Laser Acne Scar Treatment in Irvine: Personalized Care at OC MedDerm

Dr. Parvin Shafa | June 30, 2025

Acne scars don’t just impact your skin but also your confidence, appearance, and daily self-perception. The good news is that there are effective solutions regardless of whether your scars are shallow or deep, red or uneven.

We at OC MedDerm in Irvine provide customized, non-surgical acne scar treatments using safe, modern laser technology. Under the direction of Dr. Shafa, a physician specializing in dermatology, our team offers treatments that smooth the surface of your skin, rebuild healthy tissue underneath, and restore your inherent glow.

How Does the Laser Acne Scar Treatment Work?

Laser acne scar treatment is a skin-resurfacing treatment meant to trigger your body’s natural healing response. This promotes the synthesis of fresh collagen, a fundamental protein that keeps the skin firm, smooth, and elastic. 

When acne heals, it can leave structural damage to your skin that results in obvious skin indentations or uneven texture. Laser treatment helps by:

  • Eliminating damaged layers of skin
  • Promoting healthy growth of skin cells
  • Promoting collagen renewal deep in the skin

At OC MedDerm, we use both ablative and non-ablative laser technologies to treat various skin types, scar patterns, and healing timelines.

Ablative and Non-Ablative Lasers: What is the main difference?

Understanding the difference between two main types of lasers helps one choose the correct treatment:

More Intensive, Deeper Results of Ablative Lasers

These lasers treat by gently removing the outer layers of your skin, allowing the fresh skin to grow back in a smoother, more even shape. They are fantastic for moderate to severe scarring and show obvious visual improvement.

Consider it as polishing a rough surface: you eliminate the uneven top layer; hence, the growth back is healthier and smoother.

Less Invasive, Gentle Approach of Non-Ablative Lasers

Non-ablative lasers don’t break your skin’s surface. Rather, they stimulate collagen by sending heat deep into the skin layers, evening out scars from within. These are perfect for those who want a more subdued approach, with little to no downtime.

Acne Scar Treatment at OC MedDerm

Fractional CO₂ Laser Resurfacing

At OC MedDerm, Fractional CO₂ laser is our most potent tool for treating acne scars. This is considered as the gold standard in laser scar treatment for its ability to deliver smoother, firmer, and toned skin with long lasting results.

How it Works:

The CO₂ laser makes microscopic channels in the skin by means of small light beams. These channels promote healing in the deeper layers of the skin and remove damaged tissue. Your body responds by producing fresh collagen, which fills in scars and smooths the surface of the skin.

Excellent for: 

  • Broad depressions with clearly defined edges known as boxcar scars.
  • Wave-like depressions under the skin known as rolling scars.
  • Small deep pits known as ice pick scars.

Downtime:
There are roughly two days of redness followed by three days of peeling – similar to a moderate sunburn. Depending on their skin, some people may heal somewhat faster or slower.

Pain Control:
We keep you comfortable with numbing cream, oral painkillers, and a cooling device that shields your skin during treatment.

Session Count:

Although most people notice a significant change after one session, for best results we usually advise three sessions, one month apart.

Why not Erbium instead of CO2?

Although Erbium lasers are also powerful, the CO₂ laser reaches deeper and is more appropriate for textured, difficult scars. To provide stronger, more long-lasting improvement, we thus concentrate on CO₂ treatments at OC MedDerm.

Treatments for Non-Ablative Acne Scar at OC MedDerm

Morpheus8: Radiofrequency Microneedling

Not everyone needs or desires the intensity of an ablative laser. For those seeking a kinder, less invasive option we provide Morpheus8, a powerful treatment that combines radiofrequency energy and micro needling.

How It Works:
Tiny needles create controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface while delivering radiofrequency energy deep into the skin. This stimulates collagen where it’s needed most and helps level out depressed acne scars over time.

How It Operates: 

Radiofrequency energy is delivered deep into the skin by tiny needles, producing controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. This stimulates collagen where it’s most needed and helps level out depressed acne scars.

Ideal For: 

  • Patients with darker skin tones, where ablative lasers may increase the risk of pigmentation.
  • Less severe scars or delicate spots.
  • Anyone looking to gradually improve scars with little to no recovery time.

Why Go for Morpheus8?

  • Safe for all skin tones.
  • Improves the firmness of the skin and scars.
  • No surface damage or skin peeling.
  • Quick and comfortable care.

What About Thermage?

We also provide Thermage, another radiofrequency-based device. But Thermage isn’t for treating acne scars; it’s mainly used for tightening the skin. It’s not the best tool for filling in indented scars because, unlike Morpheus8, it doesn’t break up scar tissue.

That’s why we at OC MedDerm recommend Morpheus8 over Thermage for acne scar correction.

What to Expect at OC MedDerm: Your Treatment Process:

Consultation: We begin with a thorough evaluation of your skin, scar types, and medical history. This aids us in selecting the ideal laser or combination of treatments.

Pre-treatment care: A few days prior to treatment, we might advise you to stop using specific skincare products (such as acids or retinoids). Additionally, thorough preparation instructions will be given to you.

The Process: Depending on the session, you may experience warmth or a prickling sensation during the session. The majority of treatments last between thirty and sixty minutes.

Aftercare & Recovery: We’ll give you simple guidelines on how to keep your healing skin safe from the sun, and stay moisturized. The time of recovery is determined by the treatment you choose.

Why Irvine Patients Select OC MedDerm

We are more than just a dermatology office; we are a reputable skin care provider led by Dr. Shafa, our physician specialized in dermatology, offering personalized, high-quality care.

Here’s why OC MedDerm is trusted by the community:

  • We are aware of how the sun and environment in Southern California impact skin healing.
  • We only employ FDA-approved technologies that have demonstrated results.
  • Each treatment is tailored to your lifestyle, skin tone, and texture.
  • Patients from Northwood, Woodbridge, and the Irvine Spectrum area can easily access our clinic.
  • We offer continuing assistance and follow-ups to ensure your best result.

Are You Ready to Reclaim Smoother and More Confident Skin?

You don’t have to live with Acne scars. From exploring treatment for the first time or returning for a follow-up, we are here to support your journey at every stage. 

Schedule Your Consultation Now!

Let OC MedDerm develop a customized treatment plan that works for you. To arrange your consultation and start down the path to healthier, clearer skin, contact us or stop by our Irvine clinic.

Schedule a Consultation

With Dr. Parvin Shafa

    Get the best result with the best Dermatologist In Irvine, Orange County, California.

    Book a consultation at OC Medderm | Irvineskin Today for Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic Dermatology in Irvine & Orange County, CA.

    We are experts in Acne, Pinch blepharoplasty, Ear lobe repair, Xanthelasma repair, Syringomas removal, mole removal, Keloid removal, Body and face piecing or piercing repair or removal, lump and bumps removal, Acne scar removal, Spider vein treatment, fungal infection, Co2 resurfacing, Warts and more.

    You can schedule an appointment or call us now for all the dermatology treatments. We are located at 113 Waterworks Way 100, Irvine, Orange County CA, We Are Dedicated to Providing the Best & Transparent Dermatology Care for your skin.

    Call us when you want!

    +1(949) 551-1113