Laser, Removal Option of Choice
There are a number of treatments often used to remove or diminish acne scars. In my opinion the treatment of choice is non-ablative laser treatment. They are generally very effective with little downtime.
Regenerating New Skin is Key
In addition, we can inject steroids into keliod scars that are raised up above the skin and make them flat, but it's very hard to make the skin that's depressed come up to a normal level. We can do that by causing regeneration in the skin.
We can try to do this by using ablative lasers like carbon dioxide lasers, but in general, although it should work, it doesn't work that well. You get a lot of inflammation from CO2, you run the risk of permanent whitening of the skin, and the results aren't that impressive like they are with wrinkles. Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, are generally highly effective at treating acne scars.
Topical Removal and Dermal Fillers
Topical treatments such as Retin-A, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), or glycolic acids may also be used to remove some of the superficial layers of the skin and improve skin texture. This is especially true as an adjunct to laser treatment.
Dermal filler agents are also used to treat acne scars. The fillers are injected into the skin to push up the acne scars. The problem with dermal fillers for acne scarring is that you have to repeatedly inject the same areas over time, I think that strategy may not be the best for the deeper acne scars.
Another treatment is called subcision, which involves the surgical freeing-up of the deeper layers of the skin so its not so bound down. Another treatment, mainly of ice pick scars, is punch excision.
For more information see: Laser Acne Scar Treatment, Choosing a Doctor
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