1. Health

Discuss in my forum

Punch Graft

By , About.com Guide

Updated January 02, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:

A technique used to improve the appearance of depressed acne scars.

First, a small tool is used to cut out the scar. A skin graft, usually taken from behind the ear, is used to fill the void. The graft is held in place with sutures, steri-strips, or skin glue such as Dermabond.

The procedure itself may leave a slight scar. Also, the skin graft may have a different color or texture than the surrounding skin. But in general, the skin looks smoother and more even than it did prior to treatment. Any unevenness can be faded using microdermabrasion or chemical peels after the skin has healed.

Your doctor can tell you if punch grafting is an appropriate treatment option for your acne scars.

  1. About.com
  2. Health
  3. Acne
  4. Basics
  5. Glossary
  6. P - R
  7. Acne Scar Treatments - Punch Graft Acne Scar Treatments

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.