Downtime for Punch Excision of Acne Scars? Doctor Answers, Tips
Acne Scars Treatment: Q&A
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Downtime for Punch Excision of Acne Scars?

How long is the usual downtime for punch excision of acne scars? What can be expected during the downtime/recovery period?

7 Doctor Answers | Asked by carrie jean in Atlanta, Ga
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The downtime for punch excision for acne scars is about a week.

The downtime for punch excision of acne scars is about 7 to 10 days. Sutures would be removed typically between 5 -7 days post treatment, and a dermabrasion may be planned later- if necessary at all.
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Punch Excision for acne scar revision

Acne scars that have a high depth to width ration can be improved with micro-technique acne scar revision including punch excision with or without suture. In most cases, reepithelialization occurs within 24 hours, but the sutures will remain on the skin for 5 to 7 days. I use a very fine suture that is barely noticeable in order to minimize downtime. I encourage patients to return to work following the procedure.
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Virtually no downtime for punch excision

Hello, Deep acne "pit" scars are sometimes addressed by punch excision. This is not very debilitating although I would probably keep you from immersion in water for a few days afterward.

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Punch excision downtime is approximately a week

The downtime for Punch Excision of acne scars is approximately 1 week. Sutures are usually removed within 5-7 days, but there may be some residual bruising at the sites for a week or two.  
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Acne scar excision usually has 5 - 7 days downtime

For patients who are just having several scars excised, there is 5 - 7 days with stitches, and after that there is essentially no downtime. We don't do punch excision, we actually do excision with a scalpel, so that we can make the resulting scar even smaller and orient it in proper direction. We also recommend dermabrasion in 6 - 8 weeks after excision to further blend in the scar, and that one has a little longer downtime, about a week or two.
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Little Downtime for Acne Scars

Excision and closure of acne scars tends to be the most common way to treat this problem. Simple excision and closure can be done in the office setting with minimal discomfort. There is not significant down time as long as you don't mind being seen with the sutures. I usually leave the sutures in for about 5-7 days. The wound always looks worse (meaning red) at about 3-4 months time, and afterward begins to mature and lighten. It isn't until one year's time that the scar... more
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Downtime for punch excision on acne scars

Depending on the technique used this can vary tremendously. Traditionally excision can be performed with or without sutures. If sutures are present they are removed at 4-7 days. Others advocate a light dermabrasion session about 6-8 weeks later which may also requure a 5-7 day downtime. I hope that helps!
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Comments (1)

Trailrider 5 Nov 2012

My friend had a large mole removed form her cheek when she was in her twenties. The reuslts were great. Instead of a mole she now has a small scar that is just a thin white line. The mole was bigger than any acne scar I've seen. So I'm wondering, if such good results can be achieved with mole removal, why not with acne scars? Or is the mole removal procedure different to acne scar excision and do the risks and results vary somehow? Based on my friend's experience I'm keen to have 3 or 4 or my largest acne scars removed but I'm having trouble finding a derm who thinks it's a good idea. All they seem interested in is fraxel.

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