Acne scars are more than just “marks” left behind after breakout, they are changes in the deeper structure of the skin.
When inflammation from acne penetrates deeply into the skin, it damages collagen, fat, and supporting tissue beneath the surface. During the healing process, the skin may not regenerate evenly, leading to depressed or tethered scars. This is why many patients notice uneven texture, dents, shadows, or enlarged pores long after their acne has settled.
Different acne scars also behave differently:
▫️ Rolling scars — soft, wave-like depressions caused by fibrous bands tethering the skin downward beneath the surface
▫️ Boxcar scars — broader, more sharply defined depressions with distinct edges
▫️ Ice-pick scars — narrow, deep scars that extend vertically into the skin
▫️ Post-inflammatory pigmentation — residual brown or red marks left after inflammation
Because each scar type has a different underlying cause, effective treatment usually requires a combination approach rather than a single treatment alone.
At Emberwood Aesthetics, Dr Jolenda tailors acne scar treatment based on scar morphology, skin quality, downtime preferences, and individual healing response.
Some of the treatments commonly used include:
✨ Subcision with needle or cannula
Subcision helps release the fibrous bands tethering rolling scars beneath the skin. By mechanically freeing these attachments, the skin is able to lift and heal more evenly over time.
✨ PDRN skin boosters
PDRN-based injectables help support tissue repair, skin regeneration, and collagen stimulation after acne scar procedures.
✨ TCA CROSS
A highly targeted technique used especially for deep ice-pick scars. Controlled application of TCA stimulates collagen remodelling within the scar.
✨ Fractional CO2 Laser
An ablative laser that resurfaces damaged skin and stimulates significant collagen remodelling for textural improvement.
✨ Pico Fractional Laser
Helps improve acne-related pigmentation, pores, and mild textural irregularities with comparatively less downtime.
✨ Dermal fillers
Selected acne scars may benefit from fillers to soften depressed areas and restore volume loss beneath the skin.
One of the most important things patients should understand is that acne scar treatment is usually progressive rather than immediate. Improvement happens gradually as collagen remodels over time, and combining multiple modalities often produces the best outcomes.
Every scar tells a different story — and every treatment plan should be personalised accordingly 🤍
Book a consultation at Emberwood Aesthetics to explore a customised treatment approach for your acne scars.
