What are acne scars?
Acne scars are areas of uneven texture that remain after inflamed acne damages deeper layers of the skin. When the skin heals with too little collagen, indented scars form; too much collagen creates raised scars. Common types include ice pick, boxcar, rolling, hypertrophic, and keloid scars. While acne scars are permanent, their appearance can be significantly improved with targeted, non-surgical treatments that rebuild collagen and smooth the skin’s surface.
What are the Causes
of Acne Scars
Acne scars usually develop when inflammation from acne goes deep enough to disturb normal healing. Key reasons include:
Inflammation
Acne scars form when inflammation damages deeper skin layers, disrupting normal healing and leaving behind marks or uneven texture.
Collagen Imbalance
During healing, the skin may produce too little or too much collagen—too little causes dents, while too much forms raised scars.
Picking or Squeezing
Touching or squeezing acne pushes bacteria deeper, worsens inflammation, and increases the risk of permanent scarring.
Untreated Acne
When acne is not treated early, inflammation lasts longer, damaging more tissue and making scars more likely to form.
How to Know If You Have
Acne Scars
Thick or Raised Areas After Breakouts Scar Type: Hypertrophic / Keloid Scars
Some acne spots heal into firm, bumpy scars that feel thicker than the rest of your skin. These may be shiny or slightly pink, and can sometimes itch or feel tight.
Dark or Red Marks Scar Type: Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation (PIH)
Even though active pimples are gone, dark brown or red patches remain. These flat marks (post-inflammatory pigmentation) make skin tone look blotchy and uneven for weeks or months.
Small Dents or Holes on the Skin Scar Type: Atrophic Scars (Ice Pick / Boxcar)
You might see tiny dips, craters, or pitted areas; especially on your cheeks, temples, or forehead. They don’t heal like regular acne and make your skin appear uneven or “textured” under certain light.
Uneven or Rough Skin Texture Scar Type: Mixed or Early Scar Formation
Your skin doesn’t feel smooth anymore; small bumps or patches make makeup sit unevenly, and your skin may look coarse or dull without breakouts being present.
Skin Looks Dull Scar Type: Texture + Pigmentation Overlap
Your skin tone seems uneven or “tired-looking.” Light doesn’t reflect evenly because scarring changes the texture and disrupts natural radiance.
Scars More Noticeable in Lighting Scar Type: Shallow / Mixed Atrophic Scars
You may notice your skin looks fine in the mirror but uneven in selfies or sunlight. Side lighting casts small shadows that make scars appear deeper than they are.
What treatments work for my
scar type?
Best for
Deep, uneven, or pitted scars.
Downtime
1–2 days of mild redness.
Results
Noticeably smoother, tighter skin after 2–3 treatments.
How it works
Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to rebuild collagen at multiple skin depths. It resurfaces and firms scarred skin, improving tone and texture over a series of sessions.
Best for
Mild-to-moderate scars, discoloration, and dull texture.
Downtime
About 1 day of light redness.
Results
Gradual glow and scar fading within 4–6 weeks.
How it works
Tiny needles trigger collagen renewal while PRP — your body’s own plasma — accelerates healing and boosts glow. This combination restores smoother, brighter, more even skin over time.
Best for
Depressed (atrophic) scars and uneven skin firmness.
Downtime
Minimal, with subtle, natural results.
Results
Progressive improvement over 3–6 months.
How it works
Sculptra triggers your skin to produce new collagen beneath scars, gradually restoring volume and elasticity. It’s perfect for deeper, long-standing acne marks that need structural rebuilding.
Not Sure which Acne Scar Treatment
is Right for You?
Every skin is unique and your acne scars deserve a personalized approach.
During your consultation, Dr. Syra Hanif will assess your skin, explain the best treatment options, and create a plan designed just for you.
Start your journey to smoother, clearer skin today.
Before and After
Types of Acne Scars
Atrophic (Indented) Scars
These form when inflammation destroys collagen, leaving shallow or deep dents in the skin. Most common after cystic or inflammatory acne.
- Ice Pick Scars
Narrow, deep, pore-like scars caused by severe inflammation that damages the follicle. - Boxcar Scars
Wider, sharply edged depressions created by significant collagen loss, often seen on the cheeks and temples. - Rolling Scars
Broad, shallow waves caused by fibrous bands pulling the skin downward, usually on the lower cheeks and jawline.
Hypertrophic & Keloid Scars (Raised)
Thick, overgrown scars formed when the skin produces excess collagen. Often linked to deep inflammation, skin trauma, or genetic tendency.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Flat brown or dark spots left after acne heals. Not a true scar, but common—especially in medium to deep skin tones and can be improved with targeted treatments.
Why Do Acne Scars Need Professional Treatment?
