Punch Excision And As An Acne Scar Removal Treatment
By Clarita Milles

Acne affects a great number of people in early adulthood. While many people recover from acne without any permanent effects there are a number of people who are left with unsightly scarring. There are some topical scar removal products, however, most treatments are a combination of surgical procedures and skin resurfacing.
Types of Acne Scars
Treatment options depend on the type and severity of the acne scars. Some common types of scarring are called ice pick scars and boxcar scars. Ice pick scars are narrow and deep as if the skin was punctured by an ice pick. They are narrow and deep enough to affect both the dermis and the subcutaneous layers of the skin. Boxcar scars are rounder depressions that have sharp vertical edges. They are wider in diameter and tend to be more shallow, however some may be deep.
Punch Excision
This method is used on deep scars such as ice pick and deep box car scars. A punch biopsy tool is matched to the size of your scar and used during the procedure. The scar is cut out with this tool and then the skin is stitched back together. The small scar left from the procedure quickly heals and fades with time.
The excision tool gives the physician the ability to thin out the appearance of wide scars. The method improves the way scars look by surgically changing their size, depth, or color. Because of the nature of surgery, there will obviously be another scar that is left behind. In other words, no scar can ever be completely erased, but it can be revised and minimized in appearance.
The nature of the surgical technique makes this only appropriate for wide, pitted, or deeply depressed scarring. This technique is also effective in bettering the appearance of scars that have healed abnormally or in irregular patterns or shapes.
Recovery
After the surgery, normal healing time will apply. Usually this recovery time is short but you may need to be prepared for some residual bruising. The area should be protected from the sun and you should take care to not stretch the tissue while it is healing. Some physicians may also advise that stay away from water for the initial 5 to 7 days after surgery. These cautions will minimize the appearance of the new scar. Some also choose to combine punch excision treatments with laser treatments to reduce the redness of the new scars.
There are many options for acne scars removal and it's important that you speak to your dermatologist and choose one that is right for you. Remember that punch excision treatments depend on the type of scars and the desires you wish to gain with the procedure. This procedure can be expensive and aggressive and therefore it is also important to take a look at more natural treatment options that can also have great results.