Acne scars

Acne Scars

Delayed or inadequate management of Acne will leads to acne scars

Acne scars develop when inflamed acne lesions damage the deeper layers of the skin. During the healing process, the body produces collagen to repair the damaged tissue. Too little or too much collagen production can result in visible scars.

Types of Acne Scars

1. Ice Pick Scars

Ice pick scars are deep, narrow, and sharply defined scars that extend into the deeper layers of the skin.

2. Boxcar Scars

Wide, U-shaped depressions with sharp, defined vertical edges.

3. Rolling Scars

Broad, wave-like depressions with sloped edges that make the skin look uneven.

4. Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

These are raised scars caused by excessive collagen production during healing. They are more common on the chest, shoulders, jawline, and back.

Why Early Acne Treatment Matters ?

Early treatment of active acne is the best way to prevent scarring.

Severe inflammatory acne, repeated picking or squeezing of pimples, and delayed treatment significantly increase the risk of permanent scars.

Acne Scar Treatment Options

Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy)

Microneedling involves the use of fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates the body's natural healing response and increases collagen production.

Benefits:

• Improves rolling and boxcar scars
• Enhances skin texture
• Little downtime

Microneedling Radiofrequency (MNRF)

Microneedling Radiofrequency combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate deeper collagen remodelling.

Benefits:

• Effective for moderate to severe acne scars
• Tightens skin
• Improves texture and pores

Fractional CO₂ Laser Resurfacing

Fractional CO₂ laser is considered one of the most effective treatments for acne scars. It creates microscopic treatment zones that stimulate collagen production and skin remodelling.

Benefits:

• Significant improvement in scar depth
• Smoothens skin texture
• Improves overall skin quality
• Long-lasting results

Several sessions may be required depending on scar severity.

Subcision

Subcision is a minor surgical procedure used primarily for rolling scars. A specialized needle is inserted beneath the scar to release fibrous bands that pull the skin downward.

Benefits:

• Excellent for tethered rolling scars
• Immediate lifting effect
• Often combined with fillers, microneedling, or laser treatments

TCA CROSS Technique

TCA CROSS (Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) is especially useful for ice pick scars.

Benefits:

• Targets deep, narrow scars
• Stimulates collagen formation

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP uses the patient's own growth factors obtained from a small blood sample. It is often combined with microneedling or laser procedures.

Benefits:

• Accelerates healing
• Enhances collagen production
• Improves overall skin quality

Combination Therapy: The Key to Better Results

No single treatment can address all acne scars. Most patients achieve the best results through a combination approach tailored to their specific scar types. For example:

• Subcision + Microneedling
• TCA CROSS + Fractional CO₂ Laser
• MNRF + PRP
• Laser Resurfacing + Chemical Peels

Combining treatments often provides greater improvement than using a single procedure alone.

Expert Acne Scar Care at SHUBHASHREE Skin and Hair Clinic

If you are struggling with acne scars, schedule a consultation with our Dermatologist Dr. Surendra Shrestha to discover the most suitable treatment options for your skin.

Frequently asked questions—Acne scar treatment