A technique used to improve the appearance of deep, depressed acne scars.
First, a small tool is used to excise the base of the scar. The base is elevated so it is level with the surrounding skin, and held with steri-strips, sutures, or skin glue such as Dermabond. After the skin heals, it is more even and the pitted or pockmarked look is greatly reduced. The treatment may leave behind a slight scar, but it is smaller than the original scar and can be more easily faded with procedures such as dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, or chemical peels.
Punch elevation is not appropriate for all acne scars. It works best for deep, wide depressed scars with fairly smooth bases. Your doctor will be able to tell you if this treatment is a viable option for your scars.
