Frequently Asked Questions

Acne Scarring

Q. How can Acne scarring be treated?
A. The treatment of facial acne scarring has traditionally been limited to dermabrassion with somewhat limited results. Over the past several years, Dr. Edwin Williams has achieved incredible results by combining chemical peel, carbon-dioxide laser (CO2) with dermabrassion. Dr. Williams Call this a Combined Technique.

Q. What is a chemical TCA peel?
A. TCA peel, or trichloracetic acid peel, is a medium-depth chemical peel that uses a chemical solution to peel away the top layers of the skin. TCA peels can renew the skin by treating sun damage, uneven pigmentation, acne scarring and fine wrinkling. These peels can be used in various concentrations and strengths and may require more than one treatment.

Q. How do I know if I'm a good candidate for acne scar resurfacing?
A. If you're bothered by your skin the appearance of the acne scars, you may be a good candidate for acne scar resurfacing. Patients should also be physically healthy and realistic in their expectations. Acne scars can never be 100% removed we can achieve 50% improvement.

Q. What can I expect during a consultation for a combined technique?
A. During a consultation the surgeon will discuss your goals and your options. He will explain all details of the procedure, including the technique, the facility where the procedure will take place, the risks, the recovery and the costs. Any questions or concerns that you may have should be discussed at this time.

Q. Where does the Combined Technique procedure to remove acne scars take place?
A. Most take place in a surgeon's office or an outpatient surgical center.

Q. Is anesthesia required for repair of acne scarring?
A. Additional anesthesia is typically not required, though sedation may be used in some cases. If anything, patients may experience a slight stinging sensation during application. Because a combined technique procedure is customized if you will be have CO2 laser resurfacing monitored anesthesia may be necessary.

Q. How long does a combined technique to repair acne scarring take to perform?
A. The cosmetic procedure can take anywhere from ten minutes to an hour to complete because a combined technique procedure is customized.

Q. What is the recovery like after combined resurfacing?
A. The recovery period after a TCA peel will vary according to the strength of the peel. Patients receiving a 10% TCA peel can expect a recovery of about two to three days, while patients receiving a stronger 25% to 35% TCA peel can expect a recovery of about one to two weeks. During recovery, some throbbing, tingling, swelling and redness can occur, and a crust or scab will form on the treated area. For dermabrassion the recovery is similar to that of a 35% tca peel. For areas of the face treated with CO2 laser the recovery is several weeks but can be covered with make up after 2-3 weeks.

Q. How much time will I need to take off from work after my TCA peel?
A. The amount of time that patients will need to take off from work will depend upon the combination of treatments. Patients can expect to return to work within about seven to fourteen days. Regardless of the strength of the procedures, patients will need to protect the skin from the sun for several months.

Q. What are the risks or complications that can occur with a repair of acne scarring?
A. The potential complications associated with a combined techniques include cold sores, fever blisters, infection, scarring, pigmentation, skin allergies, and whiteheads.

Q. Does insurance ever cover the cost of combined resurfacing?
A. Procedures performed solely for cosmetic purposes are typically not covered by insurance.

Q. Is it possible to get financing for a cosmetic procedure?
A. Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures including TCA peels, Dermabrassion and CO2 laser resurfacing.

Q. Although I took Accutane for several months, I still have acne stars. Would the Accutane affect any future acne treatments such as skin dermabrasion.
A. You should be off Accutane for at least 9 to 12 months before other treatments are started.