How to Treat Every Type of Acne Scar
Acne may fade, but the scars it leaves behind can linger—both on your skin and your confidence. At Advanced Skin Clinic, we understand how frustrating acne scars can be. The good news? You don’t have to live with them. With the right treatment plan tailored to your skin and scar type, smoother, clearer skin is absolutely possible. What Causes Acne Scars? Acne scars form when breakouts damage the deeper layers of your skin. As your body heals, it produces collagen. If too much or too little collagen is produced, a scar forms. The type of scar depends on how your skin heals—and that’s why personalized treatment is so important.
Types of Acne Scars
- Ice pick scars: Deep, narrow holes.
- Boxcar scars: Broad, rectangular indentations.
- Rolling scars: Wavy, shallow depressions.
- Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars
Treatment for Ice pick acne scars:
Ice pick scars are among the most challenging acne scars to treat due to their depth and narrow shape—but with the right approach, they can be significantly improved. Here are the most effective treatment options:
1. Punch Excision: A small tool is used to surgically remove the scar, and the skin is then sutured or glued. This replaces the deep scar with a flatter, more subtle one.
2. Punch Grafting : For deeper scars, the scar is removed and replaced with a tiny skin graft (often from behind the ear). This helps raise the scar to the level of surrounding skin.
3. Laser Resurfacing :Fractional lasers like CO₂ or erbium YAG can help smooth the skin and stimulate collagen. While not ideal as a standalone for deep ice pick scars, they work well in combination with surgical methods.
4. Microneedling with RF :This technique uses tiny needles and radiofrequency to stimulate collagen deep in the skin. It’s less effective on its own for ice pick scars but can enhance results when combined with other treatments.
5. TCA CROSS (Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) :A high-concentration trichloroacetic acid is applied directly into the scar to stimulate collagen remodeling. It’s especially useful for narrow, deep scars and often done in multiple sessions.
Each treatment has its strengths, and often a combination approach yields the best results.
Treatment for Box type acne scar
Boxcar scars are shallow-to-medium depth acne scars with well-defined edges, often appearing as oval or round depressions. The good news? They respond well to several dermatological treatments—especially when tailored to the scar’s depth and your skin type. Here are the most effective options:
1. Microneedling (with or without RF) : Tiny needles create micro-injuries that stimulate collagen production. When combined with radiofrequency (RF), it penetrates deeper and enhances results. Best for mild to moderate boxcar scars.
2. Laser Resurfacing : Fractional CO₂ or erbium lasers remove damaged skin layers and boost collagen. This is ideal for moderate to deep scars and can significantly smooth skin texture over multiple sessions.
3. Chemical Peels : Medium-depth peels like TCA help exfoliate and regenerate skin. They’re especially effective for shallow boxcar scars and post-acne pigmentation.
4. Dermal Fillers :For deeper scars, fillers like hyaluronic acid or longer-lasting options like Bellafill can lift the depressed areas and improve skin contour.
5. Subcision : A minor surgical technique where a needle is inserted under the scar to break fibrous bands pulling the skin down. Often combined with fillers or lasers for enhanced results.
6. Dermabrasion : A mechanical exfoliation technique that removes the top skin layers. It’s more aggressive than microdermabrasion and best suited for well-defined, shallow scars.
A combination approach often yields the best results. If you’d like, I can help you turn this into a blog section or a client-friendly WhatsApp message that explains the options clearly and builds trust. Want to go that route?
Treatment For Rolling scars
Rolling scars are broad, shallow depressions with sloping edges—often giving the skin a wavy or uneven texture. The good news is they respond well to treatments that stimulate collagen and release the fibrous bands beneath the skin. Here are the most effective options:
1. Subcision : A minor surgical technique where a needle is inserted under the scar to break the fibrous bands pulling the skin down. It’s especially effective for rolling scars and often combined with fillers or microneedling for enhanced results.
2. Microneedling (with or without RF) : Tiny needles create controlled micro-injuries that trigger collagen production. When paired with radiofrequency (RF), it penetrates deeper and improves skin texture more dramatically.
3. Laser Resurfacing : Fractional CO₂ or erbium lasers remove damaged skin layers and stimulate collagen. This is ideal for moderate to deep rolling scars and can significantly smooth the skin over multiple sessions.
4. Dermal Fillers : Fillers like hyaluronic acid or longer-lasting options like Bellafill can lift the depressed areas, offering immediate improvement and supporting collagen remodeling over time.
5. Chemical Peels : Medium-depth peels (like TCA or Jessner’s solution) help exfoliate and regenerate skin. They’re more effective for mild rolling scars and post-acne pigmentation.
