Acne

Acne Scars: Treatment Options and What to Expect

A dermatologist's guide to acne scar types, treatment choices, downtime, and realistic improvement.

1 min read

Acne scars are not all the same. Some are shallow and rolling, some are narrow and deep, and some are caused by changes in color rather than texture. A good treatment plan starts with identifying the scar pattern.

Common scar types

  • Rolling scars create soft waves in the skin.
  • Boxcar scars look wider with more defined edges.
  • Ice pick scars are narrow, deep marks.
  • Post-inflammatory marks are color changes that can be red, brown, or purple.

Treatment approach

Most patients need a combination plan. Microneedling, fractional lasers, subcision, peels, or focal treatments may be used depending on scar type and skin tone.

The goal is improvement, not a promise of perfect texture. With careful planning, many patients see meaningful softening over a series of sessions.

What to expect

Most treatment plans involve 3–6 sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Mild redness and downtime vary by procedure. Sunscreen and gentle skincare are essential throughout the recovery period.