Acne Scar Treatment
Most people ask, “Which acne scar treatment should I choose?”
Acne scars can vary in shape, depth, and location—and many people have more than one type.
That doesn't always mean more treatment. It means understanding what matters most, where to start, and which treatment options may be appropriate for your skin.
Summary
Successful acne scar treatment begins with understanding your scar type, not simply choosing the latest technology. With the right combination of treatments, acne scars can often become smoother, shallower, and less noticeable over time.
At BSL Clinic, our doctors personalize each treatment plan based on your scar type, skin condition, and treatment goals, with the aim of improving scar depth, skin texture, and overall skin quality over time.
What are Acne Scars? and Why do Acne Scars form?
Acne may be gone, but the scars can remain for long. Unlike temporary acne marks, acne scars develop when inflammation damages the deeper layers of the skin and the body cannot completely repair the lost collagen. As a result, the skin may become depressed (atrophic scars) or raised (hypertrophic scars or keloids). The risk of scarring increases when inflammatory acne is left untreated or pimples are picked and squeezed.
Beyond changing skin texture, acne scars can also affect confidence and quality of life. The good news is that not all scars are the same—and understanding your scar type is the first step toward choosing the right treatment plan. Before exploring treatment options, let’s first look at the difference between acne marks and acne scars.
Acne Marks vs Acne Scars: What’s the difference?
Many people use the terms acne marks and acne scars interchangeably, but they are different skin concerns with different causes and treatment approaches. The simplest way to tell them apart is that acne marks affect skin color, while acne scars affect skin texture. Understanding the difference is the first step toward choosing the right treatment.
Appearance: Pink or red marks after inflammatory acne
Cause: Dilated or damaged blood vessels
Affects: Skin color
Long-Term Effect: Usually No
Natural Fading: Often fades over time
Appearance: Brown or dark spots after acne heals
Cause: Excess melanin produced after inflammation
Affects: Skin pigmentation
Long-Term Effect: Usually No
Natural Fading: Often fades over time
Appearance: Pitted scars or raised scars
Cause: Collagen damage in the deeper layers of the skin
Affects: Skin texture
Long-Term Effect: Usually Yes
Natural Fading: Usually requires professional treatment
Although acne marks often improve with time, true acne scars usually require professional treatment because they involve permanent structural changes beneath the skin. Acne scars also vary in shape and depth, so identifying the specific scar type is essential before choosing the right approach.
Types of Acne Scars
Not all acne scars look the same—and neither should they be treated the same way. The common atrophic acne scars include ice pick scars, rolling scars, and boxcar scars, while some people may also develop hypertrophic scars or keloids. Understanding your scar type is the first step toward choosing the proper acne scar treatment.
Characteristics
- Small, narrow, cone-shaped scars that extend deep into the dermis.
- The deepest and one of the most challenging types of acne scars to treat.
What Causes It?
- Severe inflammatory acne that damages collagen deep within the skin.
Characteristics
- Broad, shallow depressions with gently sloping edges.
- Create a wavy or uneven skin texture.
What Causes It?
- Fibrous bands beneath the skin pull the surface downward after inflammatory acne heals.
Characteristics
- Round or oval depressions with well-defined edges and a relatively flat base.
- May be shallow or deep depending on the severity of the original acne.
What Causes It?
- Moderate to severe collagen loss following inflammatory acne.
Characteristics
- Raised scars that remain within the boundaries of the original acne lesion.
What Causes It?
- Excess collagen production during the skin’s healing process.
Characteristics
- Raised scars that extend beyond the original acne lesion and may continue to enlarge over time.
What Causes It?
- Abnormal wound healing with excessive collagen production.
Most people have more than one type of acne scar, which is why a personalized treatment plan is often more effective than relying on a single procedure. Once the doctor has identified your scar type and assessed your skin condition, the proper treatment options can be selected to achieve the best possible results.
