Acne Scars & Post-Acne Texture

FAQ

• What causes acne scars, and why do I have a mix of types?

  Acne scars form when inflammation disrupts the skin’s normal repair process. Too little collagen during repair leaves a depressed scar; too much leaves a raised one. Because individual breakouts vary in depth and duration, most people end up with a mix (a few icepicks, some rolling, shallow boxcar and post-inflammatory pigmentation) rather than one uniform pattern.

• What's the difference between acne scars and the flat red or brown marks left after a pimple?

  Flat marks, PIE (pink/red) and PIH (brown), aren’t true scars. The skin’s texture is intact; the colour is an after-effect of inflammation. They often fade over months and respond well to peels, pigment-targeted treatments and time. True scars involve a change in skin structure, which topicals alone won’t remodel.

• Which treatment is right for icepick, rolling or boxcar scars?

  Deeper icepicks are often addressed with TCA CROSS spot-applications. Rolling scars respond to RF microneedling, skin needling or fractional resurfacing. Boxcar scars can respond to RF microneedling or fractional resurfacing depending on depth. Most plans combine more than one approach. Your clinician maps your specific mix at consultation.

• How many sessions will I need, and how are they spaced?

  Most in-dermal treatments are delivered as a course of three to six sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart. Deeper or mixed scarring may take longer. Individual timing varies, and your clinician will set a realistic schedule at consultation.

   

• Will this work on my skin tone? Some lasers aren't safe for darker skin.

  RF microneedling and mechanical skin needling are often considered across Fitzpatrick I–VI because their energy doesn’t target melanin the way many lasers do. Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin does carry an elevated risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation, so settings are adjusted accordingly and thorough photoprotection matters. Suitability is assessed at consultation.

   

• Can I treat acne scars if I still get occasional breakouts?

  Occasional breakouts don’t rule treatment out, but active inflammatory acne in the treatment area usually does, because treating through active acne can worsen scarring. If breakouts are still frequent, your clinician will usually suggest stabilising the acne first (often with adjunctive peels and skincare support) before starting structural scar work.

• How soon after my acne settles should I start scar treatment?

  Most clinicians recommend waiting until acne has been stable for a few months before starting device-based scar treatment, so you’re not laying fresh collagen into a still-inflamed surface. PIE and PIH can be addressed earlier with peels and gentle modalities. Your clinician will advise on timing.

   

• What can I do at home between sessions to support the results?

  Daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+, a nightly retinoid (when tolerated and when advised by your clinician), a barrier-supportive moisturiser, and avoiding picking at active spots. Your clinician will set out the skincare rhythm that suits your plan.