Microdermabrasion for acne scars?

CEBU, Philippines - Question: I am really troubled with my acne scars, will microdermabrasion work? My facial complexion is similar to that of a popular TV comedian, fair but with multiple deep acne scars. Please advice.

Answer: I can say outright that microdermabrasion will not be of significant help because this procedure is really intended for fine wrinkles of the Caucasian skin. This type of wrinkles is very superficial and can easily be improved with microdermabrasion. However this technique is almost useless to treat deep acne scars. There will be an initial improvement because of the swelling resulting from the irritated skin but as soon as the swelling subsides the acne scars will just be as prominent. Laser dermabrasion can be used to efface deeper acne scars but the plastic surgeon should be very careful in selecting the patients. This is because the Carbon dioxide laser will cause darkening or lightening of the skin, which could be a real problem later on. The ideal candidate for laserbrasion is somebody who has shallow acne scars and very fair skinned. In darker complexioned individuals pigmentation may occur that could be patchy and may even become permanent. To minimize this complication the patient is primed with dermatological preparations, which are applied for at least two weeks before the actual laser treatment.

The other drawback of laserbrasion is the length of time you need for recuperation. Most patients have to stay indoors for about a week. Then another 2 weeks where areas that were burned with the laser may be pinkish and may need special make up or foundation for cover. With laser resurfacing the very deep acne cars will become shallow while the shallow ones will almost disappear. The rule of the thumb to remember is that any form of resurfacing will never restore your skin back to normal. If you would expect this you will surely be very disappointed.