How to get rid of Acne Scars: Acne Scar Treatment Options
Choosing the right acne scar treatment starts with identifying your scar type. Treatment depends on the type and severity of your scars, as well as your skin condition. Because many people have more than one type of acne scar, doctors often recommend a personalized treatment plan to improve overall treatment outcomes.
Common Treatment Options
- Punch Excision, TCA CROSS (Trichloroacetic Acid), Microneedling RF
Treatment Goal
- Reduce scar depth and stimulate collagen production.
Common Treatment Options
- Subcision, Dermal Fillers, Fractional Laser
Treatment Goal
- Release fibrous bands and restore collagen for a smoother skin surface.
Common Treatment Options
- Punch Excision, TCA Chemical Peel, Fractional Laser, Microneedling RF
Treatment Goal
- Soften scar edges while stimulating collagen to improve skin texture and reduce scar depth.
Common Treatment Options
- Intralesional Corticosteroid Injections (ILK), Selected Laser Treatments, Silicone Gel Sheets
Treatment Goal
- Flatten raised scars, improve skin texture, and help prevent further scar growth.
*Microneedling RF may be recommended for deep boxcar scars depending on the severity of the scar and doctor’s assessment.
Why your scar type matters: Different acne scar types respond differently to treatment. A doctor can assess your scar characteristics, treatment goals, and individual needs to tailor an appropriate treatment plan.
How To Prevent New Acne Scars
The recommended way to prevent acne scars is to treat inflammatory acne as early as possible. Early treatment helps reduce inflammation, minimize collagen damage, and lower the risk of permanent scarring. While acne scars cannot always be prevented, controlling active acne before it becomes severe is the right approach to protect your skin.
In general, newer acne scars are easier to treat than older scars because there is usually less collagen damage and fewer fibrous bands beneath the skin. Delaying treatment allows scars to mature, making them more difficult to improve and often requiring a combination of procedures to achieve noticeable results. If you notice persistent redness after acne has healed or early signs of skin depressions, it’s best to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Although acne scars cannot always be prevented, these simple habits can significantly reduce your risk:
- Treat inflammatory acne early before it damages deeper layers of the skin.
- Avoid picking, squeezing, or popping pimples.
- Use gentle skincare products to reduce irritation.
- Apply sunscreen daily to help protect healing skin and reduce post-acne discoloration.
- Consult a doctor early to create an effective acne treatment plan.
Ultimately, preventing acne scars starts with controlling active acne. Once acne is under control, your doctor can focus on improving existing scars with a personalized treatment plan. Without controlling ongoing breakouts, new scars may continue to form.
The BSL Approach to Acne Scar Treatment
Acne scar treatment is not about choosing the most powerful device, but selecting the right technology for each scar. At BSL Clinic, doctors consider scar type, depth, skin condition, and treatment goals when determining which options may be appropriate.
Depending on your scar type, skin condition, and treatment goals, doctors may recommend one or more technologies to target different layers of the skin. Each technology has a unique role in stimulating collagen remodeling and improving skin texture.
Morpheus8 Program (Microneedling RF): Deep Collagen Remodeling
Microneedle Depth: Up to 4 mm
Best for: Deep ice pick scars, Acne-prone skin, Enlarged pores, Skin laxity
Primary Benefits: Delivers radiofrequency energy through microneedles into the deep dermis to stimulate collagen remodeling. Morpheus8 Program may also help reduce excess sebum production, improve acne-pron
Fractora Program (Microneedling RF): RF Collagen Remodeling
Microneedle Depth: Approximately 3 mm
Best for: Ice pick scars, Deep Boxcar Scars, Uneven skin texture
Primary Benefits: Uses fractional radiofrequency delivered through micro-pins to stimulate collagen production beneath the skin. Treatment settings can be customized based on scar depth, helping improve skin texture while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
Fraxel Dual Laser Program: Skin Resurfacing & Collagen Renewal
Laser Penetration Depth: Approximately 0.4–1.3 mm
Best for: Rolling scars, Overall skin resurfacing, Enlarged pores, Acne-prone skin
Primary Benefits: Creates microscopic treatment zones beneath the skin to stimulate natural collagen remodeling while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. It gradually improves acne scars, skin texture, enlarged pores, and overall skin quality.
