What it is
After a pimple heals it can leave a flat brown or red mark (post-inflammatory change) or a scar, a permanent change in the skin’s surface such as a small pit or depression.
Flat marks often improve gradually with sun protection and treatment; textured scars usually need procedures to soften their appearance.
Common factors
- Deep or inflamed acne
- Delay in treating active acne
- Picking or squeezing pimples
- Skin type: darker skin tones are more prone to lasting dark marks
When to see a dermatologist
- Marks are not fading after several months
- You notice pits or texture changes
- You still have active acne. Controlling it comes first
At your consultation
- 1The doctor checks whether acne is still active and whether you have marks, scars or both.
- 2Scar types are identified, because different scar types respond to different approaches.
- 3Options, the number of sessions and realistic expectations are discussed before anything is started.
Options that may be considered
Which, if any, is right for you is decided by the doctor after examining you.
- Treating any active acne first
- Topical treatment and strict sun protection for marks
- Chemical peelsVerify: Listed on directory profiles; confirm availability at the clinic.
- Dermabrasion or resurfacing procedures, for textured scarsVerify: Listed on directory profiles; confirm availability at the clinic.
- Laser resurfacingVerify: Listed on directory profiles; confirm availability at the clinic.
Realistic expectations
- Scar treatments aim to improve how scars look, not to erase them.
- Most approaches need several sessions spaced weeks apart.
- The doctor will explain downtime and aftercare for any procedure beforehand.
Questions
Can acne scars be removed completely?
Usually not. Treatments can make scars noticeably less visible, and the doctor will be honest about what is realistic for your skin.