Acne Scar Treatments: Types, Effectiveness, And Safety

Acne scars, though small, can be a persistent concern that significantly affects one’s confidence. While some individuals may find that superficial acne scars fade naturally with proper skincare, deeper scars that penetrate the dermis (Dermis) can be more challenging to treat. These often require professional medical intervention. In this article, Bin Haider Clinic will discuss the causes of acne scars and the various treatment methods available, focusing on their effectiveness and safety.

What Causes Acne Scars?

Acne scars result from inflammatory acne that damages collagen and elastin in the skin. The body’s natural healing process typically replaces damaged skin with new cells. However, in cases of severe inflammation, collagen and elastin loss can lead to incomplete wound healing, resulting in permanent scars.

Several factors contribute to acne scar formation, including genetic predisposition, improper skin care routines (such as using oil-based cleansers or excessive scrubbing), and prolonged exposure to UV radiation, which depletes collagen and elastin levels.

Types Of Acne Scar Treatments And Their Suitability

( Rolling Scar )
( Boxcar Scar )
( Ice Pick Scar )

1. Topical Creams And Serums

One of the most accessible and convenient acne scar treatments involves using topical skincare products, which are readily available on the market. These products contain active ingredients that promote skin regeneration, boost collagen production, and reduce inflammation. Some formulations also include exfoliating agents to enhance skin brightness.

Bin Haider Clinic strongly recommends consistent use of these products for at least 4–6 weeks to observe noticeable improvements. Key ingredients include:

• Retinoids
  Stimulate collagen production, accelerate cell turnover, and prevent clogged pores, leading to smoother skin and reduced scarring.

• Vitamin C
  Enhances collagen synthesis, reduces melanin production, fades post-acne hyperpigmentation, and minimizes inflammation.

• AHA/BHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid And Beta Hydroxy Acid)
  Exfoliate dead skin cells, stimulate collagen production, and reduce clogged pores, aiding in overall skin renewal.

• Centella Asiatica
  Encourages collagen formation, accelerates wound healing, and soothes irritated skin.

Note: Individuals with sensitive, dry, or excessively oily skin should select products suitable for their skin type to avoid irritation. Topical treatments are most effective for mild, superficial acne scars.

2. Dermal Fillers

Injectable dermal fillers are a popular and relatively safe option for improving the appearance of deep acne scars. These substances naturally dissolve within 6–12 months and include:

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers
  Restore volume to indented scars while also hydrating and tightening the skin. Results are noticeable immediately and peak within 1–3 months.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
  Involves injecting plasma derived from the patient’s blood to stimulate collagen production and skin healing. Noticeable improvements typically appear after 3–4 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart.

While dermal fillers effectively smooth out acne scars, they require periodic maintenance. Potential side effects include mild redness, swelling, or, in rare cases, infection due to unsterile equipment.

3. Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliation technique that removes the outermost layer of skin to promote collagen regeneration. This procedure is performed using a specialized medical device and is categorized into:

• Microdermabrasion
  Utilizes fine crystals or a diamond-tip instrument to exfoliate dead skin cells. Mild redness and peeling may occur post-treatment.

• Microneedling
  Employs fine needles (0.5–2 mm) to create micro-injuries, stimulating collagen and elastin production. Redness and swelling are common side effects, and multiple sessions are required for optimal results.

Note: This method may not be suitable for individuals with sensitive skin, as it can cause irritation and temporary skin thinning.

4. Chemical Peels

Chemical peeling involves applying acids such as TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid), AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), or Salicylic Acid to accelerate skin turnover and improve skin texture. While effective for moderate-to-severe acne scars (Boxcar and Ice Pick scars), this procedure requires careful post-treatment care, including:

• Regular sunscreen application

• Avoiding harsh scrubbing or exfoliation

• Preventing skin irritation from excessive touching or scratching

 Warning: Individuals with sensitive skin should avoid this treatment, as it may lead to hyperpigmentation, irritation, or, in extreme cases, long-term skin damage such as hypopigmentation or an increased risk of skin cancer.

