
Concern
Post Acne Scars
& Other Scars
Different scar types require different treatment mechanisms — accuracy matters
Acne scars form when inflammatory breakouts damage the dermis and the skin's repair process produces too much or too little collagen. The type and depth of scarring determines which treatment can reach and remodel it. Picosure, ablative and non-ablative laser, and Endymed address every scar type through different mechanisms.
Scar Types & How They Form
Not all scars are the same structure — and the same treatment that dramatically improves rolling scars can be completely ineffective on ice pick scars. Understanding which type of scar you have is the most important step before choosing a treatment approach.
Ice Pick Scars
Narrow, deep, V-shaped holes that extend into the dermis. Caused by deep cystic acne destroying the follicular wall. The hardest scar type to treat because of their depth — require treatments that reach the full depth of the scar.
Boxcar Scars
Wide, angular depressions with sharp, defined edges. Caused by inflammation destroying collagen in a localised area. Shallow boxcar scars respond well to resurfacing; deep boxcar scars require more aggressive energy delivery.
Rolling Scars
Broad, undulating depressions with sloping edges caused by fibrous bands tethering the skin to deeper tissue. Create a wave-like texture across the skin surface. Subcision releases tethered fibrous bands before energy treatments to maximise results.
Hypertrophic Scars & Keloids
Raised scars caused by excess collagen production during healing. Hypertrophic scars remain within the original wound boundary; keloids extend beyond it. More common in darker skin types and on the chest, shoulders, and jawline.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Flat dark marks left behind after inflammatory acne — not true scars, but discolouration from excess melanin triggered by inflammation. More pronounced in darker skin tones. Responds well to picosecond laser.
Surgical & Traumatic Scars
Scars from surgery, injury, burns, or other trauma. Depending on their age, depth, and texture, energy-based treatments can significantly improve their appearance by stimulating controlled collagen remodelling in the scar tissue.
Scars Do Not Improve on Their Own
Unlike active acne, scars are permanent changes to the skin's collagen structure. They do not improve without intervention — and as the skin ages and loses collagen, scars can become more visible over time. Modern energy-based treatments trigger controlled collagen remodelling, breaking down scar tissue and stimulating the body to replace it with healthier, more organised collagen. A combination strategy targeting multiple depths and scar types often produces the best results.
Acne Scar Treatments Compared
Picosecond laser (755nm)
Epidermis to upper dermis
Converts the laser beam into a fractional pattern that creates pressure waves to stimulate collagen remodelling without ablation. Best for shallow scars, rolling scars, and PIH. Zero downtime.
Er:YAG resurfacing + Nd:YAG
Epidermis to deep dermis
Er:YAG ablates the scarred skin surface with precise depth control, triggering a wound-healing response that produces new collagen. Nd:YAG adds deep thermal remodelling. Most effective for moderate to severe scarring.
Fractional radiofrequency
Mid-dermis
Fractional RF microneedles deliver thermal energy directly into the scarred dermis. Colour-blind — safe for all skin tones including darker types. Particularly effective for ice pick and deep boxcar scars.
TCA Crossing
High-concentration TCA acid (focal)
Full scar depth (ice pick)
High-concentration TCA acid is applied focally into individual ice pick scars with a fine needle. The controlled chemical injury triggers inflammation and new collagen production that fills the scar channel from within — the most targeted approach for narrow, deep scars.
Subcision
Needle release of fibrous bands
Subdermis
A fine needle is inserted beneath rolling and tethered scars to sever the fibrous bands pulling the skin surface downward. Releasing these bands allows the depression to rise and creates space for new collagen to form. Often combined with energy treatments for maximum effect.
Microneedling
Collagen induction therapy
Epidermis to upper dermis
Micro-punctures trigger collagen induction. Effective for shallow rolling and boxcar scars. Less aggressive than laser with more sessions required.
Chemical Peels
Acid exfoliation (TCA, glycolic)
Epidermis to mid-dermis
TCA Cross is effective for ice pick scars. General peels improve surface texture and mild PIH. Often used as a complement to laser treatment.
CO2 Fractional Laser
Ablative laser resurfacing
Epidermis to deep dermis
Most aggressive resurfacing technology with the most dramatic single-session results. Requires 5-14 days downtime. Not offered at 99 Medispa.
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