Why Is It Difficult to Get Boxcar Acne Scars and Depressed Marks on Their Own to Go Away? — Naebang Station Dermatology

Naebang Station Dermatology: Boxcar Acne Scars

Many people worry about depressed marks left behind after acne disappears, making their skin look uneven. Some of you may have even avoided taking photos because these indentations remain visible when viewed from an angle where light falls obliquely, even after thorough cleansing and applying makeup. Among the people I meet in the consultation room, many say, “The acne has completely healed, but the scars bother me even more,” or, “I thought they would disappear with time, but they still look the same even after several years.”

Boxcar acne scars form when acne inflammation damages the deeper layers of the dermis, destroying collagen tissue and leaving depressed scars. Because a damaged dermis cannot fully recover on its own, these scars are unlikely to disappear naturally over time and require active treatment at a dermatology clinic. Today, I will explain in detail why boxcar acne scars develop and how they can be treated effectively.

Why Don’t Boxcar Acne Scars Disappear on Their Own?

Naebang Station Dermatology: Boxcar Acne Scars

Acne scars are broadly divided into depressed scars and raised scars. Boxcar acne scars are a type of depressed scar with clearly defined edges and a flat base. They occur when acne inflammation penetrates deeply into the dermis, damages collagen fibers, and leaves the affected area sunken because it does not refill normally.

Once collagen in the dermis is destroyed, the skin has difficulty fully regenerating it on its own, so the mark remains even as time passes. Boxcar scars are often deeper and wider when acne has been squeezed by hand or inflammation has been left untreated for a long time. The longer a scar has been present, the more firmly the border between it and the surrounding skin can become established, so it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible.

Filling Depressed Scars with Collagen Using Virtue RF

Naebang Station Dermatology: Boxcar Acne Scars

Virtue RF plays a key role in treating boxcar acne scars. It uses fine needles to deliver radiofrequency energy directly to the dermal layer where the scar is located, stimulating an environment for damaged collagen to regenerate and gradually filling the depressed area. The needle depth can be adjusted precisely according to the depth and extent of the scar, allowing energy to be delivered accurately to scars with clearly defined edges and a flat base, such as boxcar scars.

As collagen gradually builds up through repeated treatments, the depressed marks may become shallower and the borders between the scars and surrounding skin may appear smoother. Rather than expecting dramatic disappearance after a single treatment, the appropriate approach for boxcar acne scars is to undergo treatment consistently and improve the scars gradually.

Improving Pigmentation Around Scars and Skin Texture with PicoPlus

Naebang Station Dermatology: Boxcar Acne Scars

When combined with Virtue RF to fill depressed scars, PicoPlus can also be effective. Pigmentation or red marks often remain around boxcar acne scars. PicoPlus uses short laser energy delivered in picoseconds to break these pigment particles into smaller fragments and stimulate the skin’s regenerative environment.

A comprehensive approach that improves the depth of the scars while also addressing surrounding pigmentation and skin texture can enhance the overall quality of boxcar acne scar treatment. Another advantage is that it causes relatively little thermal damage to the surrounding skin tissue, allowing it to be applied comparatively safely to skin that has become sensitive after scar treatment.

Daily Care That Can Improve the Results of Scar Treatment

Naebang Station Dermatology: Boxcar Acne Scars

Paying attention to your daily care while receiving treatment for boxcar acne scars can significantly improve the results. Ultraviolet rays can worsen pigmentation in the scarred area and interfere with collagen regeneration, so applying sunscreen carefully throughout the treatment period is especially important. When your skin is temporarily sensitive after a procedure, avoid aggressive exfoliation and cosmetics containing irritating ingredients, and provide sufficient moisture to create an environment where the skin can recover. If you squeeze or irritate new acne by hand, additional scarring may occur, so it is also important to manage new breakouts carefully.

Because boxcar acne scars become more difficult to improve the longer they are left untreated, it is beneficial to begin treatment promptly if they concern you. If you have been distressed by depressed marks for a long time, first have the condition of your scars assessed by a dermatologist and find a treatment approach suited to your skin. I will carefully help you work toward regaining smooth, healthy-looking skin.