Dr. Parvin Shafa | September 8, 2026
Acne may eventually clear, but the marks and changes it leaves behind can remain for months or even years. Acne scars are not all the same, and the best treatment depends on the type, depth, location, skin type, severity of the scar, and individual treatment goals.
At OC MedDerm in Irvine, acne scar treatment is customized to each patient’s skin and concerns. Depending on the type of scarring, treatment options may include Fractional CO₂ Laser Resurfacing, PRP with Microneedling, TCA CROSS, Plasma Laser and Steroid Injection, Subcision with Dermal Fillers, Scar Excision, and topical treatments.
Acne scars can develop when inflammation from acne damages deeper layers of the skin. During the healing process, changes in collagen production can result in depressions, uneven texture, or raised areas.
Acne scars are generally divided into two main categories:
Atrophic acne scars are commonly classified as ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars. Identifying the type of scar is an important first step in determining which treatment may be appropriate.
Ice pick scars are small, narrow, and deep indentations that extend into the skin. Because they are deeper than many other types of acne scars, they can be challenging to treat with surface-level treatments alone.
Depending on the scar, a dermatologist may consider targeted approaches such as TCA CROSS, scar excision, laser resurfacing, or combination treatments.
Boxcar scars are round or oval depressions with more defined edges. They can be shallow or deeper and commonly appear on the cheeks and temples.
Treatment may include Fractional CO₂ Laser Resurfacing, PRP with Microneedling, scar excision, or combination treatments, depending on the depth and characteristics of the scars.
Rolling scars create a wavy or uneven appearance across the skin. They are often associated with bands of scar tissue beneath the surface that pull the skin downward.
Subcision may be considered to release these underlying bands. In some cases, dermal fillers may be used with or after subcision to help support depressed areas and improve skin contour.
Some people develop raised scars when excess scar tissue forms during the healing process. These scars can appear thicker or elevated compared with the surrounding skin.
Depending on the type of raised scar, treatments such as steroid injections may be considered to help reduce thickness and elevation.
There is no single treatment that works for every acne scar. A dermatologist evaluates the scar type, depth, skin type, location, and overall skin condition before recommending an appropriate treatment plan.
Some patients may benefit from one treatment, while others may require a combination of approaches.
Fractional CO₂ Laser Resurfacing uses controlled laser energy to create microscopic treatment zones in the skin. This stimulates collagen remodeling and can improve the appearance of depressed acne scars, uneven skin texture, fine lines, and enlarged pores.
At OC MedDerm, Fractional CO₂ Laser Resurfacing may be considered for patients with more noticeable textural acne scarring.
PRP with Microneedling combines controlled microneedling with platelet-rich plasma derived from the patient’s own blood.
Microneedling creates tiny controlled channels in the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing response and collagen production. PRP is then applied as part of the treatment.
This approach may help improve the appearance of acne scars, uneven texture, and overall skin appearance, depending on the type and severity of scarring.
TCA CROSS is a targeted technique that uses trichloroacetic acid to treat individual acne scars.
It may be considered particularly for deep, narrow scars such as ice pick scars. Because treatment is targeted to individual scars, it can be useful when broad resurfacing alone may not adequately address deeper indentations.
Plasma Laser and Steroid Injection combines these two approaches as part of a targeted treatment for selected acne scars.
The treatment may be considered when scar characteristics make a targeted approach appropriate. The Plasma Laser component can address the surface and appearance of the scar, while steroid injection may be used as part of the treatment approach for selected raised or thickened scar tissue.
Because acne scars vary significantly in depth, texture, and type, your dermatologist can determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your individual scars.
Subcision is a procedure designed to release fibrous bands of scar tissue that pull depressed scars downward.
It may be particularly useful for rolling or tethered acne scars. In selected cases, dermal fillers may be used with or after subcision to provide additional support beneath depressed areas and improve the appearance of the skin’s contour.
Scar excision involves surgically removing a selected scar and carefully closing the area.
It may be considered for certain deep, sharply defined, or individual acne scars, particularly when a targeted surgical approach may be more appropriate than treating the entire area.
Your dermatologist can determine whether scar excision is suitable based on the scar’s size, depth, location, and surrounding skin.
Topical treatments may be recommended depending on the type of skin changes present. Certain topical medications can help manage active acne, discoloration, or aspects of skin texture and may be incorporated into an overall acne-care plan.
However, established depressed acne scars often require procedures designed to remodel the skin, release scar tissue, or restore volume, depending on the scar type.
The appropriate treatment depends largely on the type of scar.
| Acne Scar Type | Possible Treatment Options |
|---|---|
| Ice Pick Scars | TCA CROSS, scar excision, laser resurfacing, combination treatments |
| Boxcar Scars | Fractional CO₂ Laser, PRP with Microneedling, scar excision, combination treatments |
| Rolling Scars | Subcision with dermal fillers, Fractional CO₂ Laser, PRP with Microneedling, combination treatments |
| Raised Scars | Acne Scar Leveling with Plasma Laser and Steroid Injection, depending on the scar |
Not every treatment is appropriate for every patient. A professional evaluation is important before deciding which approach to use.
Acne scar treatments can significantly improve the appearance and texture of scars, but completely removing a scar is not always possible.
The degree of improvement depends on factors such as:
Your dermatologist can discuss realistic expectations and recommend a treatment plan based on your specific scars.
Consider seeing a dermatologist if you continue to notice:
A dermatologist can identify the type of acne scarring and determine which treatment options may be appropriate for your skin.
At OC MedDerm, acne scar treatment is tailored to each patient’s skin, scar pattern, and treatment goals.
Depending on the type and severity of scarring, treatment options may include:
Patients from Irvine and throughout Orange County can schedule a consultation to have their acne scars evaluated and discuss which treatment approach may be appropriate.
Acne scars come in different forms, and there is no single treatment that works for every type. Ice pick, boxcar, rolling, and raised scars require different approaches depending on their characteristics.
Understanding your scar type is an important first step toward choosing an appropriate treatment. At OC MedDerm in Irvine, CA, acne scar treatment is personalized to the patient’s skin and may involve resurfacing, microneedling, targeted procedures, scar revision, injections, or combination treatments.
If you are concerned about acne scars, a dermatologist can evaluate your skin and recommend a personalized approach to help improve its appearance, texture, and overall skin quality.
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