Are chemical peels really effective in treating scars?

Some help: Chemical peels do effectively "resurface" the skin from dead cells on the surface, and make it look more plump and smoother. In deep acne scars it is little help, as the chemicals follow the surface contours rather than plane them done like sanding (mechanical dermabrasion). Usually minor surface tightening can occur, which does mildly help the appearance of acne scars.

Not really: Chemical peels may be good for aiding in exfoliation or superficial pigmentation irregularities and very fine rhytids ( wrinkles) but are not otherwise effective for treatment of scars.

Depends...: A medical grade peel (one administered by a physician), is capable of improving scarring. A chemical peel administered by a aesthetician, while it can provide improvements in appearance, won't help much with a significant scar. Talk to your facial plastic surgeon about the best options and expectations for your appearance (peel, dermabrasion, scar revision, make up, etc).

Chemical peels: Scarring can be mild or severe. The treatment of choice is dermabrasion or laser. Chemical peels cannot achieve the same degree of improvement.