Q.Pony tail palm
My pony tail palm grew next to a large white strelitzii and only got sun in the afternoon. After the strelitizii was removed, growth has been rapid and at the top is now growing well. Numerous pups have formed on the trunk and I don’t know whether to leave them or cut them off. if I do, what scarring will there be on the main trunk and will it regrow its “elephant skin” over the scars?

You can propagate the pups.
This article will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/propagating-ponytail-palm-pups.htm