Skin
Acne Scars
Textural changes and marks left behind after inflammatory acne.
What is Acne Scars?
Acne scars are permanent textural changes that develop when inflammation damages collagen in the deeper layers of skin. They differ from post-acne dark marks, which are pigment changes that fade over time.
Symptoms
- Depressed (atrophic) scars — icepick, boxcar or rolling
- Raised or thickened scars in some individuals
- Uneven skin texture and shadowing in side light
- Persistent brown or red marks at old acne sites
Common Causes
- Deep or long-standing inflammatory acne
- Delayed treatment of active acne
- Picking, squeezing or manipulating lesions
- Individual tendency to scar
Who May Be Affected
Anyone who has had moderate to severe acne can develop scarring, particularly when acne was inflammatory or persisted for years before treatment.
Diagnosis
The dermatologist assesses scar type, depth and distribution under good lighting, since different scar patterns respond to different procedures.
Treatment Options
- Microneedling and radiofrequency-based resurfacing
- Chemical peels for superficial texture and marks
- Subcision for tethered rolling scars
- Laser resurfacing where suitable
- Combination plans staged over several sessions
Prevention & Skincare Advice
- Treat active acne early rather than waiting
- Avoid picking or extracting lesions at home
- Protect healing skin with daily sunscreen
- Follow through with maintenance therapy
When to See a Dermatologist
Consult a dermatologist if marks or indentations persist for several months after acne has settled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information on this website is for education only and does not replace an in-person consultation with a qualified dermatologist. Treatment suitability is determined after consultation.
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