Advisory Board Our Mission Advertise Patient Reviews
Home Acne Scar Removal Treatment Find a Doctor Choosing a Doctor FAQ's
Patient Education
Find an Acne Scar
Removal Specialist
Before & After Photos
Who's Behind
Your Laser?
...it matters
[Learn Why]
The Patient’s Guide is the most respected online publication regarding acne scarring, treatments, and prevention. Written and provided by some of America’s foremost dermatologists and laser surgery experts, our mission is to provide you with unbiased, scientifically accurate information about acne scarring, scar types, underlying causes, as well as potential treatments.
>>More About the Patient's Guide

Punch Techniques
  • Punch Excision
  • Punch Excision with Skin Grafting
  • Punch Elevation
    		•

    Punch techniques are typically used for deep acne scarring like "ice pick" scars. The procedure involves the physical removal of the tissue containing the scar and either the suture or replacement of the remaining tissue. There are three main punch techniques used. These are:

    Punch Excision

    A punch excision utilizes a punch biopsy tool which may vary in width depending on the size of the treatment area, generally between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm. Local anesthesia is applied to the area and the tool is used to remove the scar and its surrounding edges. The scar now removed, the skin is sutured together and heals. The scar produced from treatment typically fades after treatment.

    Punch Excision with Skin Grafting

    Punch excision may also be performed with the inclusion of a skin graft in the place of a suture. The scar will be removed with a punch biopsy tool and rather than suture the wound, the physician will fill it with a skin graft of the patient's own skin.

    Punch Elevation

    Punch elevation is used mainly on deeper boxcar scars. The concept is to remove the scar using the same excision technique where a biopsy tool removes the scar, but rather than suture or graft the wound, the scar tissue is then elevated and reattached. This diminishes the depth of the scar and minimizes the likelihood of discoloration from different skin being grafted in its place.

    For other acne scar treatment techniques, visit: How can I remove Acne Scars?, Laser Acne Scar Treatment, & Choosing a Doctor for Acne Scarring

     Find an Acne Scar Removal Specialist
     
       
    Videos
    Removing acne scars is now possible, says Dr. Bernstein in this clip.
    How Did Treatment
    ChangeYOUR
    77% Life?
    of reviews werePositive

     Laser Treatment Working so Far

    I had really bad acne when I was younger, and so I was left ...[more]
    Long Island, NY

     Not Worth It To Me

    I was already done with my first fraxel treatment when I sta...[more]
    Miami, FL

     The Only Thing That Worked

    I had really bad acne starting right when I hit puberty at 1...[more]
    Huntington Beach, CA
    Write a Review
    Ask The Doctor
    Q: What is non-ablative laser treatment?
    Non-ablative lasers leave the surface layer of skin intact... [Read More]
    Q: What is the Sebaceous Gland?
    The sebaceous glands are found within the skin, connected to... [Read More]
    Q: What is the Dermis?
    The dermis is the layer of the skin underneath the... [Read More]
    Acne Scar Removal Specialists
    Not Your Location?
    Search for specialists near you.
    Zip Code:
    Patient Education: Home | What is Acne Scarring | Types of Acne Scars | Acne Scar Removal | Laser Acne Scar Treatment | Fractional Laser Treatment | Affirm | Fraxel | Chemical Peels | Microdermabrasion | Punch Techniques | Subcision | Creams | Injections | Cost and Pricing | Choosing a Doctor | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
    Find a Doctor: Find a Acne Scars Removal Specialist Near You | Search By City/State
    Reviews/Feedback: Write a Review | Give us Your Feedback | Terms of Use | Review GuideLines
    About Us: Patient's Guide Mission Statement | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Statement | Advertising Policies