How to Remove Acne Scars Permanently? Dermatologist Explains
Finding painful acne and scars on your face, just after waking up in the morning, can be emotionally distressing. Acne breakouts don’t just affect your appearance but your confidence as well. While cleansers for oily skin may offer temporary relief, painful acne and the scars it leaves behind don’t fade easily.
Patients frequently visit Shlok Dermatology Clinic after trying various home remedies such as cucumber masks and aloe vera gel, yet they find no results. The most common question that patients usually ask Dr. Manisha Mareddy (MD Dermatologist) is: How to remove acne scars permanently? And, that’s exactly when she explains to her patients that removing acne scars isn’t about oil control or sebum production alone; it’s far more than this.
Acne can be caused by various factors and comes in different forms. No single treatment is effective for every type of acne or skin type. Before any treatment plan is built, a dermatologist classifies the type of scarring present with the help of an expert diagnosis. Choosing the wrong treatment for the wrong scar type is the leading cause of disappointment in acne scar treatment.
Dermatologist-led acne treatments are built with a science-backed formula to treat any kind of acne and scars, and offer therapeutic healing to the skin. This blog features insights from MD Dermatologist Dr. Manisha Mareddy on how to remove acne scars permanently using science-backed procedures.
Understanding Different Types Of Acne Scars
Acne scars are visible when acne or painful pimples damage the surrounding tissues or skin. There’s very little collagen production, hence, scarring becomes quite easily visible.
The most common types of acne scars include:
1. Ice Pick Scars
These are deep, narrow, V-shaped scars that look like tiny holes in the skin. They often extend into the deeper layers of the dermis, leave puncture marks and can be challenging to treat.
2. Boxcar Scars
Boxcar scars are round or oval depressions with well-defined edges. They are commonly seen on the cheeks and temples.
3. Rolling Scars
Rolling scars create a wave-like or uneven skin texture due to fibrous bands pulling the skin downward.
4. Keloid Scars
Keloid scars occur when the body keeps building collagen even when the healing process has almost stopped.
5. Hypertrophic
Raised, firm scars — result from excess collagen production, more common on the chest and back.
Can Acne Scars Be Removed Permanently? Know The Best Dermatological Treatments That Treat Acne Scars
If you’ve been thinking about whether acne scars can be removed permanently, here’s what you need to know:
1. Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment
The fractional CO2 laser is one of the most effective treatments for atrophic acne scars. It works by creating thousands of microscopic columns of thermal injury, which triggers healing and collagen remodelling to fill depressed scars.
How does it work?
- Ablative Technology: The damaged skin and scarring are removed by the laser vaporizing technique.
- Collagen Remodelling: By leaving healthy skin between the laser columns, it promotes faster healing. The thermal heat of the laser triggers fibroblasts to synthesize fresh, smooth collagen, which removes scars.
2. Morpheus 8 Treatment
In Morepheus 8 treatment, the microneedling penetrates the skin at controlled depths. It improves the texture of ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars.
How does it work?
Dual Action: Controlled micro-injuries in the skin are created by the microneedling technique while RF energy delivers targeted heat to the deeper dermis.
Collagen Remodelling: This heating by Radiofrequency energy activates your fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin, plumping up the depressed scar tissues.
3. Chemical Peels
Chemical solutions are used in chemical peels, which remove the outer damaged layer of the skin, resulting in less visibility of scars. It exfoliates and peels away the old dead skin cells, as well as scarring.
How does it work?
Accelerated Exfoliation: The bond between damaged skin cells is weakened by chemical peel action. This removes the scarred upper layers of the epidermis, making irregularities in skin less visible.
Collagen Stimulation & Pigmentation Regulation: The chemical action of peel reaches down into the dermis. This alerts your fibroblasts to produce fresh collagen and elastin, which fills out shallow, indented scars
How Many Sessions Of Acne Scars Treatment Are Needed?
Most patients require 4–8 sessions, spaced several weeks apart, to achieve noticeable and long-lasting improvement.
The number of sessions depends on:
- Type of acne scar
- Severity of scarring
- Skin type
- Chosen treatment method
- Individual healing response
Final Takeaway
Acne scars can be frustrating, but they no longer have to be a lifelong concern. With advanced dermatological treatments such as Fractional CO2 Laser, Morpheus 8, Chemical Peels, and Subcision, significant improvement is possible for most scar types.
At Shlok Dermatology, Dr. Manisha Mareddy (MD Dermatologist) takes a personalized approach to acne scar treatment. By carefully evaluating the type, depth, and severity of scars, she designs customized treatment plans that focus on collagen regeneration, skin resurfacing, and long-term skin health.
FAQs
1. Is acne scar treatment painful?
Most procedures are performed using topical numbing creams, making them comfortable and well-tolerated.
2. Can acne scars be removed 100%?
No, acne scars can’t be removed 100%; however with dermatological treatments you can expect relief up to 50-90%, because these treatments focus on collagen remodelling, and healing the damaged skin tissues from within, resulting in reduced visibility of scars.
3. Can acne scars return after treatment?
Once a scar is improved, it generally does not return, especially if you’ve had a laser procedure. However, new acne breakouts can create new scars if not properly managed after treatment.
4. What is the best age for acne scar treatment?
The best age for acne scar treatment is between 20 and 30 years of age, because at this time, cell turnover and natural collagen production and the skin’s ability to heal itself and renew is much faster as compared to mature skin in the 40s and above.
5. When can I expect results after acne scar treatment?
Initial improvement can be seen within a few weeks, while collagen remodeling continues for several months after treatment. Full results are generally visible after 3 to 6 months, when the skin takes time to rebuild collagen.
6. Can I undergo acne scar treatment if I still get active acne?
Active acne is usually treated first or managed alongside scar treatment to prevent new scar formation.
7. What is the cost of acne scar treatment in Hyderabad?
The approximate cost of acne scar treatment in Hyderabad ranges from Rs 2,000 to Rs 25,000. The cost usually depends on various factors, such as the severity and depth of acne scars, the number of sessions required, the technology & equipment used, and the dermatologist’s experience.
8. Who is the best doctor for acne scar treatment in Kokapet, Hyderabad?
Dr. Manisha Mareddy (MBBS, MD Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy) with 10+ years of experience across cosmetic dermatology and medical dermatology is the best doctor for acne scars treatment in Kokapet, Hyderabad. She brings personalised acne management treatment plans that integrate best skincare technology, expert diagnosis, and complete wellness rooted in skin science.
Dr. Manisha Mareddy – Dermatologist & Skin Wellness Expert
Dr. Manisha Mareddy is a leading dermatologist and founder of Shlok Dermatology & Wellness in Kokapet, Hyderabad. With over 10 years of expertise in aesthetic and medical dermatology, she is trusted for her personalized care and proven treatment approach.
Morning Skincare Routine
Step 1: Consultation
Your dermatologist evaluates your skin or hair concerns and determines whether exosome therapy is suitable for you.