Acne Scar Treatment

Acne scarring comes in several distinct patterns — icepick scars (narrow and deep), boxcar scars (broad with defined edges), and rolling scars (broad with sloping edges) — and each responds differently to the treatments available. A treatment that improves rolling scars well may do very little for icepick scars, which is why an accurate diagnosis of scar type matters more here than almost anywhere else in dermatology.

We’re upfront about what’s realistically achievable: acne scar treatments improve the appearance and texture of scarring — often meaningfully — but complete removal is not a realistic claim for established scarring, and we won’t tell you otherwise to sell a procedure.

What to Expect at Your Visit

We’ll examine your scarring closely to classify the types present, since most people have a mixture rather than one uniform pattern, and discuss which treatments are most likely to help your specific combination. We’ll also confirm that your active acne is adequately controlled, since starting scar treatment while acne is still flaring risks creating new scars during the same treatment period.

Treatment Approach

Chemical peels work well for superficial scarring and overall texture improvement, typically requiring a course of sessions spaced several weeks apart. Microneedling stimulates the skin’s own collagen production and is particularly useful for rolling and boxcar scars. For more pronounced or mixed scarring, a combination of procedures over an extended treatment course tends to produce better results than relying on one technique alone.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Most patients see meaningful, visible improvement in scar texture and appearance over a course of treatment — but scar treatment is a gradual process measured in months, not a single dramatic procedure, and different scar types have different ceilings on how much improvement to expect. We discuss this honestly at your evaluation so you can decide whether to proceed with clear expectations.