4 Dermatologist-Approved Acne Scar Removal Treatments

Acne is a problem nearly all of us have to face. If you struggled with blemishes in the past, those spots might have left a few marks on your skin. And this dark scarring created by old acne can become embarrassing as you grow older. Makeup and serums can only do so much to hide these problem areas.

Thanks to new technology, there are many ways patients can fade acne scars, including ProFractional XC. By choosing laser resurfacing or another scar removal treatment, our Rochester, NY, dermatology team can help you create bright, scar-free skin.

ProFractional™ XC

ProFractional XC is a quick and comfortable laser procedure that gives your skin a smoother, more even appearance. The treatment penetrates the skin with tiny beams of light while leaving the surrounding skin untouched, allowing for reduced downtime and expedited healing. Collagen production is boosted and gives your skin a firmer, more youthful texture. It repairs damage and improves coloration issues. You can see how the treatment works and before-and-after photos in this video by Sciton, the maker of ProFractional XC.

Each session takes between 20 and 45 minutes. Most people can resume their normal activities after a day or 2, although redness and flaking may occur during the first couple of weeks. 

Contour TRL™

Contour TRL is a skin resurfacing treatment that precisely removes the outer layer of skin with an erbium YAG laser. This skin resurfacing stimulates collagen production to produce thicker and healthier skin and a more even complexion. It can fade the appearance of acne scars, deep wrinkles, and more. It is primarily used on the face and neck, but it can be used on other parts of the body as well.

This treatment is customizable, and downtime will vary. Patients can expect to see improvements in about a week. These results will continue to develop over the course of 4 to 6 months, depending on the depth of treatment.

You can learn more about how laser skin resurfacing works in a related blog post.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels are an excellent, noninvasive option for those new to med spa treatments. Peels improve skin texture and even out the skin surface by removing damaged layers of cells. This can reduce the appearance of shallow acne scars, fade fine lines, even out skin pigmentation, and reduce age spots. 

Downtime and results can vary based on the type of peel requested. You may feel tingling, tightness, or experience flaking after treatment, but this typically fades within a week.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a popular procedure for improving skin texture and regaining a bright, more youthful glow. The treatment works by creating micro-injuries on the skin with tiny needles, which stimulates collagen production. This extra collagen can fade the signs of old scars, reduce the appearance of sun damage, and even out texture issues. Microneedling is a versatile procedure and can be used on multiple areas of the body.

You may have mild redness or pinkness for 1 to 3 days. Your results will develop continuously for about 3 to 6 months after treatment.

There are many modern ways to remove stubborn acne scars. But no two patients are exactly alike, so ask your dermatologist which option is best for you. If you would like to learn more, contact our Rochester, NY, practice online. You can also request an appointment by calling (585) 272-0700.