Pico Fractional Laser Program: Texture Refinement & Collagen Stimulation
Laser Penetration Depth: Approximately 0.2–0.4 mm
Best for: Boxcar scars, Enlarged pores, Uneven skin texture, Mild acne scars
Primary Benefits: Uses photoacoustic energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production with minimal thermal damage. It helps refine superficial acne scars, smooth skin texture, and reduce downtime compared with traditional resurfacing lasers.
CO₂ Laser Program: Ablative Skin Resurfacing
Treatment Depth: Approximately 0.02 mm
Best for: Boxcar Scars, Superficial atrophic scars, Scar edge resurfacing
Primary Benefits: CO₂ Laser is an ablative laser that precisely removes damaged skin tissue while stimulating the skin’s natural healing process. As new collagen forms during healing, it helps smooth uneven skin texture, soften scar edges, and improve the appearance of acne scars over time. Treatment settings can be adjusted based on the scar type, depth, and individual skin condition.
Fractional CO₂ Laser Program: Fractional Skin Resurfacing
Treatment Depth: Approximately 0.2–0.8 mm
Best for: Superficial atrophic scars, Uneven skin texture, Enlarged pores, Fine lines and photoaged skin
Primary Benefits: Uses fractional ablative laser technology to create microscopic treatment zones (MTZs), resurfacing damaged skin while stimulating collagen renewal beneath the surface. This dual action helps improve superficial acne scars, uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, and overall skin quality over time.
To further enhance treatment outcomes and support skin recovery, doctors may recommend regenerative therapies alongside laser treatment when appropriate.
Supports skin repair, collagen production, skin elasticity, post-treatment recovery.
Uses concentrated platelets to support the skin’s natural repair process, collagen remodeling, and post-treatment recovery.
The BSL Signature Acne Scar Journey
Acne, acne marks, and acne scars are often connected. Ongoing breakouts can lead to redness, pigmentation, and eventually scarring, while existing scars may require a different approach to restore skin texture and quality.
- Excess Oil & Sebum: Oil glands become overactive
- Clogged Pore: Pores get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and debris
- Bacteria Overgrowth: Bacteria multiply inside the pore, causing irritation
- Inflammation: The body reacts with inflammation (redness, swelling)
- Skin Damage: Inflammation damages skin tissue and breaks down collagen
- Tissue Breakdown: Loss of collagen leads to weak skin structure
- Acne Scars Form: Depressed scars remain after acne heals
Select treatment options based on scar type, depth, and skin condition.
Build a treatment plan around the needs of different scar areas.
Combine complementary treatments when appropriate.
At the BSL Clinic, doctors consider the whole skin journey—from controlling active acne and preventing future scars to improving existing scars and supporting long-term skin quality. Treatments are then curated, designed, and integrated according to each patient’s skin needs.
Helps control excess oil and inflammatory acne, addressing ongoing breakouts that may contribute to future scarring.
Supports skin renewal and collagen remodeling to improve rolling scars, enlarged pores, and uneven texture.
Targets deeper layers to support collagen remodeling and improve deeper acne scars, uneven texture, and skin firmness.
Supports natural skin repair, collagen production, and recovery following selected treatments.
- Radiance Boost: Nourish the skin and support natural radiance.
- Repair: Support hydration, recovery, and skin resilience.
- Regenerate: Support collagen, firmness, elasticity, and texture.
- Restore: Help maintain skin clarity, tone, and overall skin quality.
* Treatments are selected, combined, and timed according to each patient’s acne activity, scar characteristics, skin condition, and clinical assessment. For hypertrophic scars or keloids, doctors may also consider scar injections or other scar-specific treatments.
