Punch Excision and Grafting for Acne Scars

About Punch Grafts

It is our staff’s experience that patients with acne scars have suffered greatly in terms of emotional distress, and that these patients are sometimes the most grateful when a good outcome is achieved. Punch grafts usually deliver excellent results. Discrete, small ice pick-type deep acne scars can usually be corrected 100% by this technique. In fact, our staff often reaches for this treatment before any others to clear away scar tissue. Following punch grafts, patient may choose to undergo laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels or microdermabrasion for even smoother results.

Benefits

• Usually 100% correction of deep ice pick-type scars
• Reduced ice pick-type acne scars
• Reduced chicken pox scars
• Reduced traumatic scars
• Easy, painless recovery

Alternatives

Fat Transfer Micro-lipo-injection, Collagen, Cosmoplast & Cosmoderm, Dermal Grafts, Laser Skin Resurfacing, Lunchtime Laser Toning, Microdermabrasion, One-Pass CO2 Resurfacing, Radiesse, Restylane & Perlane, and Subcisions.

How Does it Work?

Photos are taken and scars are marked with a surgical marking pen. A local anesthetic is injected behind one ear and into the scar tissue being treated. Skin is prepped with a cleansing agent. A punch device is used to excise the scars, followed by a .5 mm larger punch device used to harvest punch grafts from behind one ear. The grafts are set into place under microscopic guidance. Steristrips and a clear plastic-type dressing are applied over the grafts. Patients are able to drive to the office and back home in most cases.

Who is a Candidate?

All skin types are candidates for punch grafts. Patients with clotting disorders should consider other procedures.

What can I Expect?

Even, smoother skin tones with reduction of acne scars without the down time of other procedures.

Results may vary.

Safety & Side Effects

The specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual

Recovery Time

Patients need to take it easy to allow the grafts to take. Most patients will have their bandages removed from their face in eight days.

Does it Hurt?

Lidocaine is used to numb the scarred area to alleviate any sensation of pain. Rarely, patients choose the option of intravenouse (i.v.) sedation by one of our board-certified anesthetists to avoid even the pain from needle sticks.

Before Treatment Instructions

Avoid blood thinners such as aspirin, Motrin, Advil, naprosyn and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for two weeks before the procedure. Avoid vitamin E, ginkgo and garlic for three to five days before the procedure.

After Treatment Instructions

Avoid blood thinners for a few days after the procedure. Keep bandages on for seven to eight days. Return for staff to remove bandages. Avoid getting bandages wet. Consider sponge baths for seven to eight days. Minimize activity. No strenuous exercise.

Who Performs the Treatments?

Our Physicians, Physician Assistants and Registered Nurses.