Acne scar is truely difficult to treat, at L2 clinic, we have extensive experience in treating different type of acne scars in different skin types, with our exclusive range of combination treatments and expertise.

What are acne scars?

Acne scars can manifest in various forms, and they are generally classified into different types based on their appearance and characteristics.

The more common types we see are called "atrophic scars" where the scarred area are suken in.

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3. Ice Pick Scars:

• These are deep and narrow scars that resemble small, V-shaped pits or holes in the skin.
• They often extend into the dermis, the deeper layer of skin.

4. Rolling Scars:

• Rolling scars have a wavy, undulating appearance and are caused by the pulling of the skin's subcutaneous tissue.
• They create a smooth, yet depressed surface on the skin.

5. Boxcar Scars:

• Boxcar scars are broad, rectangular depressions with well-defined edges.

• They are usually shallower than ice pick scars but can still be noticeable.

What are the treatment options for sunken in scars?

It's important to note that each person's skin scars differently post active acne breakout, and multiple types of scars may coexist on the same individual. Treatment options for acne scars vary and may laser therapy,microneedling, filler injections, and in some cases, surgical procedure called "acne scar subcision". In our clinic, we have powerful laser systems including Picosure Pro, Lumenis Ultrapulse as well as morpheus 8 Microneedling.  Some treatment may not be suitable for particular skin types, eg, strong ablative laser need to be used with causion in darker ethnic type skin colors for the concern of causing pigmentation.

Therefore, consulting with our medical team prior to treatment is crucial to help determine the most suitable treatment plan based on the specific type and severity of the acne scars.

Sometimes we can see "rasied scars", where the scars are raised above surface of skin. Although these are less common.

1. Hypertrophic Scars:

• Hypertrophic scars are raised and more pronounced than other types of scars.
• They result from an overproduction of collagen during the healing process.

2. Keloid Scars:

• Keloid scars are similar to hypertrophic scars but extend beyond the original wound site.
• They can be raised, itchy, and extend beyond the boundary of the initial acne lesion.

What are the treatment options for raised scars?

When scars are particularly raised, thick and wide, intralesional injection of steroid solution may be needed first to flatten the scars as much as possible

Resurfacing lasers or RF microneedling treatments can then be utilised to smooth out the surface as much as possible.

If the scarred area is still discolored, ie. brownish or red, lasers that targets pigmentatio may be needed. 

There are also some "acne marks" which are pigmentation changes left after acne is resolved, they are not true scars, but can often be mistaken as scars,  they are:

1. PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) that manifest in pigmented spots:

• While not a scar per se, PIH is a common aftereffect of acne and can cause dark discoloration in the affected areas.
• PIH is not permanent and often fades with time.

2. Erythematous or pink colored pigmentation changes (Post-inflammatory erythema):

• These are red marks left behind after an acne lesion has healed.

• They are not technically scars but represent lingering inflammation.

• they also fade with time

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These pigmentation changes do fade with time, however they can take as long as 12- 18 months. Therefore pigmentation laser systems such as Cynosure Picosure Pro can be utilised to help speed up the clearance process to achieve even skin tone. 

What should I do next?

Before undergoing or considering any cosmetic procedures, it's essential to book in a consultation with the team at L2 Clinics to determine if you are a suitable candidate and to discuss potential risks, benefits, and expectations. At your consultation, we offer thorough assessment of your acne scar, the skin type, and severity, and we will come up with holistic treatment plan that suits your condition.