Severe acne breakouts can leave pitted scars on your skin, especially if the pimples were picked or popped.
Types ofacne scarsvary by size and shape.
They are most common on the cheeks.
Nikola Ilic / EyeEm / Getty Images
Read on to learn more about how ice pick acne scars can be treated.
Causes
There are different types of acne, but all acne begins with a clogged pore.
When pores are deeply clogged, acne can become inflamed and infected with bacteria.
Skin tissue is destroyed as the pimple heals.
Inflammatory acne breakoutsincluding cystic acneare more likely to leave ice pick scars.
This creates an indented scar.
Treatment Options
Acne scars can be tricky totreat, but with patience, it can be done.
Pitted acne scars won’t get better with topical creams (over-the-counter or prescription).
They won’t completely remove the scar.
For ice pick scars, punch excision and punch grafting are the most effective choices.
Punch Excision
During punch excision, a small cookie-cutter-like tool is used to cut out the scar.
The opening is then sutured or glued together and allowed to heal.
The procedure may leave a small scar.
Punch Grafting
Punch grafting is a treatment for large or very deep ice pick scars.
This procedure is similar to punch excision.
This raises the level of the scar to that of the surrounding skin.
The skin for the graft is taken from an inconspicuous place (like behind the ear).
Microneedling
This key in of treatment is also called collagen induction therapy.
To perform microneedling, a healthcare provider rolls a tool covered in tiny needles over the skin.
Most patients undergo multiple microneedling treatments spread out over a period of time.
Changes to the skin are gradual, and improvement may not be seen right away.
Dermatologists use hyaluronic acid as a filler for wrinkles and fine lines.
For this treatment, a series of hyaluronic acid injections are given over multiple sessions that are spaced apart.
It can be an effective treatment but isn’t permanent.
The effects of hyaluronic injections wear off in about a year.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacingis a common treatment for scars, including deep ice pick scars.
The procedure involves using a laser to remove layers of skin.
This stimulates the production of collagen and elastin (another protein) as the skin layers regrow.
This treatment requires multiple sessions, typically about a month apart.
Results can typically be seen after a few treatments.
Like other resurfacing procedures,microdermabrasionworks best on shallow scars, not deep ones.
It may not be a good option for ice pick scars.
This can minimize the appearance of pitted scars, including ice pick scars.
There are different types of chemical peels.
Radiofrequency
A newer treatment for acne scars is radiofrequency, a treatment that tightens the skin.
As the skin tightens, it stretches, which can make deep scars less visible.
Like other treatments, this one also requires multiple treatments to achieve optimal results.
It has, however, been shown to be effective for ice pick scars.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoinis a strong drug used to treat cases of severe acne.
The drug has powerful side effects and is often used after other treatments have failed.
A course of treatment with isotretinoin is different for each person.
On average, it takes an average of four to five months.
Some people see results in a few weeks, but for others, it can take longer.
They are simply too deep.
Prevention
The best way to prevent ice pick scars is to treat theinflammatory acnethat causes them.
This can cause infection and make existing breakouts worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ice pick scar?
It appears like a large pore, or a pierce in the skin.
How do you minimize ice pick scars?
The most effective procedures are punch excision and punch grafting.
Non-surgical treatments are also available, but they vary in results and may not completely remove the scar.
How do you know if you have an ice pick scar?
Acne scars vary in size and depth.
Two types of scars (boxcar and rolling scars) are shallow (more wide than deep).
Ice pick scars, on the other hand, are more deep than wide.
They appear like holes in the skin.
How much laser surgery does it take to get rid of ice pick scars?
Laser surgery can be helpful for ice pick scars.
Depending on the size of your scar, you may need more than one treatment.
Your healthcare provider may combine laser surgery with other treatments to minimize the appearance of your scar.
How do you smooth shallow ice pick scars?
By definition, ice pick scars are not shallow.
However, the deeper the scar, the more difficult it is to treat.
A Word From Verywell
If you have deep acne scars, you’re not alone.
The good news is that you don’t have to live with them.
Even ice pick scars are treatable.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns.
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