Controlling active acne helps reduce ongoing inflammation that may lead to new acne scars.
Scar-focused treatments support collagen remodeling to improve scar depth and uneven texture over time.
Supporting skin repair, texture, pores, and overall skin quality helps create smoother, more resilient-looking skin.
Ongoing care helps maintain skin condition beyond the initial acne scar treatment.
Improvements in acne, scars, and overall skin appearance may help patients feel more comfortable and confident in everyday life.
Patient Reviews & Success Stories
Every patient’s acne scar journey is unique, and treatment outcomes vary depending on scar type, skin condition, and individual healing response. The following patient story reflects one person’s experience after receiving a personalized acne scar treatment plan at BSL Clinic.
Ms. Adriana appreciated the professional and attentive care she received at BSL Clinic. She shared that the doctors clearly explained her skin condition and recommended a personalized Fraxel Laser treatment program, helping her feel confident throughout her treatment journey.
*Individual results may vary depending on individual patient
After completing her treatment, she noticed smoother skin, less visible acne scars, and improved confidence. She recommends consulting with the doctors at BSL Clinic to find the most suitable treatment for your skin.
Many international patients have shared positive feedback about their acne scar treatment journey at BSL Clinic.
FAQs about Acne Scars
No. Acne scars usually do not disappear on their own because they involve structural changes in the skin. Treatment may help make them less noticeable.
Skincare can support skin health and help with discoloration, but it usually cannot correct established scar texture. In-clinic treatment may be needed for deeper scars.
The most effective treatment depends on your scar type, depth, skin condition, and treatment goals. A personalized assessment helps determine the most appropriate approach for your scars.
Yes. In some cases, active acne and acne scars can be managed within the same treatment plan. The approach depends on the type of acne, scar characteristics, and overall skin condition.
Yes. Different scar types can be addressed within the same treatment plan, using different treatments where appropriate.
The number of sessions varies by scar type, severity, treatment method, and individual response. Doctors can recommend a treatment plan after assessing your scars.
Recovery time varies by treatment. Some treatments may cause a few days of redness, while more intensive resurfacing may require a longer recovery period.
The fastest approach depends on the type and depth of your acne scars. Identifying these characteristics first helps doctors select an appropriate treatment approach for your skin.
Combination treatment can be helpful when different scar types, depths, or skin concerns need to be addressed within the same treatment plan. The approach is selected according to your individual scar characteristics and skin condition.
No. Acne scars usually cannot be completely removed, but treatment may help make them smoother, shallower, or less noticeable.
Dr. Wipanee, representing BSL, provided an update on knowledge trends with in-depth insights into skin care from CICM 2025, bringing them back to further develop treatment methods for our clients.
CICM 2025 Aesthetic Dermatology: Evidence-Based Medicine is an annual event that BSL doctors never miss, in order to stay updated with knowledge and research on dermatological treatments — including acne, melasma, freckles, hair loss, and scalp issues — as well as aesthetic procedures such as facial, neck, and body skin tightening, weight loss, and body contouring, all aimed at achieving healthy and youthful-looking skin.
How can we keep the skin looking younger as we age?
The next step in skin care — updating beauty trends for better treatment outcomes.
Dr. Wipanee and Dr. Wutthinan, representing BSL, attended ASLS Bangkok 2025 to bring back knowledge and design treatment approaches that help improve skin health as we age — when the skin becomes thinner, drier, uneven in tone, slower to recover, and more prone to wrinkles.
At BSL, we design skin rejuvenation approaches to strengthen the skin, restore moisture, and maintain a youthful appearance, helping you achieve healthier skin with confidence.
BSL Clinic Participates in Academic Conference Presentation
A stage that brings together dermatology and aesthetic medicine practitioners from various countries to exchange knowledge and experiences in skin care.
