microdermabrasion/chemical peel?

Question

I'm 17 and have struggled with acne since I was in 6th grade. My acne has been long gone, but whats left behind are some scars. My mom has made an appointment for our dermatologist in the Spring to see what he suggests for my scars. Right now I am using Vitamin E oil (for 2 days so far) and they seem less noticableish, but I was wondering if the dermatologist will suggest some sort of peel or possibly microdermabrasion? Do these peels/face things actually work? Any experiences with them? And how much do they usually cost? (I live in NJ if that helps) They are pretty old acne scars, will that matter? I've come to accept that these scars are apart of who I am, but I've always wanted to just wake up and leave the house to go out, instead of waking up and worrying about putting cover up on.

But yeah, just some of your thoughts/experiences with either face peel/treatment. Any advice about acne scars would be great too I always get great answers on here!

Thanks alot.

Answer 1

Peels (chemical and laser) can improve acne scars. The key elements are:

(1) How deep the scarring is in the skin (deeper scars require deeper peeling to affect improvement)
(2) What kind of procedure the patient will tolerate (anesthesia or not)
(3) Expense (varies from under a hundred to thousands of dollars a treatment)
(4) Healing time (a few days to weeks)

Pretty much what you should do is get a few opinions to see that which is suggested. Most patients start with something light such as light chemical peels as they can be done cheaply and without anesthesia or much recovery time. The deeper peels make you look kinda like a burn victim for a week or so, but offer much more improvement for deeper scarring.

Laser re-surfacing will in general cost more, but can offer the most dramatic improvement and take the longest to heal. Microdermabrasion is probably equivalent to light chemical peeling but tends to cost more.

Answer 2

Yes, a microderm will probably be what they will have you do...you usually have to do one every week for 3 or more weeks, than just one every two monthes for maintenance (to keep your skin nice and smooth), sometimes they offer a discount if you purchase 3 microderms all together, instead of individually. They might also have you do laser treatment or chemical peels to help get rid of discoloration.
In high school I went through all three of the above to make my skin all clear...but then in college I slacked off on the acne treatment I was supposed to use, so I have to do get rid of the acne scarring all over again....so be sure and continue to use whatever you've been using to keep your acne away!

Answer 3

I am currently using neutrogena acne mark fading peel 3 times a week. Its great and all you need is patience. If you go to the neutrogena website, it will tell you more about it. They will be a LOT more less noticable after 8 weeks. It cost about 12 dollars in walmart. It is also a chemical peel. Just be patient because those scars will fade in a short time , mine are fading greattttt!!!!! :)

Answer 4

i wouldnt recommend you getting a chemical skin peel, becuz ther mostly used for when somebody has years and years of sun damage, wrinkles, and scars. if you only have acne scars but ur skin is still fairly young, it could probably rlly damage ur skin.

but microdermabrasion is great, it minimizes pores, gets rid of dead skin, and can also rlly help with acne scarring.

Answer 5

I am also considering Microdermabration.... I have mild acne and i have alot of dark spots. My dermatologist reccomended this.

Answer 6

If you have badly harsh acne on your face or on your neck then you have to consider Walden' plan

Answer 7

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