Punch for Acne Scars NY

What is punch for acne scars?

Punch is short for punch excision surgery, a procedure that removes acne scars. A laser, scalpel or round punch tool is usually used to cut around the acne scar, following its outline. Then the skin that made up the scar is cut loose from the underlying tissue. If that skin is smooth inside of the scar, it could be reused for the graft if it is necessary for the larger acne scars. The skin would be regrafted to the area, but at a higher elevation than before. Instead of being lower than the surrounding skin, it would be grafted at the same level. This is also called a punch float. Presumably, some filler will be injected below, filling in the hole of the old scar. The skin may also be taken from a different area, such as from behind the ear.

If regrafting is not an option, the sides of the incision are sewn together. When healed, there may be nothing to show for the punch. Or there may be a small linear scar, that will be far easier to erase than the deep acne scar that was there before. To erase this scar, dermabrasion would be used.

Punch for acne scars NY

A recent article in Newsday magazine features the advice of NY’s top plastic surgeons, regarding the choice of a doctor for procedures such as punch for acne scar. These doctors include:

Dr. Martin Kessler, chief of plastic surgery at South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside
Dr. Alan Gold, president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and head of a Great Neck ambulatory plastic surgery center,
Dr. Hillard Warm, chief of plastic surgery at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital in Port Jefferson,
Dr. Lyle Leipziger, plastic and reconstructive surgery chief at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park and Manhasset’s North Shore University Hospital.

These physcians say that when looking in NY for a good surgeon for the punch for the acne scars, there are many things to keep in mind. Before going in to see a doctor, check for credentials from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Then you should have a long first consultation with the doctor, at least 30 minutes long. First, they should not promise to do the impossible. Often, plastic surgery patients wish for more than is reasonable. It is the job of the doctor to bring us back to earth from unreasonable expections. Secondly, a good doctor should be able to objectively explain all the risks of a procedure like punch excision. Also, in the interview, the doctor should speak of what is new in the technique of punch for acne scar.

To find a licensed or accredited facility for the performance of the punch surgery, as Dr. Richard D’Amico recommends, visit www.health.state.ny.us . The surgeon you choose should also be credentialed for doing the specific procedures in the place that they offer to do it. If any complications occur, you will have access to the services of that hospital if the surgeon has hospital privileges.