Laser Acne Scar Treatment

Overview

Acne scarring is treated by stimulating new collagen to fill depressed scars and by releasing tethering beneath them. Different scar shapes — rolling, boxcar, ice-pick — respond to different techniques, so most plans combine fractional laser with subcision, TCA CROSS or microneedling. Active acne is brought under control first; treating scars while acne is still active produces new ones.

Benefits of this treatment

Smoother skin texture

Stimulates new collagen to fill depressed scars and reduce their visible depth.

Improves scar colour

Vascular and pigment changes around scars often improve alongside their texture.

Tailored to your scar pattern

Rolling, boxcar and ice-pick scars respond differently, so treatment is matched to what you actually have, not a single generic setting.

Non-surgical

No incisions — results build gradually over a course of sessions rather than from a single procedure.

How the procedure is performed

  1. 1 20–30 minutes

    Numbing

    Topical anaesthetic cream is applied and given time to take effect.

  2. 2 20–40 minutes

    Laser pass

    Fractional laser energy is delivered across the scarred area, often combined with subcision or TCA CROSS for deeper, tethered scars.

  3. 3 10 minutes

    Cooling

    The skin is cooled and a soothing barrier product applied.

  4. 4 5 minutes

    Aftercare guidance

    Specific instructions on cleansing, sun protection and product use for the following week are given.

Recovery and aftercare

  1. Days 1–2

    Redness, like sunburn

    Skin appears flushed and feels warm, similar to moderate sun exposure.

  2. Days 3–7

    Fine peeling

    Light flaking or peeling as the treated surface renews — makeup can usually resume once this settles.

  3. Weeks 2–8

    Collagen building

    New collagen forms gradually beneath the surface, with visible improvement typically continuing well after the redness has gone.

  4. Ongoing course

    Repeat sessions

    Further sessions are spaced 6–8 weeks apart to build on the previous session’s results.

Risks and side effects

Prolonged redness

Can last longer than expected in some patients, particularly those with sensitive skin.

Post-inflammatory pigmentation

A temporary darkening or lightening of treated skin, more common in darker skin tones without diligent sun protection.

Incomplete improvement

Deep, long-standing ice-pick scars respond less predictably than shallower rolling scars.

Rarer complications

  • Infection — Uncommon with proper aftercare, but any spreading redness or pus should be reported immediately.
  • Scarring from treatment — Extremely rare with correctly calibrated settings, but a real risk of overly aggressive treatment.

What it costs

What affects the price

Scar severity and area

More extensive or deeper scarring requires more sessions and combination techniques.

Combination techniques

Adding subcision or TCA CROSS for tethered or ice-pick scars adds to the session cost.

Number of sessions

A full course (typically 4–6 sessions) is usually priced as a package rather than per single visit.

Frequently asked questions

Realistically, no — the honest goal is significant, visible improvement in texture and depth, not complete removal. Being told otherwise is a red flag.

Most courses involve 4–6 sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart, though this varies with scar type and severity.

Active, inflamed acne should be controlled first — treating scars on inflamed skin risks creating new scarring rather than improving old scars.

Yes, with appropriately selected settings and a disciplined sun protection routine between sessions to minimise pigment changes.

Related

Treatments patients also consider

Laser Facial

A gentle, no-downtime laser treatment for overall skin clarity and radiance.

30 – 45 minutes None downtime

Pigmentation Treatment

Comprehensive assessment and treatment planning for all forms of facial and body pigmentation.

Consultation 30 minutes

Laser Tattoo Removal

Q-switched and picosecond laser removal of amateur and professional tattoos.

10 – 30 minutes 5 – 7 days downtime

Haemangioma Treatment

Vascular laser treatment for haemangiomas, a common vascular birthmark of infancy.

3 – 7 days of bruising downtime

Next step

Considering Laser Acne Scar Treatment?

Book a consultation and get a straight answer on whether this is right for you, what it involves, and what it will cost. No obligation to proceed.

  • A private, unhurried assessment with the surgeon
  • An honest view of what is realistically achievable
  • A written quote with no hidden costs
  • Complete confidentiality

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