Treating Acne Scars
Acne scars are one of the most common skin concerns we treat at our practice. They can appear as indented or raised areas that remain long after acne has healed. Dr. Jane Yoo offers a range of advanced in-office treatments to help smooth and restore scarred skin.
What are acne scars?
Acne scars form when inflammation from breakouts damages the deeper layers of skin. During the healing process, your body produces collagen. If too little collagen is made, indented scars form. If too much is made, raised scars can develop.
Scarring is more likely after severe acne, especially cysts and nodules. Factors like genetics, skin type, and picking or squeezing breakouts can increase the risk of permanent scars.
What types of acne scars are there?
Most patients have more than one type of scar, which affects how treatment is planned.
- Ice pick scars: Small but deep indentations that create a narrow hole in the skin
- Boxcar scars: Broad depressions with well-defined edges
- Rolling scars: Wide, shallow depressions with soft, sloping edges that create a wavy texture
- Hypertrophic scars: Firm, raised scars that stay within the borders of the original acne spot
- Keloids: Thick, raised scars that grow beyond the original area of inflammation
How are acne scars treated?
Dr. Yoo customizes your treatment plan based on the type and severity of your scars, your skin tone, and your goals. Many patients benefit from a combination of approaches.
- Laser resurfacing (ablative or non-ablative) to stimulate collagen remodeling
- Microneedling or RF microneedling to improve texture
- Chemical peels to exfoliate and smooth uneven skin
- Dermal fillers to lift sunken scars and restore volume
- Steroid injections to soften and flatten raised scars
What is the treatment experience like?
All procedures are performed in-office. Some treatments involve little to no downtime, while others, like laser resurfacing, may require a few days of redness or flaking. Dr. Yoo will guide you through what to expect and how to care for your skin during recovery.
Who is a good candidate?
You may be a good candidate for acne scar treatment if:
- You have visible scarring from past acne
- Your acne is currently under control
- You want to improve your skin’s texture and overall appearance
- You are open to a series of treatments for best results
When should you treat acne scars?
Acne scars are best treated once your breakouts have stabilized. Treating scars while acne is still active can reduce the effectiveness of treatments and increase the risk of new scars forming.
Safe for all skin types
Dr. Yoo has extensive experience treating acne scars in Asian skin and other skin of color, using techniques and technologies that reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation or unwanted side effects.