How to Get Rid of Acne Scars: Your Treatment Options Explained

Key Points

  • Acne scars form when inflamed breakouts damage the skin tissue beneath the surface, disrupting the normal healing process. 
  • There are several distinct types of acne scars, and the right treatment depends on which type you have. 
  • Professional in-office treatments are significantly more effective than over-the-counter options for true acne scarring. 
  • Legacy Dermatology in Algonquin, IL offers multiple acne scar treatment options including microneedling, chemical peels, Aerolase laser, fillers, and more. 
  • The best time to address acne scars is after active breakouts are under control -- a dermatologist can help you with both. 


You finally got your acne under control. The breakouts are less frequent, less angry, and more manageable. But now you are left looking at something else entirely -- a collection of pits, bumps, and discolored patches that are a constant reminder of what your skin went through. 


Acne scars are one of the most frustrating skin concerns out there, and for good reason. They stick around long after the acne itself is gone, they do not respond well to most over-the-counter products, and they can seriously affect how you feel about your skin every single day. 


The good news is that acne scars are very treatable. With the right professional approach, most people see significant improvement -- and in many cases dramatic results. Here is everything you need to know about your options.


Why Do Acne Scars Form in the First Place?


To understand how to treat acne scars, it helps to understand how they form. When a breakout develops deep in the skin, the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed. As the skin heals, it tries to repair that damage by producing collagen. The problem is that this repair process is not always perfect. 


If the skin produces too little collagen during healing, the result is a depressed scar -- a pit or indentation in the skin. If the skin produces too much collagen, the result is a raised scar that sits above the surrounding skin surface. 


Picking, popping, or squeezing breakouts significantly increases the risk of scarring by forcing inflammation deeper and disrupting the skin's natural healing process. This is one of the most important reasons to treat active acne as early as possible and resist the urge to pick. You can learn more about managing active breakouts on our blog about what causes acne and how to stop it, and explore Legacy Dermatology's full approach to acne scars on the service page. 


Acne Scars vs. Post-Acne Marks: What Is the Difference?


Before diving into treatments, it is worth clarifying something that trips a lot of people up. Not everything left behind by a breakout is technically a scar. 


Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is flat discoloration -- pink, red, brown, or dark patches -- left on the skin after a pimple heals. This is not true scarring. It is a pigmentation issue, and it often fades on its own over time, though it can be stubborn on darker skin tones. Treatments like chemical peels and the Aerolase laser can speed up that fading process considerably. You can also learn more about managing discoloration on the hyperpigmented spots page. 


True acne scars involve a change in the actual texture of the skin -- pitting, indentations, or raised tissue. These do not fade on their own and require targeted treatment to improve. 


Knowing which one you are dealing with helps determine the right approach, which is another reason a professional evaluation is so valuable. 


Types of Acne Scars


Different types of acne scars respond to different treatments. Here is a breakdown of the most common types. 


Atrophic Scars (Depressed Scars) 


These are the most common type of acne scar. They occur when not enough collagen is produced during healing, leaving a depression or pit in the skin. There are three main subtypes: 


Ice pick scars are narrow, deep, and V-shaped. They go deep into the skin and are among the most challenging to treat. 


Boxcar scars are wider with sharp, defined edges. They look similar to chickenpox scars and tend to appear on the cheeks and temples. 


Rolling scars have a wave-like, undulating appearance caused by bands of tissue pulling the skin surface downward. They give the skin an uneven, bumpy texture. 


Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars (Raised Scars) 


These form when the skin produces too much collagen during healing, creating a raised scar above the skin surface. Hypertrophic scars stay within the boundaries of the original wound. Keloid scars grow beyond those boundaries and can continue to expand over time. 


Keloids are more common in people with darker skin tones and require specialized treatment. Dr. Bradley has significant experience treating keloids and raised scars in patients with skin of color, which is an area of specialty focus at Legacy Dermatology. Learn more about Dr. Bradley's background and approach on the about us page. 


Professional Acne Scar Treatment Options at Legacy Dermatology


This is where the real progress happens. Professional in-office treatments are far more effective than anything available over the counter for true acne scarring. Legacy Dermatology offers several options, and the right choice depends on your scar type, skin tone, and goals. 


Microneedling 


Microneedling is one of the most effective and versatile treatments for acne scars. It uses a device with fine needles to create tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates the skin's natural healing response, triggering the production of new collagen and elastin. 


Over a series of treatments, microneedling can significantly improve the appearance of rolling scars, boxcar scars, and overall skin texture. It is also well tolerated across a wide range of skin tones, making it an excellent option for patients with medium to darker skin who may not be good candidates for more aggressive laser treatments. 


Most patients need a series of three to six sessions spaced about four to six weeks apart for optimal results. 


Chemical Peels 


Chemical peels use a carefully selected acid solution to remove the outer layers of skin, stimulating cell turnover and collagen production in the process. They are particularly effective for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and superficial scarring. 


Peels range from mild to deep depending on the concentration of the solution used and the depth of penetration. Dr. Bradley will determine the right strength for your skin type and concerns. Mild to medium peels are often performed as a series, while deeper peels deliver more dramatic results in fewer sessions. 


Chemical peels also work well in combination with other treatments for a more comprehensive approach to acne scar improvement. 


Aerolase Laser 


The Aerolase laser is a cutting-edge laser technology that targets acne, acne scars, and discoloration with impressive precision. It delivers energy deep into the skin to stimulate collagen remodeling and reduce the appearance of scarring, redness, and pigmentation issues. 


