How to Treat Acne Scars: Match the Method to the Scar Type
Why no single machine fixes every scar — and how doctors combine release, rebuild and resurface.
Quick answer
How should acne scars be treated?
Acne-scar treatment starts by identifying whether scars are rolling, boxcar, ice-pick or mixed. Tethered scars may need subcision, while selected texture or pigment concerns may be addressed with laser or another method. No single procedure suits every scar, and improvement, recovery and the number of sessions depend on scar structure, skin response and the plan chosen after examination.
- Suitable for
- People with atrophic acne scars after the scar type and tethering are assessed.
- What to expect
- The aim is shallower, less visible scars; completely smooth skin cannot be guaranteed.
- Risks
- Bruising, redness, irritation, infection or pigment change vary by procedure and skin.
- Downtime
- Subcision may bruise; laser may cause temporary redness or sensitivity. Recovery is individual.
- When to see a doctor
- Seek assessment before choosing a method, and contact the clinic for worsening pain, swelling, wounds or colour change.
Acne scars are one of the most searched — and most misunderstood — skin concerns. The truth doctors know: no single laser or procedure fixes every scar, because "acne scars" are actually several different structures. Matching the method to the scar type is what separates visible results from wasted sessions.
The three scar types
- Rolling — wide, wave-like dips tethered by fibrous bands underneath
- Boxcar — sharp-edged, flat-bottomed depressions
- Ice-pick — narrow, deep pits that look like enlarged pores
Most faces have a mix of all three — which is exactly why single-method plans disappoint.
Why scars do not fade on their own
When deep acne heals, it destroys collagen and can leave fibrous bands pulling the surface down. Skin does not regenerate that lost volume by itself — the depression is structural. That is why creams alone cannot lift a true scar: the fix has to release the tether and rebuild the collagen beneath.
Treat the structure, not just the surface — release what pulls down, rebuild what was lost.
The main methods, and what each is for
- Subcision — releases fibrous tethers beneath suitable rolling scars
- RedTouch Pro — a 675 nm laser used in plans focused on collagen and texture; recovery varies by settings and skin
- Pico Majesty — may be considered for selected post-acne pigment and overall tone after diagnosis
- Juvelook — an injectable biostimulator that may support selected depressed scars while stimulating collagen
When a combination plan may be considered
When scars have more than one component, a doctor may sequence procedures with different purposes: releasing selected tethered scars, supporting collagen remodelling and addressing suitable surface or pigment concerns. The order and combination depend on examination and skin response.
Sessions, downtime & honest timelines
Collagen remodelling takes time. The number of sessions, interval, recovery and degree of improvement vary with scar type, depth, skin response and the selected procedure. Your doctor should set an individual plan after examination.
For a focused comparison, read RedTouch Pro vs Pico Majesty.
The short version
- Identify the scar type first — rolling, boxcar and ice-pick may need different tools.
- A combination plan may be considered when scars have more than one component.
- Results and timelines vary; follow-up is part of the treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can acne scars be removed completely?+
Treatment aims to make suitable scars shallower and less visible, but it cannot guarantee completely smooth skin. The expected change depends on scar type, depth and individual response.
Where should I start?+
With a doctor assessment of your scar mix. Tethered rolling scars usually start with subcision, then collagen-building laser.
Is there downtime?+
Recovery depends on the method, settings and individual skin response. Subcision may cause bruising; laser treatment can cause temporary redness or sensitivity. Follow the clinician's instructions.
How long until I see results?+
The timeline varies with scar type, depth, procedure and individual response. Collagen remodelling is gradual, so the doctor will assess progress at follow-up rather than promise a fixed timeline.
