Berkeley Parents Network: Acne Scars

Berkeley Parents Network

Acne Scars

Berkeley Parents Network > Advice > Beauty & Fitness > Acne Scars

April 2003

I have decided that I want to do something about the deep ice pick acne scars I have all over my face. I am looking for a recommendation for a practitioner, preferably in the east bay, and/or a recommendation on the method that will achieve the best results. I have done some research and it seems like the more severe methods, such as ablative laser resurfacing or dermabrasion, are required to reduce this type of scarring. Any recommendations on this in particular or on a plastic surgeon in general? I have read the archives but none of the advice or recommendations seemed to fit this situation. Thanks for any comments or advice you can give me!

I am a plastic surgeon practicing in Berkeley and have some information you might find helpful. Acne scarring can take two different forms, one is referred to as a crater and the other is what you have called ice pick. The crater scars are wider, shallow and usually rounder than the ice pick scars which tend to be smaller, sharp and deep. The crater scars are often treatable by deep resurfacing procedures, such as dermabrasion and laser or chemical peels, or with the injection of fillers such as collagen. However, the icepick scars are often too deep at the base to treat with resurfacing. These scars may be surgically removed, converting the ice pick to a small, carefully created and sutured linear scar.

If there are problems with dark spots where the acne was or with ongoing acne, different skin treatment regimens are available.

To specifically design a treatment plan to meet your needs, I would need to see you in person, but I hope this information helps. Elizabeth (see Elizabeth Lee recommendations)

The best person to help you with what and who your options are would be an excellent dermatologist who does not have a vested interest in what procedure you go with. (See Dermatologist Julie Billings for the rest of this review.)

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