Acne scars, a painful result of acne, cause not just physical pain, but emotional damage as well. Many people living with acne scars feel embarrassed about their appearance and may experience lowered self-esteem and depression as a result of living with acne scars. Acne scars can become worse with age as your skin loses collagen and its natural volume. For many years, the only treatments available for treating acne scars were invasive and minimally effective. There was not much hope for people who suffered from acne scars.
Quick Facts About Acne Scar Treatment
- Minimally invasive or non-invasive options
- Restore self-confidence
- Glowing, smooth skin
- Prevent future breakouts
Today’s Best Options for Acne Scar Removal
Lasers, RF microneedling, subcision (acne scar surgery), and other light-based technologies like IPL all treat different types of acne scar symptoms, including pigmentation, texture, and tone concerns. Most patients experience a variety of these symptoms, and their best results come from combining a few different effective acne scar treatments. Reflections offers all of the most advanced acne scar removal technologies and specializes in selecting the right course of treatment for the individual’s skin.
RF Microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling (RF microneedling), also known s collagen induction therapy, is a breakthrough technology that delivers energy below the skin’s surface, protecting the top layer of skin from the risk of pigment changes, while repairing and restoring the collagen layer below. It’s a highly effective way to treat acne scars. Renewed collagen will fill in gaps and repair irregular scar tissues in the skin’s structural support layers as the skin heals. This precise delivery of energy below the skin’s surface allows us to reduce the risk of pigmentation, even in tan, olive, and dark skin tones, which may be more prone to developing hyperpigmentation (dark or red spots) and hypopigmentation (white spots) with other treatments.
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Fraxel Re:Store
The Fraxel Re: Store Dual laser produces thousands of tiny columns of microscopic treatment zones deep in your skin. The laser is so precise that its energy penetrates the non-living protective barrier of the skin, called the stratum corneum, as if it were a window, and leaves it completely intact. For every micro-thermal zone the laser targets and treats intensively, it leaves the surrounding tissue unaffected and intact. This fractional treatment approach allows the skin to heal much faster than if all the skin was treated at once. Following each treatment, the body’s natural healing process creates new healthy tissue to improve acne scars and skin imperfections.
Fraxel Re: Store produces a gentle remodeling of collagen under your skin’s surface for a period of six months or more. The range of treatments is three to six, normally spaced two to four weeks apart. Results become apparent after the second treatment and continue for a period of six months after the last treatment.
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Fraxel Re: Pair
Fraxel Re: Pair is a fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser skin resurfacing system that treats the underlying tissues for a smoother appearance. It vaporizes microscopic amounts of tissue deep in the skin without harming the healthy surrounding tissue. This stimulates your body to produce new collagen, which tightens and smooths the skin and diminishes even deeper scars for a younger, healthier appearance.
Fraxel Re: Pair usually requires only one to two treatments and is a more aggressive approach to resurfacing the skin. The laser vaporizes tissue, removing old, damaged skin and allowing for new collagen formation. The downtime of the Fraxel Re: Pair is longer than Fraxel Re: Store, varying from four to seven days. Improvement is noted right away, though ultimate results can be expected within three to six months. Your physician will decide which Fraxel approach is right for you based on the type of scars you have.
Learn MoreeTwo
eTwo (formerly eMatrix) uses radiofrequency (RF) waves to treat your skin from the inside out, targeting mild acne scarring at its root. The energy goes deep beneath the skin’s surface to stimulate the development of new collagen, adding volume to the skin and making it smoother and more resilient. The energy penetrates your skin’s top layer without overheating it. This technology, known as sublative rejuvenation, requires no downtime so you will be back to your daily activities right away.
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VBeam Perfecta
Vbeam Perfecta is a pulsed dye laser that targets the redness associated with acne scars. Redness from acne scars is caused by tiny broken capillaries that develop at the site of a healed acne lesion. More common to newer acne scars, the red color can be very hard to conceal. Vbeam targets these broken capillaries and makes the small vessels coagulate, which are then reabsorbed by the body, effectively removing the redness. Vbeam is often used in combination with other lasers that smooth out depressed scars, such as the Fraxel or Smoothbeam laser.
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Smoothbeam
Smoothbeam is a popular diode laser used for treating acne that also has a positive impact on acne scars. Smoothbeam sends energy deep below the skin stimulating collagen and smoothing the skin’s surface. A cooling spray prepares the treatment area, making the procedure very comfortable. Smoothbeam is extremely gentle and does not remove any of the skin’s surface during the treatment. After a series of Smoothbeam treatments, acne and acne scars improve and the skin’s surface becomes noticeably smoother. No downtime is required.
Learn MoreBellafill
Other exciting developments in the treatment of acne scars include utilizing the dermal filler Bellafill to stretch or fill out scars or to replace volume loss under your skin to improve the overall appearance of a scar. Dermal fillers require no downtime and yield excellent, consistent results that we only dreamed of years ago. For some patients, we will combine the laser treatment with dermal fillers to help fill in and restore scarred skin. Sometimes, dermal fillers are combined with subcision or the process of freeing up scar depressions using instruments under local anesthesia.
