International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology

ACNE INTERVENTIONS

With the introduction of antimicrobials in the treatment of acne over 50 years ago and later the use of topical or systemic retinoids (Vitamin A derived agents), there has been a significant reduction in the need for surgical intervention.  While there is still scarring from the disease itself, the scarring found today is often due to the patient’s picking of the pimples.

• Acne surgery – use of a comedo (blackhead) extractor, sometimes called a Schamberg or Piffard extractor.
• Intralesional injection – injection of triamcinolone acetate (Kenalog®) into acne abscess (cyst) to reduce the inflammation and thus the size.
• Aquaglycolic acid peel – use of this agent in 20% to 70% concentration to induce superficial peeling of the skin.
• Cutaneous punch – use of a Keyes cutaneous punch to eliminate a small scar, either by removing the scar or by releasing the scar tissue that causes the depression.
• Dermabrasion – use of a wire brush or diamond freeze on a high-powered engine to remove reduce the depth of scarring.
• Laserbrasion – use of a laser, such as a pulse-dye 585-nm ER: YAG or a 1450-nm diode laser to reduce the depth of superficial scarring.
• Augmentation – use of a filler to compensate for a depressed scar.

Lawrence Charles Parish, MD, MD (Hon)
Philadelphia, PA, USA

To print, please download this PDF file