A minor in-office procedure that removes a deep ice-pick scar and closes it into a fine line that blends in better over time, especially alongside resurfacing.
Ice pick scars are narrow, deep acne scars that extend down into the skin like a tiny pore or pinhole. Because they are deep and tapered, many topical treatments and even lasers can only partially improve them. Punch excision is a minor in-office procedure that removes the scar itself and replaces it with a small, straight-line scar that typically blends in better over time, especially when combined with resurfacing.
Punch excision is usually not ideal for broad, shallow rolling scars, which tend to respond better to subcision, filler, or energy-based resurfacing.
A tiny circular instrument, typically 1 to 3 mm in diameter, removes the scar down to a controlled depth. The edges are then brought together and closed with a small suture.
The scar is precisely removed.
The skin is closed with a very small stitch.
The result is a fine line instead of a deep pit.
In-office time: 15 to 45 minutes depending on the number of scars treated.
Anesthesia: local numbing with a small injection.
Pain: minimal during the procedure, with mild tenderness afterward.
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Punch excision technique.
Punch excision works best for ice pick scars (deep, narrow scars), very narrow boxcar scars, and scars that are too deep for laser alone. It is usually not ideal for broad, shallow rolling scars, which respond better to subcision, filler, or energy-based resurfacing.
In-office time is about 15 to 45 minutes depending on the number of scars treated. The area is numbed with a small local injection, so there is minimal pain during the procedure and only mild tenderness afterward.
Stitches are typically removed about 5 to 10 days after the procedure. Pinkness fades and the line scar softens over the following 2 to 6 weeks, with continued remodeling for 3 to 12 months.
Deep pits become much less noticeable and skin texture appears smoother, especially in side lighting. The best results usually come from a combination treatment plan.
It can be, but it is often combined with resurfacing such as laser for the most natural-looking result, since the small line scar blends in better when the surrounding skin is also treated.
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Recognized dermatologist
Located in Bingham Farms, Acne Center Of Michigan was founded by Dr. Craig Singer, a board-certified dermatologist.
We specialize in the treatment of acne and acne scarring, offering numerous therapeutic options tailored to each patient’s needs.
Dr. Singer experienced significant acne when he was in college and has personal experience with his teenage children’s acne as well. He has helped thousands of patients look their best.
Acne Center of Michigan offers the most advanced acne treatments, drawing from both traditional and alternative approaches. Dermatologists across the region refer their most complex acne-scar cases to Dr. Singer, and patients travel from across Michigan, neighboring states, and Canada for his care.
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