What Is the Best Treatment for Acne Scars?
Dana Herbertson
7/6/2026
What Is the Best Treatment for Acne Scars? A Guide to Your Options
If you've finally gotten your acne under control but are left with scars, you're not alone. Acne scars can affect your confidence long after breakouts have healed. Fortunately, today's advanced aesthetic treatments can significantly improve skin texture and restore a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.
The truth is, there isn't one "best" treatment for acne scars. The right solution depends on the type of scarring you have, your skin type, and your goals. At The Derm Lounge, we create customized treatment plans designed specifically for your skin.
Understanding the Different Types of Acne Scars
Before choosing a treatment, it's important to identify the type of acne scars you're dealing with.
Ice Pick Scars
These are deep, narrow scars that extend into the skin. Because they reach deeper than other scar types, they often require more advanced treatment options.
Boxcar Scars
Boxcar scars appear as wider depressions with defined edges. They commonly develop after inflammatory acne and can leave the skin looking uneven.
Rolling Scars
Rolling scars create a wave-like appearance caused by bands of tissue beneath the skin. They often respond well to collagen-stimulating treatments.
Many patients have a combination of these scar types, which is why a personalized consultation is essential.
Halo Laser
Halo is a hybrid fractional laser that targets both the surface and deeper layers of the skin. By stimulating collagen production and encouraging healthy skin renewal, Halo can improve the appearance of acne scars while also treating:
- Uneven skin texture
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines
- Sun damage
- Overall skin tone
Halo is an excellent option for patients looking for noticeable skin rejuvenation with moderate downtime.
Contour TRL
For patients with more significant acne scarring, Contour TRL offers a deeper level of skin resurfacing.
This advanced laser removes damaged layers of skin while stimulating new collagen production, making it ideal for improving deeper scars and more severe texture concerns.
Although recovery is longer than Halo, the results can be dramatic for the right candidate.
Microneedling
Microneedling works by creating tiny microchannels in the skin that trigger your body's natural healing response and collagen production.
This treatment is an excellent option for mild to moderate acne scarring and offers benefits such as:
- Smoother skin texture
- Improved collagen production
- Minimal downtime
- Safe treatment for many skin types
- Most patients achieve the best results through a series of treatments.
- Mesoneedling
Mesoneedling combines collagen induction with customized serums that are infused into the skin during treatment.
This approach helps improve overall skin quality while supporting collagen production and skin repair, making it a great addition to many acne scar treatment plans.
Can Acne Scars Be Completely Removed?
While acne scars cannot always be completely erased, they can often be significantly improved.
Most patients experience smoother skin, improved texture, and increased confidence after completing a customized treatment plan. Depending on the severity of your scarring, combining multiple treatments may provide the best outcome.
Why a Personalized Consultation Matters
Every patient's skin is unique. During your consultation, we'll evaluate:
- Your type of acne scarring
- Your skin tone and texture
- Your lifestyle and downtime preferences
- Your aesthetic goals
From there, we'll recommend a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on the severity of your acne scars and the treatment selected. Many patients benefit from a series of sessions for optimal results.
Which treatment has the least downtime?
Microneedling and mesoneedling typically involve the shortest recovery time. Halo requires several days of downtime, while Contour TRL generally involves a longer recovery but can provide more dramatic improvement.
When will I see results?
Collagen remodeling takes time. Many patients begin noticing improvement within several weeks, with continued results developing over the following months.
Ready to Improve Your Acne Scars?
You don't have to live with acne scars forever. Whether your concerns are mild or more advanced, The Derm Lounge offers personalized treatment options to help you achieve smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Schedule your consultation today to learn which acne scar treatment is right for you.
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