A Comprehensive Review of Non-Energy-Based Treatments for Atrophic Acne Scarring

Overview

Journal Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Dermatology

Date 2022 Apr 1

PMID 35359828

Authors

Curtis Tam

Jeffrey Khong

Kevin Tam

Ruslan Vasilev

Wesley Wu

Salar Hazany

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Scarring is a dire consequence of acne vulgaris. Particularly, atrophic acne scarring is highly prevalent among young adults, and its physical and psychological effects can persist throughout their lives if left untreated. This literature review will analyze various non-energy-based approaches to treating atrophic acne scarring, emphasizing recent advances within the last 5 to 10 years. To accomplish this, we performed a PubMed search for various acne scar treatments such as chemical peels, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, subcision, microneedling, punch techniques, dermal fillers, and thread lifting. Our findings and analysis show that there is no panacean solution to treating atrophic acne scars, which explains the evolving trend towards developing unique combinatorial treatments. Although a fair comparison of each treatment approach is difficult to achieve due to the studies' varying sample sizes, strength of evidence, treatment execution, etc, there still remains a level of consensus on what treatments are well suited for particular scar types.

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