What is the treatment?

Punch excision is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove acne, moles, cysts and other types of facial scars. In this procedure, a small cutting tool is used to pierce the top layer of the skin, in which the target scar, cyst or pore is physically extracted from the skin.

Punch excision is normally done under local anesthesia to minimize or eliminate the pain of the process, as it will literally remove a small volume of skin containing the targeted scar, cyst or pore. After the excision, the doctor will either stitch up the resulting wound in the skin or fill it with a skin graft from another part of your body.

What can it be used for?

Punch excision is particularly effective in treating ice pick scars and deep box acne scars. Punch excision is done for each scar, which is surgically removed using the skin punch tool. It is best used for removing narrow and deep pitted scars located in visible and easily accessible locations on the face. The procedure can also be used to straighten and smoothen out scars that have healed in an unusual pattern. It is generally recommended that patients have a defect that is at least 1-millimeter in diameter to get the best results.

Punch excision can also be used for the removal of damaged pores, cysts and other scars on the skin. The procedure is largely the same, involving the use of a skin punch tool to physically remove the volume of skin containing the particular cyst or pore. The skin punch tool used in the procedure comes in several shapes and sizes so as to deliver the best possible results across different situations.

How does it work?

Punch excision works by utilizing a punching tool that makes tiny cuts surrounding the acne scar under local anesthesia. The “punched” skin is then excised and the operated region is then stitched closed in order to allow healing.

FAQs

What to expect during treatment?

Before the start of the procedure, the target area will be injected with local anesthesia to prevent any kind of pain and discomfort. During the procedure, your doctor will use a small, cookie cutter-like tool to cut out individual scars. The scar will then be excised with the tool and the skin edges sutured together.

Is this treatment painful?

The punch excision process itself is pain-free as it is done under local anesthesia. There will be some mild discomfort as the tool is being used, but this is well tolerated by most patients.

What is the advantage of microsurgical techniques like punch excision?

The advantage of using a microsurgical method is that the improved healing and the finer wound closure. After the procedure, the stitches can be barely seen by the naked eye.

What are the side effects and complications that may occur after the treatment?

You may develop minor swelling from the injection and the excision procedure but these will quickly wear off. A newly developed scar will be present post-procedure. This newly produced scar eventually fades and is likely to be unnoticeable. In cases where the new scar becomes noticeable, you can talk to your doctor about suitable resurfacing techniques so as to improve its appearance.

How long is the recovery time?

Given a standard recovery cycle, you will need to return to the clinic after a week for the stitches to be removed.

What is the post-procedure management for this treatment?

To recover faster and avoid complications and side effects, it is recommended that some aftercare be administered to the treated area. The treated area must be kept from being exposed to the sun and that extra measures be taken to avoid stretching the skin tissue while it heals. Doing this will help in reducing the appearance of the new scar. Laser treatments may also be undertaken to further reduce the scar’s appearance.

How much does it cost?

The cost of this procedure will depend on the number of scars needing treatment. Other factors that can influence the price are the doctor’s consultation fee and if other prescription medication or products are needed.

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