Acne.org is proud to present the first ever comprehensive guide to all available acne scar treatments, including how well they work, based on all available clinical studies.

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Compare Treatments

Acne
Scars
  • Indented Scars
  • Raised Scars
Good or Excellent Response
44%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
82%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Side Effects
Medium-High
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Good or Excellent Response
81%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
97%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Good or Excellent Response
70%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
91%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Side Effects
Medium
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Good or Excellent Response
87%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
100%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Good or Excellent Response
60%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
86%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Good or Excellent Response
80%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
98%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Side Effects
High
Reviews
2.4
89 Reviews
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Good or Excellent Response
20%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
80%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Side Effects
Medium
Reviews
3.4
60 Reviews
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Good or Excellent Response
74%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
100%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Side Effects
Medium
Reviews
3.4
30 Reviews
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Good or Excellent Response
66%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
73%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Side Effects
Medium
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Good or Excellent Response
33%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
72%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Side Effects
Medium-High
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Good or Excellent Response
14%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
60%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Good or Excellent Response
46%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
81%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Side Effects
Low-Medium
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Good or Excellent Response
27%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
57%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon.
Good or Excellent Response
13%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
49%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Side Effects
Low
Reviews
3.6
1118 Reviews
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon. Topical Treatments are also available over-the-counter.

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.