6. Dermabrasion : A mechanical exfoliation technique that removes the top skin layers. It’s more aggressive than microdermabrasion and best suited for well-defined, shallow scars
Best Treatments for Acne Scars
Chemical Peels
Dermal Fillers
Topical Treatments
Submissions
Micro needling
💡 What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling—also known as Collagen Induction Therapy—is a minimally invasive treatment that uses fine needles to create tiny, controlled punctures in the skin. These micro-injuries trigger your body’s natural healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production, which helps smooth out acne scars and improve overall skin texture.
💡 How It Helps with Acne Scars
Microneedling is especially effective for atrophic scars (like ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars). It works by:
- Breaking down scar tissue and encouraging new skin regeneration
- Filling in depressed scars with fresh collagen
- Improving skin tone and texture, including post-acne pigmentation
For deeper results, it’s often combined with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or vitamin C serums to boost healing and brightness.
💡 Benefits of Micro Needling
- Safe for all skin tones, including darker skin
- Minimal downtime (1–3 days of redness)
- Improves scars, pores, fine lines, and skin firmness
- Can be repeated every 4–6 weeks for cumulative results
💡 Side Effects & Aftercare
- Temporary redness, swelling, or mild bruising
- Avoid sun exposure, exfoliants, and makeup for 24–48 hours
- Use gentle skincare and SPF daily
What Is Laser Resurfacing?
💡 What Is Laser Resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing is an advanced dermatological procedure that uses focused beams of light to remove damaged skin layers and stimulate collagen production. It helps smooth out acne scars and improve overall skin tone and texture.
💡 How It Works for Acne Scars
Laser resurfacing targets acne scars in two key ways:
- Removes damaged skin: The laser gently vaporizes the outer layers of scarred skin, allowing new, smoother skin to regenerate.
- Boosts collagen: It stimulates collagen production deep within the skin, helping to fill in atrophic (depressed) scars like boxcar and rolling scars.
💡 Types of Laser Resurfacing
- Ablative Lasers (e.g., CO₂, Er:YAG):
Remove the top layer of skin. Best for deeper scars but require more downtime. - Non-Ablative Lasers (e.g., Pulsed Dye, Nd:YAG):
Heat the deeper layers without damaging the surface. Less downtime, ideal for mild to moderate scars and pigmentation.
Benefits
- Effective for boxcar, rolling, and pigmented scars
- Improves skin texture, tone, and firmness
- Can reduce redness and raised scars (with vascular lasers)
- Long-lasting results with proper care
Considerations
- Downtime: Ablative lasers may require 5–10 days of healing; non-ablative lasers have minimal downtime.
- Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results.
- Not ideal for active acne or very dark skin tones without expert supervision.
Chemical Peeling
💡 What Chemical Peel Do
Chemical peels work by exfoliating the top layers of skin using acids like glycolic, salicylic, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This process stimulates collagen production and encourages new, smoother skin to emerge.
💡 Useful in few Scar type
- Atrophic scars (like icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars): These can improve with multiple sessions of light to medium-depth peels.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Peels are especially effective at fading dark spots left behind after acne.
💡 Not Ideal For
- Hypertrophic or keloid scars: These raised scars don’t respond well to chemical peels and may require other treatments like laser or steroid injections.
Dermal Fillers
How They Work
Fillers are injected beneath the scar to lift and smooth the skin’s surface. Some also stimulate collagen production, helping improve skin texture over time.
Common Types of Fillers
- Hyaluronic Acid (e.g., Juvederm, Restylane): Temporary but natural-looking results.
- Poly-L-lactic Acid (e.g., Sculptra): Stimulates collagen for gradual improvement.
- PMMA with collagen (e.g., Bellafill): Long-lasting and FDA-approved specifically for acne scars.
- Autologous Fat Transfer: Uses your own fat for a more natural, longer-lasting result.
Best For
- Rolling scars and boxcar scars with volume loss.
- Clients seeking immediate improvement with minimal downtime.
Not Ideal For
- Icepick scars (too deep and narrow).
- Raised scars like keloids or hypertrophic scars.
What to Expect
- Quick in-clinic procedure (15–60 minutes).
- Minimal downtime—some swelling or bruising may occur.
- Results can last from 6 months to 5 years, depending on the filler type.
Why Personalized Treatment Matters
Every skin type and scar pattern is unique. That’s why we begin with a detailed consultation to assess your skin and create a customized treatment plan. Whether you need one solution or a combination, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
What to Expect During Treatment
Most acne scar treatments require multiple sessions. Some offer visible improvement quickly, while others work gradually. We’ll explain the process clearly and ensure your comfort throughout.
Aftercare and Maintenance
To maintain your results:
- Use sunscreen daily.
- Follow a gentle skincare routine.
- Avoid picking or squeezing blemishes.
We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions based on your treatment.