A scar is an area of fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin after an injury. Scars result from the biological process of wound repair in the skin, as well as in other organs and tissues of the body. Thus, scarring is a natural part of the healing process. With the exception of very minor lesions, every wound (e.g., after accident, disease, or surgery) results in some degree of scarring. An exception to this are animals with complete regeneration, which regrow tissue without scar formation.

Acne scars are stubborn, and no single treatment is best for everyone. Various methods may help improve your complexion.

Dermabrasion

This procedure is usually reserved for more severe scarring. It involves removing the top layer of skin with a rapidly rotating wire brush. Surface scars may be completely removed, and deeper acne scars may appear less noticeable.

Home Skin Care

The appearance of scars that change your skin color may be improved with over-the-counter bleaching agents and use of sunscreen to limit contrast.

Soft Tissue Fillers

Injecting collagen or fat under the skin and into indented scars can fill out or stretch the skin. This makes the scars less noticeable. Results are temporary, so you would need to repeat the injections periodically.

Laser Resurfacing

This is a skin procedure that uses a laser to improve the appearance of your skin.

Chemical Peeling

High-potency acid is applied to your skin to remove the top layer and minimize deeper scars.

Needling or Rolling

This involves rolling a needle-studded device over the skin to stimulate underlying tissue. It's a safe, simple and possibly effective technique for acne scarring. The result is subtle, and you may need to repeat the treatments.

Surgery

Using a minor procedure called punch excision, your doctor cuts out individual acne scars and repairs the wound with stitches or a skin graft. Another technique called subcision involves your doctor inserting needles under the skin to loosen fibers below a scar, to help improve its appearance.

Botox Injections

Sometimes the skin around acne scars puckers. Relaxing the area with an injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) helps improve the skin's appearance. You'd need to repeat the injections periodically.