Acne is a common skin condition that affects a large percentage of teenagers and continues to affect some older adults. While some avoid the more permanent effects of acne, others may be left with unsightly scarring. There are topical creams available, however, the most common treatments are a combination of surgical procedures and skin resurfacing.

Acne removal treatments depend on the type and extremity of the scars. Some common types of scarring are called ice pick scars and boxcar scars. Ice pick scars get their name because their appearance is as if the skin was punctured by an ice pick. They are very slim and narrow but are dug deep into the skin's surface affecting the dermis as well as the subcutaneous layer. Boxcar scars tend to be round or oval shaped depressions that have sharp vertical edges. They are usually shallow and wider in diameter, but some may be deeper.

Types of Acne Scar Removal Treatments

*Punch Excision: This treatment method is popular with ice pick and boxcar scars as it is effective on deeper damage to the skin. A punch biopsy tool is matched to the size of your scar and used during the procedure. The scar is cut out with this tool and then the skin is stitched back together. There is a small scar left behind from the procedure, but it is small and fades with time.

*Laser Resurfacing: This is popular for many types of skin defects. The lasers work by essentially burning the top layers of skin which are then replaced by healing with deeper healthier layers.

*Dermabrasion: This treatment is known to be very effective with acne scarring. A high speed brush is used to remove surface skin and change the form of scars. Shallow surface scars are eliminated while deeper scars are reduced in depth.

*Microdermabrasion: This procedure is similar to dermabrasion, but works at a shallower level. In this procedure, aluminum oxide crystals are used in a vacuum tube to remove surface skin. Only the cells on the outermost surface skin are sloughed off. Sometimes multiple procedures are required.

*Chemical Peels: This is a treatment where an acid solution is used to remove the damaged surface layers of skin. Chemical peels for acne are effective in enhancing and smoothing the texture of the skin. There are different types of chemical peels and depending on the type and severity of your scars, your dermatologist will recommend an appropriate chemical formula based on the characteristics of your skin and desired result. Often the solutions contain alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and other natural acids.

There are numerous options for acne scars removal and it is important to feel comfortable about which is appropriate for you. Remember that these treatments depend on the type of scars and the desires you wish to gain with the procedure. Some of these procedures can be abrasive and therefore it is also vital to take a look at your more natural options that can also promise great results.