermatology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Scarring is an unfortunate and frequent complication of acne, resulting in significant psychological distress for patients. Fortunately, numerous treatment options exist for acne scarring. OBJECTIVES: To extensively review the literature on treatment options for atrophic acne scarring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on the following topics: dermabrasion, subcision, punch techniques, chemical peels, tissue augmentation, and lasers. RESULTS: The literature supports the use of various treatment modalities; superior results may be achieved when multiple modalities are combined for a multi-step approach to scarring. CONCLUSION: The safety and efficacy of various treatment devices for acne scarring is well established, but there is a paucity of split-face trials comparing modalities.
BACKGROUND: Scarring is an unfortunate and frequent complication of acne, resulting in significant psychological distress for patients. Fortunately, numerous treatment options exist for acne scarring. OBJECTIVES: To extensively review the literature on treatment options for atrophic acne scarring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on the following topics: dermabrasion, subcision, punch techniques, chemical peels, tissue augmentation, and lasers. RESULTS: The literature supports the use of various treatment modalities; superior results may be achieved when multiple modalities are combined for a multi-step approach to scarring. CONCLUSION: The safety and efficacy of various treatment devices for acne scarring is well established, but there is a paucity of split-face trials comparing modalities.