How to Remove Acne Scars

Episode #61 / Aug 5, 2009
OTHER VERSIONS:
Aggressive acne can result in acne scars, which range from being mundane to emotionally debilitating. But the good news is that they can be removed. Dr. Schultz explains the different options for removing acne scars.
thomas daley on November 5, 2009 at 8:57pm

so many lasers like co2 laser dermabrasion dermaplanning activ fx deep fx micro laser peel 120 microns whats best for acne scars please go over them thank you

Neal Schultz, M.D. on November 13, 2009 at 10:54pm

@Thomas: There are many different lasers to treat acne scarring, and deciding how much downtime you can tolerate will steer you in the right direction. Non-ablative lasers like Fraxel require more treatments (4-6) with minimal pinkness for a few days and no real downtime, while the CO2 laser, which can't be used on everyone, requires fewer treatments (usually one), with 7-10 days of real downtime and then a few months of pinkness afterward.

tom daley on February 6, 2010 at 7:19pm

what is the most effective laser for acne scars all docs said i wil get 80 and in some ares 100 but each one recommend a differnt laser one recommend fraxep restore 4xs 1 a month another 1 co2 laser another one activ fx laser and another 1 fraxel repair please help my scars are extremly shallow that alll said they are flat and too shalloew that fillers went work for me just what i mentioned i seen at least 5 docs

Neal Schultz, M.D. on February 27, 2010 at 9:37pm

@Tom: CO2 lasers will be the most effective at repairing shallow acne scars but also has the greatest risk of scarring. The others won't work quite as well but have less of a chance of scarring.

Alisa on June 23, 2010 at 9:29pm

I am a black female w/ both types of scaring and had a full face dermabrasion in the 80's before they have all the advancements they have now.I followed the Dr. directions after surgery and I do not have problems with keloids.I healed well, and I use dermablend cosmetics for some uneveness in my complexion. I'm not looking for a miracle but would like to know if I can get better results with what is available now. In the past it was difficult finding a dermatologist that would do the procedures on black skin.

Neal Schultz, M.D. on June 28, 2010 at 8:31pm

@Alisa: The Fraxel restore which is erbium-based can be used on black skin for further improvements in texture and some scarring. The risks of lighter or darker pigmentation is minimal when performed by an experienced physician.