Yes. I think doctor is more safety and effective. I tried back treatment as you mentioned at a beauty salon when I was going to be a bride 6 yrs ago and the result was just OK. But comparing with my friend, her treatment was much more effective.
My back acne problems is most severe during my pregnancy. I started to use Kiehl's Tea Tree Body Cleanser 2 years ago and gradually recovered. Please try!
I've tried both acid treatment by doctor and normal salon treatment.
May be the acid was not strong enough, the result was just so so. The doctor also gave me mild acidic lotion to apply at home. However, it's so itchy so that I stopped using it after a while.
The salon back treatment that I'm having now has better result. (I've had 3 treatments so far). My husband said the makrs were a lot lighter and the back was whiter. I think I can easily cover the marks by powder or consealer if I need to show my back.
I went to a cheaper salon to do the back treatment. It's less than $200. If I do it at the one that I'm doing my facial, it'll cost over $400.