FOR SOME OF US, SIGNS OF ACNE can linger long after the bumps are gone. The good news is that several different treatments can improve acne scars, giving you a smooth, clear complexion. Laser resurfacing, fat injections and excisions are possible ways to improve acne scars.

(RECOVERY TIME: SUTURES CAN COME OUT IN SIX TO SEVEN DAYS)

Acne, caused when clogged hair follicles burst, can cause permanent scarring. Raised scars occur when the body produces too much collagen in response to the lesion.

The more-common pick marks or crater-like scars occur when the collagen contracts or does not completely grow back. The ultra pulse carbon dioxide laser is a safe, effective way to reduce acne scars.

Deep acne scars appear when collagen does not grow back after a pimple heals or when the collagen contracts. Fat injections and dermal fillers can raise and smooth these low scars so that they blend into the surrounding skin.

Certain acne or ice pick scars will not respond to laser resurfacing, dermal filler treatments or fat injections. In one session, however, Dr. Rotter can completely excise one or several of these scars. After this procedure, which requires local anesthesia, your scar will approximate a flat line, nearly level with your skin surface.