Acne scars form when inflammatory acne (cysts, nodules, or severe papules) damages the skin's deeper layers. During healing, the body either produces too little collagen (creating depressed scars) or too much (creating raised scars). Unlike post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (flat dark marks that fade), true acne scars involve structural changes in the skin that don't resolve on their own.
Types of Acne Scars
- Rolling scars: Broad, shallow, wave-like depressions — respond very well to microneedling (50–70% improvement in 3–4 sessions)
- Boxcar scars: Wider, flat-bottomed depressions with sharp edges — respond well to deeper microneedling and chemical peels
- Ice pick scars: Narrow, deep, V-shaped pits — often need combination treatments (TCA cross + microneedling)
- Hypertrophic/keloid scars: Raised, thickened tissue — typically treated with corticosteroid injections or laser therapy
Best Treatments for Acne Scars
At SKIN Las Vegas, we most commonly use microneedling as the foundation of acne scar treatment. It stimulates collagen production beneath depressed scars, gradually raising them to the level of surrounding skin. For deeper or more stubborn scars, we combine microneedling with chemical peels or PiQo4 toning for a multi-modal approach.
Tired of Your Acne Scars?
Get a personalized assessment and treatment plan — most clients see significant improvement in just 3–4 sessions.