Acne scarring

Goofed on the last question asked...meant to ask if there is a cosmetic procedure that will get rid of pitting acne scars.

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

Laser resurfacing and dermabrasion are two procedures that can reduce and soften the appearance of pitted acne scarring.  They will not completely eliminate them.  Many patients undergoing these treatments are quite satisfied with the improvement they get.

[bev62]

I had laser resurfacing with a CO2 laser, it was pretty painful, but my acne scars are hardly noticable now.

[LTL MD]

what if you just have dark, red scars left, not the "pits" of cystic acne?  is the CO2 laser still good for that, or is that too extreme in that case?

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

The CO2 laser will not be effective in reducing redness (an indication of increased blood supply to the affected area).  There are some lasers (like the pulsed dye laser) that can reduce redness.