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Microneedling
Microneedling has a set of adjustable microneedles that penetrate to a controlled depth in the dermis (skin), stimulating the creation of new collagen and elastin under the skin. Dermapen also promotes the growth of new capillaries, improving the blood supply to the area and creating healthier skin. The treatment is comfortable, quick, and requires little to no downtime. A typical Dermapen treatment regimen consists of four to six sessions spaced one month apart.
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TCA Cross
TCA CROSS (trichloroacetic acid chemical reconstruction of skin scars) is used to treat icepick acne scars. A specially designed applicator is used to apply a small amount of TCA into the base of each scar, stimulating collagen renewal and decreasing the depth of these problematic depressions. TCA CROSS is provided in a series of treatments, spaced a few weeks apart and requires little to no downtime.
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Surgical Procedures
Surgical procedures for acne scars are less common due to innovations in laser and dermal filler treatments. However, some ice-pick scars may need to be removed by punch excision, where the scar is excised down to the lower layer of subcutaneous fat, a procedure that leaves a small hole in the skin. These holes are then repaired with sutures or with a small skin graft, where the skin is harvested from another part of the body.
Learn More| Treatment | Cost | Invasiveness/discomfort | Downtime | How it Works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCA Cross | $200 - $400 per Treatment, Multiple Sessions Recommended reduced Package Pricing Available | Topcial Application of a Solution Directly Into the Icepick Scar. Some Mild Stinging Is Expected. No Numbing Needed | Immediate White Frost, Followed by Redness for a Few Days That Can Be Covered by Makeup | Improves and Remodels Ice Pick (and Some Box Car) Scars Using a Carefully Applied Strong Chemical Solution Directly Into the Scar |
| Microneedling | $450 - $600 per Treatment, Multiple Sessions Recommended reduced Package Pricing Available | Numbing Cream | Amount of Redness/swelling Depends on Nature of Scars and Depth of Microneedling | Micro-needling Performed by Physicians Is Deep Enough to Remodel Scar Tissue from Acne Scars at up to 4mm Deep - Unlike Microneedling Performed by Nurses or Aestheticians; Skin Texture Is Smoothed by Breaking up Scar Tissue and Initiating Self-healing Processes in Skin |
| Fraxel Dual Restore | $600 - $1,000 per Treatment, Multiple Sessions Recommended reduced Package Pricing Available | Medium-intensity Laser; Topical Numbing Used | Initial Redness and Then Flaking for Around 3-7 Days. Makeup Can Be Applied the Day Following Treatment | Fractional Laser Treatment Improves Acne Scars Through Skin Resurfacing. Energy Delivered Initiates a Healting Response That Generates New Collagen and Elastin. Can Apply Prp, Biostimulators or Exosomes for Enhanced Results. |
| RF Microneedling | $600 - $1,500 per Treatment, Multiple Sessions Recommended reduced Package Pricing Available | Medium-to-high Intensity Microneedling With Radiofrequency; Topical And/or Injection Numbing Used | Mild Redness and Swelling, Typically 1-4 Days. If Prp Is Injected During Same Visit, Higher Potential for Bruising. | Fractional RF Microneedling Improves Appearance of Acne Scars Through Healing Response Initiated by Repeated Microneedle Punctures to Skin. Safe for Use on All Skin Types. Can Add Prp, Biostimulators or Exosomes for Enhanced Results. |
| CO2 Laser (eco2 or Fraxel Re:pair) | $400 - $5,000 per Treatment reduced Package Pricing Available | High Intensity Laser Resurfacing - Topical And/or Injection Numbing | Redness, Crusting, and Swelling Expected for 7 - 10 Days, Which Will Be Difficult to Cover With Makeup | Intense Lasers for Skin Resurfacing, Improve Texture and Elasticity of Skin. Can Be Performed in Isolated Areas of Face. Not Safe for Darker Skin. |
| Concentrated Platelet Therapy | $400 - 900 as an Add-on to Other Procedures | Blood Drawn for Concentration; Injection or Topical Application of Platelets; Numbing Cream or Injections Used | Reduces Downtime of Main Procedure | Added on to Laser or Microneedling Treatments to Speed Recovery and Boost Results |
| Vbeam Laser | $450 - $650 Per Treatment, May Require Multiple Sessions | Medium Intensity Laser Treatment With Cold Numbing Spray (No Additional Numbing Required) | Some Transient Redness and Swelling, Occasionally Some Isolated Bruising | Targets Dilated Blood Vessels Causing Redness in Scars. |
Subcision |
$400 - $1,500 per Treatment, Multiple Sessions may be Recommended | Mechanical Surgical Break-up of Scars; Injection or Topical Numbing | Redness, Swelling, and Bruising May Last 1 Week and Can Be Covered Paritally With Makeup | Mechanical, Surgical Breaking up of Individual Scars Using a Needle or Surgical Instrument. Can Do to Individual Scars or Regionally |
| Filler Injections | $650 - $1050 per Sryinge | Numbing Injections | Minor Swelling and Bruising Possible, but Generally Very Mild and May Not Noticeable After 24-48 Hours | Fillers Placed Behind Indented Scars to Lift Skin and Create Smooth Complexion |
| HA Rejuve™ Micro-Injections | $1250 - $1750 per Treatment | Numbing Cream | Pinpoint Bleeding During Procedure; Redness and Swelling Can Last up to 5-7 Days | Micro-injected Antioxidant Mix Used to Resurface the Skin |
Cellular Messenger Directives |
$300 - $600 as an Add-on to Other Procedures | Topical Application During Resurfacing Procedure | Reduces Downtime of Main Procedure | Added on to Laser or Microneedling Treatments to Speed Recovery and Boost Results |
| Biostimulation With Radiesse and Sculptra | $850 - $1,050 per Treatment, Multiple Sessions are usually Recommended | Injection And/or Topical Application of Biostimulating Fillers | Potential for Mild Bruising and Swelling for Few Days | Injections With These Fillers Stimulate the Body to Grow New Collagen, Repairing and Remodeling the Skin |
“"I’m 24 and I had really bad acne growing up, so I went to Reflections for their Acne Scarring Treatment which has basically gotten rid of all my scars from my acne during my teenage years."”
