Bbangbae Dermatology: Acne Scar Treatment Methods Differ Depending on the Shape and Color of the Depressions

Have you ever sighed every time you looked in the mirror because of the deep scars left behind after acne swept through? When discussing scar treatment in the clinic, I often meet many patients who come in exhausted after experiencing repeated treatment failures. “I’ve tried every laser people said was good, but the scars are still there.” “No matter how much primer I apply, the indented marks won’t fill in.” “I spent a lot of money on treatment, but my face only became redder and more sensitive.”

I can fully understand how you feel if you’ve even experienced social anxiety because of uneven skin that makeup can’t hide. But the reason scar treatment has not worked is not because of your skin. It is highly likely that the problem is that only a uniform laser procedure was repeated without considering the shape and depth of your scars. Today, I’ll explain in detail the medical principles behind scar formation and the treatment method that uses a combination of three lasers to fill in scars in a three-dimensional way.

Scars are not all the same shape

The reason acne scar treatment is so difficult is that the shape of the scars differs from person to person and from one area of the face to another. In most cases, there is a mix of different forms, such as narrow, deep ice pick scars that look as if they were pierced with an awl, boxcar scars with clear borders and a flat appearance like a stamp imprint, and rolling scars that are rounded and broadly depressed. In addition, enlarged blood vessels caused by inflammation (red marks) or dark pigmentation often accompany the scars, making them stand out even more.

Therefore, a single type of laser alone cannot solve this complex problem. A multilayered approach is needed to refine the edges of the scar, fill in the inner tissue, and remove the dull color.

A laser combination tailored to the depth and characteristics of the scar is necessary

The patient’s scar type must be analyzed precisely, and three lasers with different mechanisms should be used in combination.

First, a CO2 laser refines the borders of the scar. The CO2 laser is effective for the deepest, most firmly fibrotic scar tissue, especially boxcar scars with clearly defined borders. It precisely removes the surface of the scar, evens out the height differences on the skin surface, and delivers powerful thermal energy to stimulate collagen regeneration in the dermis. You can think of it as the foundational step of first flattening the uneven texture.

Second, PicoPlus fills in new tissue from deep within the skin. PicoPlus is a device that delivers energy at a speed 1,000 times faster than conventional lasers. It creates microscopic holes inside the dermis while minimizing damage to the skin surface. Our body recognizes these holes as wounds and produces collagen explosively in order to heal, and through this process, new tissue begins to fill the depressed scar from the inside. It is also excellent for reducing enlarged pores and improving overall skin texture.

Third, Clarity Pro removes redness. One reason scars look deeper is because of shadows and redness. Clarity Pro helps constrict the enlarged blood vessels around the scar and remove dark pigmentation. When the skin tone is evened out, the scars become much less noticeable visually, and the overall face can look cleaner.

Basic care must be solid for laser results to improve

You may think, “Isn’t it just over once the laser is done?” But in fact, basic care is essential to improve the effectiveness of laser treatment.

If acne is still active, oral medications or ointments should be prescribed first to calm the inflammation. If laser is applied while inflammation is still present, the skin may react badly instead. Also, for areas where the scar tissue is adhered and hardened, combining injection treatment that directly administers medication can soften the tissue and allow laser energy to be delivered much more effectively.

Acne scars require consistent treatment

Acne scars are not a condition that disappears magically after just one procedure. It is a long journey that requires patience and consistent treatment. However, if you use a combination of lasers suited to your scar based on an accurate diagnosis and combine that with basic care, you can definitely experience a change as the uneven skin texture gradually becomes smoother.

Rather than following online advertisements or inexpensive package treatments, I recommend visiting a dermatologist first to receive an accurate diagnosis of your scars. Only an accurate diagnosis and treatment based on proper principles are the safest and most reliable way to erase a lifelong complex caused by scars.