Abstract
Acne scarring is a frequent complication of acne. Scars negatively impact psychosocial and physical well‐being. Optimal treatments significantly improve the appearance, quality of life, and self-esteem of people with scarring. A wide range of interventions have been proposed for acne scars. This narrative review aimed to focus on facial atrophic scarring interventions. The management of acne scarring includes various types of resurfacing (chemical peels, lasers, and dermabrasion); the use of injectable fillers; and surgical methods, such as needling, punch excision, punch elevation, or subcision. Since the scarred tissue has impaired regeneration abilities, the future implementation of stem or progenitor regenerative medical techniques is likely to add considerable value. There are limited randomized controlled trials that aimed to determine which treatment options should be considered the gold standard. Combining interventions would likely produce more benefit compared to the implementation of a single method.
Summary
The article "Atrophic Postacne Scar Treatment: Narrative Review" by Enas Attia (2024) examines various interventions for facial atrophic acne scars, which can significantly impact an individual's psychosocial and physical well-being. The review highlights several treatment modalities, including: Resurfacing Techniques: Chemical peels, lasers, and dermabrasion are commonly used to improve skin texture and appearance. Injectable Fillers: These are utilized to restore volume and reduce the depth of scars. Surgical Methods: Procedures such as needling, punch excision, punch elevation, and subcision aim to physically alter scar tissue. The review also discusses the potential future role of stem or progenitor regenerative medical techniques in enhancing scar treatment outcomes. However, it notes the limited number of randomized controlled trials to establish a gold standard for these interventions. Combining different treatment methods may offer more benefits than relying on a single approach. Early and effective treatment of acne is emphasized as the best strategy to prevent or minimize postacne scarring. Factors influencing treatment choice include scar color, texture, distensibility, and morphology. For instance, the selection of chemical peeling agents and their concentrations depends on the patient's skin type and the severity of scarring. Chemical peels are noted for their flexibility and cost-effectiveness, playing a significant role in managing all grades of acne scars. In summary, the review underscores the importance of personalized treatment plans that consider individual scar characteristics and patient preferences to achieve optimal outcomes in managing atrophic postacne scars.
Key Questions
What are the primary treatment modalities for atrophic postacne scars?
The primary treatment modalities include resurfacing techniques (chemical peels, lasers, dermabrasion), injectable fillers, and surgical methods (needling, punch excision, punch elevation, subcision).
What is the potential role of regenerative medical techniques in scar treatment?
Regenerative medical techniques, such as stem or progenitor cell therapies, may enhance scar treatment outcomes by promoting tissue regeneration and improving skin quality.
Why is early and effective treatment of acne important?
Early and effective treatment of acne is crucial to prevent or minimize postacne scarring, which can have significant psychosocial and physical impacts.
How do factors like scar color, texture, distensibility, and morphology influence treatment choice?
These factors determine the selection of appropriate treatments, such as the type and concentration of chemical peeling agents, to achieve optimal results based on individual scar characteristics.
