How To Treat Pockmarks
Pockmarks are unsightly, but they are far from uncommon. Many individuals who suffer from excessive or bad acne, chickenpox, or even skin infections can live with pockmarks the rest of their lives. These marks are like scars, but they appear pitted and shallow. They are found on the surface of the skin, but they are not a health concern for anyone. Pockmarks cause no health problems, they are not going to increase an individual's risk of developing health problems, but they do have the power to affect someone's self-confidence. Fortunately, pockmarks are easily treatable in many forms. Here are a few different ways to treat pockmarks.
Dermabrasion Or Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion or microdermabrasion are both options for individuals looking to get rid of pockmarks. Dermabrasion is a process done without chemicals, but it works very similarly to a chemical peel. This process involves using a brush made of wires to remove layers of skin where there are pockmarks. The brush rotates to help remove layers of skin to make the marks appear flatter. This kind of treatment is performed by a medical professional who will use a local or a general anesthetic. The choice depends on the size of the area where the pockmarks are located. The skin is left looking more even.
Microdermabrasion is similar, but it’s done with abrasive ingredients rather than a wire brush. These ingredients are put on the skin and scrubbed off with a gentle brush. The skin layers are also removed to make the skin look more even and less marked.
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Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are also used to treat pockmarks. These are more invasive since they use products that raise the marks to make them appear more even with the rest of an individual's skin. Some individuals prefer this kind of treatment since it does not involve removing layers of the skin to help them appear fresher. These fillers can help raise the pockmarks, but the results are not always permanent. There is no way to know precisely how long results will last, but they are typically said to last anywhere from a few months to a year. One specific FDA-approved filler is often used to treat acne scars, and it’s said to last as long as five years. Patients can discuss options with a dermatologist to see what they recommend for their situation. Individuals can get new dermal fillers added to their skin as the results of previous fillers start to fade away.
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Microneedling
Microneedling involves using a set of small needles meant to break the skin in the pockmarks. The purpose is to create skin that looks more even because it produces more collagen. The puncture marks from the needles need time to heal, but each one allows the skin to produce more collagen as it heals. This is a helpful tool when individuals are looking to make their skin more even, but it doesn’t work as quickly as other options. This technique might require more than one appointment. It may also require spending weeks getting needling done to finally make any difference. Most patients don’t see very significant results from this technique for approximately one year. This is a problem for anyone looking for instant results. The overall change to an individual's skin takes a long time since collagen doesn’t simply fix the pockmarks right away. It takes patience, but the results are generally worthwhile.
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Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is one of the easiest and most popular ways to treat pockmarks. This method requires patients spending time with some acid on their face, which sounds more intimidating than it is. The doctor will apply a layer of acid to the patient's skin, and then they will leave it there. The chemicals used in this treatment essentially cause the skin on the top layers of the face to dissolve and die, and then skin appears more even and smoother. Since pockmarks are deeper, the goal is to remove the skin that makes them appear so deep. It’s going to be red, irritated, and it’s going to take time to shed. The results are staggering, but individuals must be willing to spend time getting this done regularly to ensure skin stays this way. It’s not a long-lasting fix, but it is one that works well if patients are willing to go through with the regular maintenance needed.
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Ablative Laser Resurfacing
Ablative laser resurfacing is an exceptionally invasive method of getting rid of pockmarks. However, it has a long list of ups and downs. The biggest appeal of this type of resurfacing is it has the longest lasting effects of any treatment for pockmarks on the market. Individuals can get years of even skin after this procedure, and that’s what many patients want to hear. However, the downside is significant. It takes weeks of medical recovery to get through ablative laser resurfacing. Patients who go through the procedure need to spend weeks with a medical care provider as they recover. This laser removes all the layers of skin that make pockmarks show. Patients end up with even skin, but could also deal with redness and swelling. Some individuals find their scars are worse following the laser treatment. Dermatologists and other medical professionals can help patients decide if this will work for them.