Dr. Wipanee Akkaraphusit (Medical License No. 39676) joined as a speaker, presenting on topics that reflect real experiences in patient care, while sharing holistic treatment approaches that emphasize “personalized understanding,” one of the key principles of modern aesthetic medicine.
BSL doctors joined to update treatment methods for acne scars, melasma, freckles, skin tightening, filler programs and laser technology at the 3rd International Conference of Laser, Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (ICLAS) in order to develop new knowledge and various treatment techniques to achieve results that are suitable for each patient.
BSL Clinic participated in the Allergan Medical Institute 10 Years Anniversary event held at ICONSIAM, Thailand. The event served as a platform for exchanging perspectives on filler injection programs, along with updates on aesthetic directions in the Asia-Pacific region. This was a space where doctors from many countries came together to share knowledge and practical techniques, enabling interested individuals to understand approaches to wrinkle care, deep lines, and facial contouring, in ways suitable for each person.
BSL Clinic had the honor to attend the Exclusive PicoWay® Symposium: Mastering Complex Pigmentation, with Dr. Wutthinan Sithipolvanichgul (Medical Council No. 39678) updating knowledge on the PicoWay® Program and approaches to managing skin pigmentation issues such as melasma, freckles, and uneven skin tone, while exchanging perspectives with doctors from various countries to find approaches suitable for each individual.
Dr. Wutthinan participated in the InMode Family Thailand by AMN, the 3rd time. This event was an opportunity to exchange knowledge on the use of the Morpheus8 program, which is one of the options for skin care using radiofrequency energy. BSL Clinic applies this program to address facial contouring and wrinkles, with doctors designing treatments suitable for each individual’s skin condition.
Doctors from BSL Clinic participated in the 5th SCAR Treatment Conference 2024, a platform for exchanging knowledge on scar care. The conference featured presentations of laboratory research data along with updates on laser technology and current treatment approaches, as well as the integration of various treatment methods for appropriate patient care.
To develop approaches in skin care tailored to individual causes, laser technology that has been studied and applied in many countries is now available at BSL Clinic.
At the conference, the Laser Toning technique (PTP mode, 1,064 nm Q-Switched Nd:YAG) was presented, referencing a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. It was found that this type of laser has been applied in managing pigmentation related to melasma, with reports of skin characteristic changes in treated patients¹. These studies provide the medical team with scientific information to support care planning, considering the causes and suitability for each individual.
This learning covers knowledge in health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic condition management, with a focus on holistic health care from the level of genes, environment, and lifestyle behaviors. BSL doctors will apply the knowledge gained to consider and plan appropriate health and skin care for each individual client.
Doctors participated in a national academic conference to exchange knowledge in the treatment of dermatological and aesthetic issues. This conference emphasized methods of care, prevention, and the management of possible complications from treatments, enabling doctors to apply the information in planning care appropriate for each individual.
Wutinan Sithipolvanichgul M.D.
Medical License No. 39678 BSL Clinic, Bangkok
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- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Acne scars: Diagnosis and treatment [Internet]. Schaumburg (IL): American Academy of Dermatology Association; [cited 2026 Aug 5]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars
- Fabbrocini G, Annunziata MC, D’Arco V, De Vita V, Lodi G, Mauriello MC, et al. Acne scars: Pathogenesis, classification and treatment. Dermatol Res Pract. 2010;2010:893080. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2958495/
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Acne scars: Treatment [Internet]. Schaumburg (IL): American Academy of Dermatology Association; [cited 2026 Aug 5]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars/treatment
- Tan JKL, Tang J, Fung K, Gupta AK, Thomas DR, Sapra S, et al. Acne scars: Pathogenesis, classification and treatment modalities. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:339-48. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7394107/
- Zhang M, Liu C, Zhang S, Chu R, Ren X. Advances in the treatment of acne scars. Front Med (Lausanne). 2025;12:1643035. doi:10.3389/fmed.2025.1643035. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12425707/