One of the standout qualities of the Aerolase laser is that it is safe and effective across all skin tones, including darker skin tones that can be more sensitive to certain laser treatments. It is also gentler than many traditional laser platforms, with minimal discomfort and little to no downtime for most patients. 


Dermal Fillers 


For deeper depressed scars -- particularly rolling scars and some boxcar scars -- dermal fillers can provide an immediate improvement by adding volume beneath the scar and lifting it to the level of the surrounding skin. 


Results from fillers are not permanent, but they can last anywhere from several months to over a year depending on the product used. Fillers are often used in combination with other treatments like microneedling for a more complete result. 


Intralesional Injections 


For raised scars and keloids, intralesional injections are one of the most effective treatment options available. These injections are administered directly into the raised scar tissue and work to flatten and soften it over time. Multiple treatment sessions are typically needed for best results. 


Excision 


For certain types of deep or stubborn scars, a minor surgical excision may be the most effective option. This involves precisely removing the scarred tissue and allowing the skin to heal cleanly. Excision is often combined with other treatments for the best overall outcome. 


Can You Treat Acne Scars at Home? 


Over-the-counter products can help with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and mild surface texture issues, but they will not make a meaningful dent in true acne scarring. Ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide, and azelaic acid can support overall skin health and help fade discoloration, but they do not have the ability to remodel scar tissue the way professional treatments do. 


Think of at-home products as maintenance between professional treatments, not a replacement for them. 


What to Expect From Acne Scar Treatment 


Results from professional acne scar treatments are real and often significant, but they do take time. Most treatments work by stimulating the skin's own healing and remodeling processes, which unfold gradually over weeks and months. 


A few things to keep in mind going in: 


Most people need multiple treatment sessions to achieve their desired results. Combination approaches -- using two or more treatment types together -- often deliver better outcomes than any single treatment alone. Sun protection is essential during and after treatment to prevent new discoloration from developing. And getting active acne under control before treating scars is critical -- new breakouts mean new potential scarring, which undermines your progress. 


At Legacy Dermatology, Dr. Bradley will assess your scars, discuss your goals, and build a personalized treatment plan that makes sense for your skin. You can explore the full range of options on the dermatology services page or visit the new patients page to get started. 



FAQs About Acne Scar Treatment


Can acne scars be removed completely? It depends on the type and severity of the scar. Many acne scars can be dramatically improved with professional treatment, and some become virtually undetectable. Deep ice pick scars are the most challenging to treat fully, but even these can be significantly improved. Realistic expectations and a good treatment plan go a long way. 


Does microneedling hurt? Most patients describe microneedling as feeling like light sandpaper on the skin. A topical numbing cream is typically applied before the procedure to keep discomfort minimal. Most people tolerate it very well. 


How many treatments will I need? It varies depending on the treatment type and the severity of your scarring. Microneedling typically requires three to six sessions. Chemical peels may be performed as a series of four to six treatments. Your dermatologist will give you a realistic treatment timeline at your consultation. 


Is acne scar treatment safe for darker skin tones? Yes, when performed by an experienced dermatologist. Some laser treatments can cause pigmentation issues on darker skin tones if not used correctly, which is why choosing a provider with specific experience in skin of color is important. Dr. Bradley has a specialty focus in this area and selects treatments that are appropriate and safe for each patient's individual skin tone. 


When is the right time to start treating acne scars? The best time to begin scar treatment is after your active acne is well controlled. Treating scars while still breaking out regularly is counterproductive because new breakouts will continue to create new scarring. Your dermatologist can help you get your acne under control first and then transition into scar treatment. 


Will my insurance cover acne scar treatment? Most acne scar treatments are considered cosmetic and are not covered by insurance. Your dermatology team can walk you through pricing and available payment options at your consultation. Legacy Dermatology also offers payment plans to help make treatment more accessible. 


FAQs About Legacy Dermatology 


What acne scar treatments does Legacy Dermatology offer? Legacy Dermatology offers microneedling, chemical peels, Aerolase laser, dermal fillers, intralesional injections, and excision for acne scars. Visit the acne scars page for more details. 


Does Legacy Dermatology treat acne scars in patients with skin of color? Yes. Dr. Bradley has a specialty focus on skin of color and selects treatments that are safe and effective for all skin tones. Learn more on the about us page. 


Where is Legacy Dermatology located? Legacy Dermatology is at 2230 Huntington Drive N, Unit C-1, Algonquin, IL 60102. 


How do I book a consultation for acne scar treatment? Call (847) 603-4146 or schedule online. New patients are welcome -- visit the new patients page to get started. 


Does Legacy Dermatology offer payment plans? Yes. Visit the payment plans page to learn about available financing options for cosmetic treatments. 


You Do Not Have to Live With Acne Scars


Acne scars can feel like a permanent reminder of something you have already been through. But with the right treatment plan and the right dermatologist, most people see real, meaningful improvement -- and many see results that genuinely surprise them. 


Dr. Bradley at Legacy Dermatology is here to help you figure out exactly which treatments are right for your scars, your skin tone, and your goals. 


Call (847) 603-4146 or schedule your consultation online today.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, and should not be considered, medical advice. All information, content, and material available on this blog are for general informational purposes only. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The author and the blog disclaim any liability for the decisions you make based on the information provided. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.