Don't Risk It! Get Only Professional Treatment for Your Acne Scars
Don't increase your pain and suffering with unprofessional treatment for your acne scars
There are many treatments available for removing acne scars. This is good news! The bad news is unless you find a reputable and professional dermatologist to perform these treatments, your skin could end up looking worse than before.
Steps to choosing a treatment physician
Step #1 -- Your first step should be to ask around.
Ask family, friends, and coworkers if they have any recommendations. People are always happy to tell you when they or someone they know has had a good or bad experience. Many times, word of mouth is your best bet in finding a good physician to treat your acne scars.
Step #2 -- Interview
Once you have narrowed down your choice to several doctors, visit each one. The doctor should be able to identify which type of acne scarring you have.
Ice Pick Scars -- Deep, narrow scars that form pits in your skin.
Boxcar Scars -- Angular, well-defined scars usually on the temple or cheeks.
Rolling Scars -- Wide and shallow, these scars have a wave-like appearance.
Hypertrophic Scars -- Raised scars that stay within the boundary of the original wound. These scars tend to shrink over time.
Keloid Scars -- These scars are opposite of Hypertrophic scars. They extend beyond the original wound and get larger over time.
As you can see, there are many different types of acne scars, and they need the proper treatment to remove them. Your doctor should know this and recommend the correct treatment to get rid of them.
Step #3 -- Experience
Look for diplomas, ask how long they have been doing acne scar removal, and ask for recommendations. If your instincts tell you, "something isn't right," go with those feelings and move on to the next doctor.
Step #4 -- Ask pre-treatment questions
Your doctor should be happy to answer any pre-treatment questions you may have. Don't choose a doctor who acts as if it is an inconvenience to spend time answering your questions. Here are some questions to ask:
What topical regiment should I use?
Will I need antibiotics or other prescriptions?
What kind of laser do you use?
How much experience do you have?
Are you familiar with all acne scar treatments? (Laser, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, punch technique, injections, subcision, creams)
Which treatment would be best for my scars?
What is the level of success rate?
Is there pain?
How is the procedure performed?
Remember, it's your face, your skin, your life. Don't blindly trust the first doctor you find listed in the phone book to remove your acne scars. Proceed with caution and be sure you choose a doctor you have confidence in.