Acne scar removal entails more advanced procedures than mere use of ointments and creams. Although topical remedies can be used on faint and mild scars, crater-like marks and keloids require more complicated and more expensive methods. Various procedures are now available to erase these marks, depending on their size and their severity.

Before undergoing acne scar removal procedures, a patient should have a detailed discussion with his or her physician. The patient's overall health condition, possible allergic reactions, the type of scar and the patient's level of tolerance must all be taken into consideration. People seeking ways to eradicate the marks left by severe acne can choose from a number of treatment methods.

First, there is the laser therapy. This is also known as laser resurfacing. It works by burning away the damaged skin. It is mostly used for keloidal marks and is also employed in removing wrinkles and other spots left by various injuries.

Another option is punch grafts. For people who are prone to keloids, this procedure is another option that they can explore. It involves punching a hole in the skin to remove the bump created by the scar. Fresh skin, taken from another part of the patient's body, is then used to replace the damaged part. The procedure is simple and quick and healing time usually takes a few days to a week.

For surface-level scars, chemical peels are often recommended. A chemical is used to remove the layer of the skin that has been damaged to allow it to regenerate and produce a fresh, normal skin. Since our skin becomes more difficult to regenerate as we age, the procedure is often more appropriate for younger patients.

Dermabrasion is somewhat similar to chemical peels. It makes use of an electrical machine to remove the top layer of the skin. Once the damaged part is removed, the skin will be allowed to regenerate and a smoother surface will take its place.

Skin grafting is often used in conjunction with other surgical procedures since surgeries can leave marks aside from those created by acne. This procedure is designed to correct the initial method or close the open area created by holes or cuts in the skin. Fresh skin is used to fill out a crater or a hole in the skin to produce a smooth, normal surface.

Punch excision is a procedure that often goes with skin grafting, or to put it in a better way, skin grafting is often needed after punch excision. Punch excision entails the removal of scars by removing the layer of damaged skin up to the level of the subcutaneous fat. The hole created by the excision is often filled up by skin grafts if it cannot be repaired by simple sutures.

Acne scar removal can be achieved by topical medications, but for more severe marks, surgical procedures might be needed. Before making any decision on what procedure should be used, have a detailed discussion with a physician first.