Acne scars don’t improve with skincare alone because the damage sits deep in the dermis, where collagen has been lost or rebuilt incorrectly. Topical products can brighten the surface, but they can’t release tethered scars, rebuild missing structure, or correct raised scar tissue. Professional treatments like RF microneedling, TCA CROSS, or collagen stimulators target these deeper layers, creating controlled remodeling that skincare simply can’t achieve. This is why meaningful scar improvement requires structured, medical-grade collagen regeneration rather than surface-level solutions.
Who's a Good Candidate For Acne Scarring Treatment
The best candidate for acne scar treatment in NYC is someone whose acne is fully healed or well-controlled, so the focus can be on correcting the scars rather than managing active breakouts.
- Scars are established whether indented or raised and no longer inflamed
- Overall skin health is stable and able to respond well to treatment
- Understands that results mean improvement, not complete scar removal
- Able to commit to a series of sessions for real collagen remodeling
- Has stable keloids or hypertrophic scars that aren’t actively growing
- Looking for long-term texture improvement rather than short-term surface fixes
How Much Acne Scar Improvement to Expect
- Most patients achieve 60–90% visible improvement, depending on scar type and depth.
- Atrophic scars (rolling, boxcar) typically respond the best to collagen-stimulating treatments.
- Ice-pick scars often require targeted methods like TCA CROSS and improve around 50–70%.
- Hypertrophic and keloid scars generally improve 50–70% with the right approach.
- Texture smoothness, pore refinement, and overall skin tone continue to improve for 3–6 months as new collagen rebuilds.
- Combining treatments over time produces the most consistent and long-lasting results.
Why Choose Acne Scar Treatment at Dr. Syra Aesthetics & Longevity Institute in NYC?
Expert, Scar-Focused Treatment Planning
Dr. Syra Hanif specializes in acne scarring and puts together a plan that’s truly based on your skin. She doesn’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, she looks closely at your scar types along with your skin tone and how you heal, and builds a strategy that gives you the best possible results each session.
Advanced Devices
Your treatment is performed using industry-leading technologies such as Morpheus8 RF microneedling, PRP microneedling, Sculptra collagen stimulation, and TCA CROSS. Each option is chosen based on what will give you the most visible, safe, and long-lasting results for your specific scar patterns.
Safe, Consistent Results for All Skin Tones
Dr. Syra Hanif uses energy-based devices and techniques that minimize risk while maximizing collagen remodeling. This ensures smoother texture, reduced pigmentation, and natural-looking improvement even for patients who are prone to PIH.
Before Your Acne Scar Treatment (Pre-Care)
- Arrive with clean skin: no makeup, sunscreen, or active skincare products.
- Avoid retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, or exfoliants for 3–5 days.
- Stop using self-tanner on the treatment area for 1 week.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 7–10 days before treatment.
- If you're prone to cold sores, your provider may recommend a preventive antiviral medication.
- Stay hydrated: well-moisturized skin responds better to collagen-stimulating treatments.
During Your Appointment (What Happens in the Treatment Room)
- Your skin is cleansed thoroughly and numbing cream is applied for comfort (usually 20–30 minutes).
- Dr. Syra Hanif reviews your scar pattern and treatment plan once more before starting.
- The device or injectable is applied/used in targeted areas to stimulate collagen and smooth scar texture.
- You may feel pressure, heat, or light pinpricks depending on the treatment type: most patients describe it as tolerable.
- Sessions typically last 30–60 minutes, depending on the area and method used.
- After treatment, a soothing serum or cooling product is applied to calm the skin.
After Your Treatment (Post-Care & Recovery Timeline)
Immediately After
- Mild redness, warmth, or tightness is normal for 1–2 days.
- Tiny dots or mild swelling can appear (especially with RF microneedling).
First 48 Hours
- Avoid touching the treated area unnecessarily.
- Do not apply makeup for 24 hours.
- Avoid sweating, gyms, saunas, and hot showers.
- Use only gentle, hydrating products provided or approved by Dr. Syra.
First Week
- Avoid retinoids, exfoliants, and active skincare for 5–7 days.
- Skin may feel dry or slightly rough as it renews, this is normal.
Results Timeline
- Initial improvement can be seen within 1–2 weeks.
- Skin continues rebuilding collagen for 3–6 months.
- Most people see the best results after completing a full treatment series.
- Morpheus8 RF Microneedling: 3–4 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart
- Microneedling with PRP: 3–4 sessions, spaced about 4 weeks apart
- Sculptra: 2–3 sessions, spaced 6–8 weeks apart
- Morpheus8 RF Microneedling: $700–$1,200 per session
- Microneedling with PRP: $450–$900 per session
- Sculptra: $700–$1,000 per vial
- Avoid picking or squeezing pimples.
- Treat acne early to reduce inflammation.
- Use sunscreen daily (SPF 30+).
- Keep your skin hydrated and follow a consistent skincare routine.
- For active acne, ask your dermatologist about prescription treatments to control breakouts.
Morpheus8 RF microneedling, PRP microneedling, and Sculptra are all designed to minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation while effectively rebuilding collagen.