5. Subcision

Subcision is a minimally invasive technique that involves using a medical needle to break the fibrous bands pulling down acne scars, creating space for collagen regeneration. Often, dermal fillers are injected post-subcision to further improve skin texture.

Consideration: Patients may experience temporary bruising and swelling for approximately two weeks, requiring time off from work for recovery.

6. Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy involves injecting a blend of nourishing substances, such as Hyaluronic Acid, vitamins, and peptides, directly into acne scars to promote skin repair and hydration.

While mesotherapy helps smooth and rejuvenate scarred skin, multiple treatment sessions are necessary for visible results.

Acne scar treatments vary based on severity and individual skin type. While topical treatments work best for mild scars, professional interventions such as fillers, dermabrasion, and subcision offer more substantial improvements for deeper scars. Consulting a qualified dermatologist ensures the safest and most effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.

7. Acne Scars Laser Treatment

Laser treatment for acne scars involves delivering laser energy into the affected skin layers to stimulate collagen and elastin production, thereby improving skin texture and smoothness. Commonly used laser devices include Pico Laser, Fractional CO₂ Laser, Erbium YAG Laser, and Non-ablative Lasers such as Fraxel. One of the key benefits of laser treatment is its ability to promote long-term collagen and elastin regeneration, which helps refine the skin’s appearance and gradually fill in acne scars when the full course of treatment is completed. This approach can deliver long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing results.

However, achieving the desired outcome typically requires at least 3–5 treatment sessions before noticeable improvements become visible. Throughout the treatment period, meticulous skin care is essential to prevent potential side effects such as burns, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and temporary dark spots. In particular, Fractional CO₂ Laser may require a downtime of approximately 5–7 days for proper healing.

Laser treatment is most suitable for Rolling Scars and Boxcar Scars. However, for Ice Pick Scars, a combination approach with additional treatment modalities is recommended to achieve optimal results.

Which Acne Scar Treatment Works Best?

If you are struggling with Rolling Scar Acne, Bin Haider Clinic highly recommends EndoliftX Light Scan—an advanced external laser technology designed to enhance skin quality. This cutting-edge laser operates at a wavelength of 1470 nm to precisely deliver laser energy to the skin. This process stimulates collagen and elastin production, regulates sebaceous gland activity, and effectively addresses both acne scars and fine lines. Notably, this laser device has a specialized handpiece designed specifically for targeting the skin and fat layers, ensuring precise and effective treatment. (Results may vary depending on individual skin conditions.)

However, if you are dealing with Boxcar Acne Scars or Ice Pick Acne Scars, Bin Haider Clinic recommends a two-step approach using EndoliftX Laser Fiber. This method first severs the fibrotic strands beneath the skin using a fiber optic laser, releasing the skin from scar tissue. Once this is done, EndoliftX Light Scan is used to stimulate collagen and elastin production, promoting new tissue formation and gradually filling in the scars, restoring a smoother, more even skin texture.

For those concerned about post-treatment scarring, Bin Haider Clinic assures you that there is absolutely no visible scarring. Since EndoliftX is a non-surgical procedure, it only requires a tiny, virtually invisible entry point beneath the skin. This minimally invasive approach not only delivers precise and effective results but also reduces the risk of damage to surrounding tissue. Patients can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment. Most importantly, results are visible immediately, with continued improvement over time as new collagen production continues to enhance skin texture.

Why Choose EndoliftX Light Scan At Bin Haider Clinic?

At Bin Haider Clinic, we take pride in offering top-tier aesthetic treatments with a team of highly skilled medical professionals. Our clinic is equipped with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that every procedure is safe, effective, and tailored to each individual’s needs. From consultation to post-treatment care, our expert team is dedicated to delivering visible and lasting results. When you choose us, you can trust that you are in the hands of specialists who prioritize your safety, satisfaction, and the highest standard of care.