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“Dr. Chasin was professional and informative. Helped me make some good decisions for my acne scarring. ”
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“I have multiple types of scars on my face-adult acne with ice pick scars and tethering scars....He performed this one month ago and my results are show-stopping - I now have soft, smooth skin and it's only been 5 weeks. I will continue to get more improvements over the next 8 months....”
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View More Acne Scars Treatment Before & Afters
More Before & Afters
Why Choose Reflections Center For Acne Scar Treatment
No matter what type of acne scars you have and no matter how long you have had them, the doctors at Reflections will customize a treatment plan to address your current acne scars and prevent future scarring. If you are fed up with your acne scars, contact us today to make an appointment to speak with one of our doctors and find out which of the great innovations in acne treatment available at Reflections might be right for you.
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Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions About Acne Scar Treatment
- How does laser treatment help acne scarring?
Acne scars from icepick to boxcar to rolling types form when an acne breakout triggers the body’s inflammatory response to the point where collagen, one of the building blocks of the skin, thickens and becomes deformed. This damage can also be brought on or made worse by the picking, squeezing, and popping that often accompanies active acne. Laser treatments stimulate the production of new collagen, smoothing out your skin, and restoring its appearance and texture.
The effectiveness of your treatment lies in choosing the laser that is right for your skin type and the nature of your scars. The experienced physicians at Reflections have assembled the most advanced lasers in the world for treating acne scars. With more choices than any other facility in the state, our doctors can tailor a treatment to your individual needs, your budget, and your ability for downtime.
- What should I expect during laser acne scar treatment?
Laser or light therapy treatments are typically used in conjunction with topical and oral medications. Most of these treatments require only topical anesthesia, and typically you can go right back to work or school shortly after the treatment. Our highly skilled physicians limit their practice exclusively to cosmetic medicine and conduct treatments in our comfortable state of the art office. We will customize your treatment plan for your type of acne scars and skin and will most likely include a series of laser or light treatments conducted over three to six months.
- What should I expect during dermal filler treatment?
Dermal fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse, which are the tools of choice to enhance facial volume and fill in deep lines, can also be injected under the skin to stretch and fill out certain types of superficial and deep soft acne scars. Cosmetic benefits from filler injection are long-lasting. When indicated, dermal fillers can be performed in conjunction with laser treatments for optimal results. At Reflections, we blend lidocaine into all of our dermal fillers for the most comfortable treatment experience possible.
- What is the most effective treatment for acne scars?
Ultimately, the best treatment for acne scars depends on the type and severity of the scars. Common treatments may include subcision, radiofrequency energy, laser therapy, microneedling, dermal fillers, fat transfer, and surgical excision.
- Which acne scars are the hardest to treat?
Boxcar and ice pick acne scars are often considered the most difficult to treat. Boxcar scars are wide depressions with sharply defined edges, while ice pick scars are deep, narrow scars. They can be challenging to address due to their depth and need for specialized treatment techniques. Thankfully, our team has the skills and technology to effectively treat both of these types of scars.
- Does picking or popping your pimples cause scars?
Popping or picking at your pimples can increase your risk of developing acne scars. This is because, when you pick or squeeze a pimple, you can cause damage to the surrounding skin, resulting in inflammation and scarring.
- How many treatments are needed for acne scar removal?
The number of acne scar removal treatments will ultimately depend on factors such as the severity of the scars, the treatment method, and your skin’s individual response. Our team will create a personalized treatment plan based on your skincare needs.
- Is there any long-term maintenance after acne scar treatment?
Following acne scar removal treatment, it is important to follow a skincare routine to maintain results and prevent new scars from forming. This may include using gentle cleansers, applying sunscreen daily, avoiding picking at any new pimples, and following up with a dermatologist for regular skin evaluations.
Dr. Mitchell Chasin is a Cosmetic & Laser Physician at Reflections Center. Dr. Chasin believes strongly that the best cosmetic physicians are those who are dedicated to mastering their craft through continuing education and collaboration with the industry’s top doctors.
