Condition
Acne Scars
Acne scars occur when inflammatory breakouts damage the deep dermal collagen architecture. Scars can persist long after active acne has resolved, presenting as pitted indentations, rolling shadows, or rigid fibrotic tethering that cannot be corrected by topical skincare alone.
What is Acne Scars?
Acne scars are structural changes in the dermis caused by inflammatory enzyme degradation during moderate to severe breakouts. They are broadly classified into atrophic (indented) scars—including deep ice-pick scars, sharp-edged boxcar scars, and undulating rolling scars bound down by fibrotic bands—and hypertrophic or raised scars. Effective treatment requires an anatomical approach targeting both surface texture and deep dermal tethering.
Common signs and concerns
- Rolling, wave-like dips across the cheeks and temples that cast shadows under downlighting
- Sharp, crater-like indentations (boxcar scars) with distinct borders
- Narrow, deep, puncture-like pits (ice-pick scars) resembling enlarged pores
- Firm, fibrotic tethering where the skin cannot be flattened by stretching
- Persistent red or brown marks (post-inflammatory erythema and hyperpigmentation)
Possible contributing factors
- Severity, depth, and duration of prior inflammatory and cystic acne
- Delay in receiving effective medical acne treatment while inflammation was active
- Genetic tendency toward abnormal wound healing and collagen breakdown
- Picking, squeezing, or manipulating active blemishes
- Repeated cystic flare-ups in identical anatomical zones
When to seek professional assessment
Seek assessment once active inflammatory breakouts have settled and textural depressions or tethered scars remain. Addressing scars with doctor-led protocols restores dermal support and smooths surface contours.
How Dr Farzana assesses this concern
Dr Farzana begins with a private medical consultation: your history, skin type, previous treatments, medication and daily routine are reviewed before the area is examined in good light. Where relevant she will discuss photography for your own records, explain which changes are realistically treatable and which are not, and set out a staged plan with review points.
Explore Treatment Options
These are options offered by Dr Farzana that may be discussed for this concern. Which, if any, is appropriate for you is decided only after a private medical assessment.
Suitability and important information
This page is general information only and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Suitability for any treatment is confirmed at a private medical consultation, including a review of your history, medication and goals. Risks, alternatives, aftercare and realistic outcomes are discussed openly. Results vary between individuals and no treatment is suitable for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an acne mark and a scar?+
A post-inflammatory mark (erythema or pigmentation) is flat discolouration left by inflammation, which gradually fades over months. A true acne scar is a permanent structural loss or surplus of collagen that alters the skin's surface contour.
Why is subcision recommended for rolling scars?+
Rolling scars are anchored to underlying subcutaneous tissue by tough fibrotic bands that pull the skin inward. Subcision gently releases these tethering bands with a specialized cannula, allowing the skin to elevate and fill naturally.
How does Erbium:YAG laser treat acne scars?+
The Asclepion Dermablate Erbium laser vaporises damaged scar tissue with micron precision while stimulating vigorous new collagen remodelling, with markedly lower heat and PIH risk than older CO2 lasers.
Can acne scars be completely eliminated?+
While complete 100% eradication is unrealistic, multi-modal clinical treatment combining subcision, laser resurfacing, and polynucleotides routinely delivers substantial, permanent textural improvement.
Where Dr Farzana practises
Ready for a private consultation about Acne Scars?
Book a private medical consultation with Dr Farzana Khan to discuss your concern, suitability and the options available.
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