Acne scars can become a source of discomfort at any age. When present in large quantities, they make the skin rough and uneven, both in texture and in visual appearance. Foundation can provide partial coverage, but many people prefer to find a permanent solution, rather than resorting to makeup for finer, blemish-free skin.

What is punch grafting and how does it work?

Punch grafting is a technique that aims to permanently eliminate acne scars, which are nothing more than introflectic scars, that is, small holes projected inward. When an acne pimple heals, it leaves a dimple, the scar. Therefore, the objective of this treatment is precisely to lift the tissue and eliminate that small dimple.

This treatment is mainly indicated for deeper scars, that is, when they have reached a depth of at least 1 mm. Actually, it is a kind of skin microsurgery, it is not a complicated or risky operation, it is minimally invasive but it is necessary to apply a local anesthetic. In fact, during the operation, the doctor (specialist in dermatology or plastic surgery) must make an incision in the tissue around the acne scar that he wants to remove, using an instrument similar to a small scalpel with a circular tip that selects the exact part of the tissue to be removed. Later,

The procedure is done in a short time and is not painful because the patient will be under local anesthesia. The results will take a while to be visible (1 to 2 months) as the skin needs time to regenerate and heal completely, although after a week the healing process will be almost complete in most cases.

In the postoperative period, it will be essential to use a good moisturizer and 50+ sun protection, and of course, you will have to carefully follow the recommendations of your doctor so that the skin heals as best as possible and the scars disappear after a while once and for all.

In the following days, a slight swelling will appear, as well as small scars and reliefs on the surface of the treated area, but there is no need to worry since all these are side effects that will gradually disappear later. In the event that they do not improve, the doctor can always intervene to correct any irregularity.

It is important to note one thing, this operation cannot be performed if the acne is still active. In fact, after all the symptoms like pimples and acne cysts have disappeared, it is advisable to wait at least 6 months.

Punch grafting and grafting and fractionated CO2 laser: the winning formula

Punch grafting is often done in combination with the fractionated CO2 laser, another tool in the fight against blemishes. This laser is used to smooth the skin and create what is called “skin resurfacing”, it is not invasive or painful. The two techniques are especially combined in cases where, during the punch transplant postoperative period, irregularities are formed that are perceptible to the eye and to the touch, which can be easily corrected with the laser, leaving the skin perfectly smooth and uniform.

If the specialist considers it appropriate to combine these two techniques, it is good to leave at least a few weeks between one and the other. Typically the punch transplant session is performed first and then the CO2 laser session, so the latter can be used to refine the final details and give the treatment a new impetus.

Prevention and home care

Prevention, you know, is the best weapon to avoid future problems. Taking care of your skin and adopting a daily beauty routine will be useful both before the treatment (to prevent the formation of acne and scars) and after the treatment (to help the skin regenerate):

Never squeeze the pimples, use specific products to reduce inflammation.
Always use sunscreen, even in the city and even in winter, especially if you suffer from acne.

Keep your skin clean and hydrated by using products adapted to your skin type.
Eat healthy and prioritize the consumption of vegetables and fruits.