Acne Scar Types
Icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars each respond differently to treatment -- accurate classification matters more than the specific product used.
Book an Acne Scar EvaluationNot sure what type of acne scarring you have?
Most people have a mixture of scar types rather than one uniform pattern -- an evaluation identifies the specific combination present on your skin.
Know your scar type and looking for the right treatment?
We'll match treatment to your specific scar pattern rather than applying a single generic protocol.
What Is It?
Acne scarring typically presents as one of three recognized patterns, often in combination rather than in isolation: icepick scars, which are narrow and deep; boxcar scars, which are broader with sharply defined edges; and rolling scars, which are broad with sloping edges that give the skin an uneven, wave-like texture. Each pattern responds differently to available treatments, which is why classifying the specific type — or combination of types — present matters more here than almost anywhere else in cosmetic dermatology.
A treatment that meaningfully improves rolling scars, for instance, may do very little for icepick scars, so an accurate evaluation of your specific scarring pattern is the necessary first step before choosing a treatment course.
Risk Factors
- History of moderate to severe acne, particularly cystic or nodular acne
- Delayed treatment of active acne
- Picking or squeezing acne lesions
Symptoms
- Icepick scars: narrow, deep, pitted marks
- Boxcar scars: broad depressions with sharply defined edges
- Rolling scars: broad depressions with sloping, less defined edges, giving skin an uneven, wave-like texture
Treatment
- Chemical Peels: Most effective for superficial scarring and overall texture improvement across all scar types.
- Microneedling: Particularly useful for rolling and boxcar scars, stimulating the skin's own collagen response.
Our Specialists
Book an Acne Scar Evaluation
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