Acne scars on the face usually extend into the deeper layers of the skin and only surgery can improve the condition.
Mechanical sanding is used first, shallower scars and previously sanded scars are then softened by surface laser evaporation of the skin surface.
Small areas can be treated on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia, for larger areas a short general anaesthesia is required.
The healing time is about 10 to 12 days.
If the skin is in a very bad shape it can be improved by repeated laser procedures at intervals of 6 months.