I think scarring isn't an automatic result of popping pimples, but you do need to take care.

Steaming the face first, to soften the skin and relax the tiny muscles, will help prevent scarring, as long as you aren't dealing with cystic acne or really deep blackheads. There is a chance that the contents of the pimple will create problems in skin that has contact with them as the reaction may spread, so you have to be sure to keep everything neatly contained!