Laser Acne Scar Treatment

Different types of acne scars behave differently under laser. A good acne scar treatment removal plan starts with a scar type assessment, because the types of acne scars you have will determine whether laser resurfacing, a fractional laser, or a combination of scar treatments makes the most sense.

Types of acne scars we commonly see

• Ice-pick scars: narrow, deep channels. These often need targeted techniques; laser resurfacing alone may not reach the depth of the scar tissue.
• Boxcar scars: sharper-edged depressions. Laser resurfacing can help soften edges and improve the appearance of superficial acne scars.
• Rolling scars: wider undulations, often tethered. These frequently benefit from a combination approach (for example releasing tethering) alongside laser therapy.

We also consider the range of acne scar patterns, the location of your acne scars, your skin condition (including oiliness and sensitivity), and whether the appearance of acne is still changing.

How laser removal works for deep scar tissue

Many patients ask whether laser can “remove acne scars”. In reality, laser treatment does not remove the entire scar in one go. Instead, an ablative laser or fractional laser resurfacing can remodel scar tissue by creating controlled micro-injury in the surface of the skin and the upper dermis. The body’s repair response can reorganise collagen and help reduce the appearance of acne scarring over time.

Think of it as structural renovation rather than a cosmetic cover-up:

• A controlled layer of skin is resurfaced
• The treated skin heals in stages
• Collagen is remodelled gradually, so improvement in acne scarring is measured over months

This is why “laser scar removal before and after” photos can look dramatic in the right cases, but also why timelines matter. The appearance of the scar usually improves gradually rather than immediately.

Fractional technology: repairing skin structure

Fractional laser treatment creates tiny treatment zones while leaving surrounding skin intact. This supports faster re-epithelialisation compared with treating the entire surface in one pass.

In practice, we may use:

• Fractional ablative laser (for stronger resurfacing and scar edge softening)
• Non-ablative laser options in selected cases where downtime needs to be lower or pigment risk is higher

Your skin type (including darker skin) and your history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation influence the type of laser and settings chosen. We discuss skin tone, pigment risk and recovery time upfront so that your plan is safe as well as effective.

Treatable areas: face, back and chest

Acne scars do not only affect facial skin. We commonly treat:

• Face (cheeks, temples, jawline)
• Back (upper back and shoulders)
• Chest

The treatment area matters because skin thickness, healing behaviour, and the risk of pigment change vary by site. For example, recovery time on the face is often different from the body, and the approach for spot scarring removal may differ from treating a larger field.

Am I a candidate for acne scar treatment?

Laser acne scar treatment is most effective and safest when we select the right patient and the right moment.

You are more likely to be suitable if:

• Your acne is still manageable (or inactive) and you are not in a flare of active acne
• Your scar type is treatable with resurfacing (boxcar and rolling scars often respond better than deep ice-pick scars)
• You can protect your skin from the sun during the healing process
• You accept that improvement is the goal, not complete scar removal

You may not be suitable, or we may delay treatment, if:

• Your acne breakouts are frequent and uncontrolled (treating acne first is usually the best approach)
• You have a recent tan, sunburn, or unstable pigment issues
• You have a strong tendency to abnormal scarring (case-by-case)
• You cannot accommodate the recovery time or aftercare requirements

If you are searching for “laser treatment for acne near me” or “dermatologist for acne scar removal”, the key is choosing a clinic that can diagnose the scar type and skin type properly, and advise on the safest type of acne scar treatment.

Our commitment to safety and clinical expertise

Acne scar laser removal price and convenience matter to patients, but safety and clinical governance matter more. Laser resurfacing is a medical procedure: it deliberately injures a layer of the skin to trigger repair. That requires training, protocols, and proper aftercare guidance.

CQC regulation and clinical oversight

We run a medically governed service with clear escalation pathways for adverse events. Your plan is designed with a safety-first mindset, including skin type assessment, pigment risk planning, and realistic expectation setting.

Specialist laser credentials and training

Your consultation and laser session are performed by experienced laser specialists trained in treating acne scarring and managing recovery time, with clinical oversight built into the pathway.

Medical-grade technology and maintenance

Not all types of laser treatments for face and body are equal. We use medical-grade laser systems maintained to clinical standards, and we do not improvise with settings. Appropriate treatment is built on repeatable protocols.

Mandatory patch testing and safe protocols

Patch testing is used when clinically indicated, particularly in higher-risk skin types or when the skin condition suggests a higher risk of pigment change. We also screen for factors that increase infection risk and explain all of your treatment and aftercare requirements prior to treatment.

Your treatment journey: what to expect

1. Consultation (20 minutes)
   We identify scar type and depth, whether acne is still active, and your skin tone (including risk in darker skin). We then determine the most appropriate treatment options, including combination scar treatments.
2. Treatment session (varies by area)
   Treatment time depends on the treatment area, the density of passes, and whether we are focusing on a small region or a larger field.
3. How many sessions?
   Most patients need more than one session. Mild to moderate scarring often requires a short course, while mixed or established scars usually need a longer staged plan. We will be honest if you are likely to need more than laser alone.

Pre-treatment and aftercare for acne-prone skin

Your outcome depends on how the skin heals as much as the laser pulses themselves.

Prior to treatment

• Avoid sun exposure and self-tan
• Pause irritating actives for a short period (individual advice)
• Avoid picking or squeezing spots (reduces new scar tissue)
• Continue an appropriate acne treatment plan if your acne is still active

Aftercare and recovery time

Recovery time varies by depth and whether an ablative laser is used. You can expect some combination of:

• Redness and swelling
• Dryness and flaking as the outer layer of the skin renews
• Temporary roughness as the surface of the skin heals

The healing process typically follows a pattern: Early barrier repair in the first few days, visible settling over the next week or two, and collagen remodelling over several months. Protect your skin carefully during recovery; sun exposure increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.