Acne scar removal
Updated: Oct 11
Treatment options for acne scars
Acne scars can affect appearance, comfort and everyday life. Some scars may itch or hurt. People seek advice at different ages and at different stages of scarring; the impact varies from person to person.
Acne scar treatment may involve several approaches. The choice, risks and likely benefit depend on the scars and the individual patient. Confirm which methods are available at the clinic during consultation.
What are acne scars?
Acne can leave depressed scars, including ice-pick, boxcar and rolling scars, or raised hypertrophic scars. Keloids occur less often in susceptible people. Flat red or pigmented marks also occur after acne and need to be distinguished from scars.
Flat red, pink, brown or lighter marks after acne are different from depressed or raised scars. Their colour alone does not establish the scar type or the treatment needed.
A treatment plan should reflect the scar types, skin, medical history and goals. There is no single approach that suits everyone.
Common problem
Impact on daily life
Acne scars can affect daily life; their impact varies from person to person.
Some patients feel dissatisfied with their appearance, experience anxiety or find social situations more difficult because of their scars.
Planning treatment for acne scars
After assessment, a doctor may discuss one method or a combination of methods. A combined course does not guarantee a particular degree of improvement or a lasting result. Possible approaches to discuss include:
Fractional ablative lasers, such as CO₂ and Er:YAG, and selected non-ablative fractional technologies,
Picosecond lasers may be considered for selected indications after individual assessment.
Nd:YAG and PDL lasers for vascular components,
Micro-ablation + fractional treatment for deep rolling and boxcar scars,
Additional methods to discuss
PRP (autoplasma therapy),
Microneedling,
TCA CROSS,
Additional methods, including injection treatments and subcision for deep scars.
The method is chosen according to scar type, skin and treatment goals. Recovery depends on the technology and treatment intensity; temporary visible skin changes may occur. The timing of return to work or study is discussed individually.
Why is early therapy important?
The timing of scar treatment is chosen individually, taking account of active acne, the skin's condition and previous treatment. Starting earlier does not by itself guarantee a faster or greater improvement. Older scars may also be treated; the methods and number of sessions depend on the assessment.
Safety and prognosis
Questions to discuss before acne scar treatment
What are the possible benefits, limitations and risks in your case?
How could the procedure affect the surrounding skin, and what recovery should you expect?
How will the risks of pigment changes, further scarring or worsening skin be assessed?
Questions about care at the clinic
Which device and method are proposed, and why are they appropriate for your case?
Who will perform the procedure, and what relevant training and experience do they have?
What evidence supports the proposed method, and what alternatives are available?
Diagnostics before treatment
Before creating a treatment plan, an in-person consultation is required, during which:
The type, depth, and stage of the scars are assessed
Ask at consultation whether any of these investigations is indicated and available in your case:
Digital dermatoscopy
UV-light examination
Infrared imaging
Ultrasound of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
Assessment helps discuss suitable options and their limitations; it cannot predict an exact result.
How many procedures will be required?
The number of procedures and the intervals depend on the method, healing and response. Agree an individual plan with the treating doctor and review it as treatment progresses; a fixed course does not suit every patient.
The number and depth of the scars,
Their location (cheeks, chin, back, etc.),
The patient’s age and skin type,
What affects the result
Results vary. At consultation, discuss your goals, possible improvement, limitations, risks and recovery. Photographs can illustrate visible differences but cannot predict your result or confirm the treatment history without supporting records.
Further reading
Read Dr. Uskov’s blog on his website 👉 scarsinfo.com — here you will find detailed articles, treatment plans and procedure results.
Book a consultation
If acne scars cause discomfort, a consultation can help you discuss treatment, expected changes and its limitations. Restoration of the skin's original appearance cannot be guaranteed.
