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Acne Scar Treatment
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  • Acne Scar Treatment
  • Acne Scar Treatment
  • Acne Scar Treatment
Acne Scar Treatment

Acne Scar Treatment

Acne scarring occurs in the dermis when inflammation from acne triggers the body to produce excess collagen during the healing process, leading to permanent pits or indentations like ice pick scars. In some cases, the result is not a true scar but excess pigmentation, which may fade over time without being permanent. Various treatments are available to remove or fade scar tissue by targeting the external layers of the skin.

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Before - After
What causes acne scars to form?

Scars form when severe, deep acne inflammation damages the underlying skin tissue. Atrophic scars result from inflammation destroying collagen and sometimes fat in the affected skin area. Conversely, if the body produces too much collagen while healing, a raised scar develops. Genetic predisposition and popping or picking at pimples dramatically increase your risk.

What are the main types of acne scars?
  • Ice Pick Scars: Narrow, deep, V-shaped punctures that look like the skin was pierced with a sharp object.
  • Boxcar Scars: Round or oval depressions featuring sharp, steeply defined vertical edges.
  • Rolling Scars: Wide, shallow depressions with sloping borders that give the skin a wavy, undulating texture.
  • Hypertrophic / Keloid Scars: Thick, firm, raised bumps that stand out above the skin surface.
Are red and dark marks considered permanent scars?

No. Red or pink marks (Post-Inflammatory Erythema) and brown marks (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) are pigmentation changes, not structural tissue damage. They usually fade over several months with targeted topical skincare, including sun protection.

Can the products clear deep acne scars?

No. At-home creams cannot remodel deep structural collagen. However, products containing retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) speed up surface cell turnover to smooth mild texturing and fade lingering dark marks.

What are the best clinical procedures for indented scars?
  • Laser Resurfacing: Fractional CO2 or Erbium lasers create controlled micro-channels to stimulate intensive new collagen growth.
  • Microneedling / RF Microneedling: Punctures the skin with tiny needle soften enhanced with radiofrequency heat to smooth out texture.
  • Subcision: A specialized needle breaks apart the fibrous tissue bands, pulling rolling scars downward, lifting the skin surface.
  • TCA CROSS: High-strength trichloroacetic acid is applied directly inside deep ice pick scars to prompt localized healing.
  • Dermal Fillers: Injectable gels temporarily plump up and smooth out sunken boxcar or rolling scars.
How are raised scars treated?

Raised scars require flattening therapies rather than resurfacing. Injecting steroids into some types of raised scars can improve the appearance of your skin as they soften dense fibrous tissue. Cryosurgery, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and shrink tissue, is another standard approach.
Is there significant downtime after scar treatments?

Downtime ranges from zero to two weeks depending entirely on treatment intensity. Mild microneedling results in 24 to 48 hours of slight redness, while aggressive ablative laser resurfacing or deep chemical peels can cause a week or more of peeling, oozing, and swelling.

What does the typical aftercare routine look like?
  • Cleanse the treated area using only cool water and a very mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
  • Apply plain moisturizers or occlusive ointments to keep the skin barrier perfectly hydrated.
  • Use a broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen daily to block UV rays from locking in dark hyperpigmentation.
  • Do not use retinols, exfoliating acids, or vitamin C until your dermatologist explicitly clears you.
  • Never pick at peeling skin, scabs, or flakes, as doing so will cause worse scarring and potential infection.
When will I see final results from my treatment?

Rebuilding collagen is a gradual physiological process. While minor surface smoothing shows within weeks, true sub-surface remodeling takes months. Acne scar improvement can be a journey of a year or more, where scarred skin is encouraged to rebuild itself, usually requiring 3 to 6 sessions spaced out over time.

Frequently asked questions

Is it painful?

By cooling the skin prior, during, and after treatment most patients do not find this procedure painful, although in some cases there might be a minimum amount of discomfort. The feeling has often been described as being snapped by a rubber band on your skin. For patients that are extra sensitive to pain we can prescribe a topical anaesthetic cream to be applied 45 minutes before coming in for the procedure. Patients with more severe acne scars who require deeper laser treatments may also be given prescription medication to use prior to the procedure to minimize the pain.
How long after the treatment will it take for me to see results?

Since acne scar therapy can employ a number of different procedures the time it takes for a patient to see results will vary. Generally, patients will see minimal improvement after the first treatment; however, they will notice gradual improvement with each subsequent treatment and even up to 6 months after the last treatment. Most patients will see a significant improvement after 3-4 treatments spanning about a 4 month period.
Am I allowed to use makeup to cover the treated areas?

Since most acne scar therapies are non-ablative, there is no problem using makeup to cover the treated area immediately after having a procedure performed. However, most patients find no need to use makeup after a treatment since the treatments generally are not noticeable.
Is there any special skin care regimen I must follow after receiving acne scar therapy?

We recommend the use of a sunscreen lotion with an SPF of at least 25 and either a copper peptide topical cream or L-ascorbic acid cream twice a day for the treated area. Specific copper peptide creams have been proven effective at accelerating the healing process and aiding in the generation of collagen. Additionally, we advocate adopting a good skin care regimen which includes the use of at least a moisturizer that contains a UVA and UVB sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Any glycolic or retin-A products should be discontinued several days pre and post laser procedures.
How long do I have to wait between procedures?

In most cases patients may schedule treatment sessions as close as 2 weeks apart. Depending on the acne scar therapy the doctor chooses patients may find they need to wait up to 4 weeks between treatments.
How long do I have to wait between procedures?

In most cases patients may schedule treatment sessions as close as 2 weeks apart. Depending on the acne scar therapy the doctor chooses patients may find they need to wait up to 4 weeks between treatments.
Do I have to stop any acne medications I am currently on?

No, you don’t have to stop oral antibiotics or topical agents if you still have acne lesions on top of previous scars. However, for most procedures for the semi-ablative procedures for severe acne scars you will need to stop the use of any retin-A or glycolic products during the entire healing process.

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