What Are the Different Types of Cosmetic Surgery for Acne?

There are many options available for cosmetic surgery for acne. Some procedures are for those wishing to relieve current acne problems, and some are for correcting scars from previous acne. Surgeries vary from simple fixes to more complicated methods. All cosmetic surgery for acne should be performed by a dermatologist or other qualified skin care professional.

Two primary options are available for cosmetic surgery for acne for existing skin problems. Cryosurgery uses extremely cold liquid nitrogen to destroy acne and the skin it has damaged. This type of cosmetic surgery for acne is generally effective, but new acne may form on the top layer of skin after it has healed. There are different levels of cryosurgery available, with varying temperature levels depending on the severity of the existing acne problem.

The second surgical option for existing acne issues is excisional surgery. In this method, large acne-caused cysts are drained by a dermatologist. Excisional surgery can also be used to correct significant scarring from acne. Each scar is treated and removed individually. This method might be accompanied by skin grafting, taking small pieces of skin from other parts of the body — usually from behind the ear — to replace the removed, scarred skin.

Decreasing acne scars is a more common procedure in cosmetic surgery for acne. Some opt for a simple chemical skin peel to reduce the appearance of scarring. This procedure is relatively quick and simple and is usually accompanied by temporary skin peeling and redness. It is best suited for mild acne scarring that does not include deep lesions in the skin. A laser can be used for dermabrasion to eliminate slightly deeper scarring.

A more extreme cosmetic surgery for acne procedure is an exoderm lift. This treatment is used for the most severe cases of acne scarring. An exoderm treatment burns and liquefies existing skin layers, allowing new, non-scarred skin to grow in its place. This procedure carries some risks, including scarring from burns if the surgery is not performed correctly.

Acne scars can also be treated by injections and small incisions. Needles can help break up scar tissue caused by acne, reducing skin bumpiness and surface irregularities. If large scars are surgically removed, the small scars left behind by surgery are usually less noticeable than the original acne scars. Steroid injections are another cosmetic surgery option for acne, as steroids can help shrink raised acne scars.