Some scars, including some types of acne scars, can fade somewhat on their own over time. However, most will not go completely on their own and some will not improve noticeably on their own either.
There are a few different types of acne scarring and there can be a mixture of types in a single area; acne scarring on the face, acne scarring on the back, acne scarring on buttocks, no matter where your acne scarring is, you can have a mixture of scar types and you may need to do different things to help remove them.
The scars most likely to naturally fade to some degree are macular scars. These are flat, dark marks that have been left where a spot was. As this type of scar is not structural, such as a dip in the skin, it can fade over time as your skin cells renew.
It can take a long time for macular acne scars to improve on their own, but this process can be accelerated with the use of some products and/or treatments.
The type of acne scars that are likely to require treatment to improve them are those with a sunken appearance, known as atrophic scars; specifically rolling scars, boxcar scars and ice-pick scars. These types of scars will not return to their previous appearance, or as close as possible, without intervention. As mentioned before, it is usual for there to be a variety of scar types in an area where acne has been which will always be assessed and diagnosed by your practitioner prior to deciding on a treatment plan for you.
Acne Scar Treatment
There are lots of options when it comes to treatments to remove acne scars. It is important to have a thorough consultation and ask questions so that you can fully understand what treatment(s) are being suggested for you and why.
I would also recommend going in with a mindset of how much of an improvement you would be happy with- would you be happy if you could improve the appearance of your scars by 30%, 70%? Realistically, a dermatology nurse or a dermatologist for acne scars should not promise you that they will be able to fully remove a scar with non-surgical treatments; these treatments are designed to soften, lighten, and smooth scars, often improving acne scars to the point that the individual isn’t as bothered by them, but they cannot promise that they will be ‘removed’. Think ‘improvement’ over ‘removal’.
Please be aware that most treatments require the scars to be six months old as the skin can take this long to naturally heal and repair itself; we also wouldn’t expect any further natural improvements in the scar’s appearance after this amount of time.
What Can We Offer You to Treat Acne Scars?
At our Hertfordshire acne scarring clinic, we have a lot of options for your skin. Your specific acne scar treatment plan will be unique to you and decided upon during your assessment and consultation, but it may include one or more of these acne scar treatment options:
1. Subcision for Acne Scars
This technique allows us to treat scars that are tethered, or stuck, to the deeper tissues below which may cause some scars to look exaggerated because the tethering is pulling the scar down. Physically breaking down tethering below acne scars with the subcision technique can help to lift the scar back up.
Subcision can be used as a stand-alone treatment, but most commonly it is used in combination with another treatment to further improve the surface of the scar. This treatment is best for box scars or rolling scars and is not appropriate for ice-pick acne scars or macular (hyperpigmented) scars.
2. Fraxel Dual Laser for Acne Scars
Fraxel Dual is a fractional laser treatment that helps to stimulate new collagen and help to replace the damaged skin cells with new, healthy skin cells. It does this by treating a fraction of the skin at a time causing the skin to believe that it has been damaged, your skin goes into ‘repair mode’ during which it heals itself and produces new collagen; this means smoother, healthier skin.
As the process that the laser triggers is a natural process to your body, it can take a few months to achieve the full results, but some improvement can often be seen in the weeks following the treatment.
Fraxel Dual can treat both atrophic scars and macular scars.
3. Dermal Fillers for Acne Scars
Fillers are used to replace volume in an area where it has been lost; we often associate fillers with wrinkles, but they are frequently used to treat other ‘dips’ in the skin, be it wrinkles or scars. Atrophic acne scars can be flattened and smoothed in appearance with this treatment.
Dermal fillers used for the treatment of acne scars are made of synthetic hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in your skin and is replicated for dermal fillers in the form of a soft gel.
This treatment can be extremely effective in immediately improving the appearance of indented scars; however, it is not healing the skin in the same way some other treatments do and may need to be repeated from time to time.
4. Derma FNS Micro-Needling for Acne Scars
At our acne scarring clinic, we offer micro-needling treatment with the Derma FNS micro-needling pen. This treatment uses very small, fine needles to pierce the skin which stimulates your repair and renewal mechanism; the same response that we stimulate with the Fraxel Dual laser, the difference being that it is done via the micro-needles rather than the laser and the two different treatments can treat different depths in the skin.
Micro-needling can treat macular and atrophic acne scarring.
5. Regenlite Pulse Dye Laser
This particular laser treatment does not create a controlled micro-wound in the same way as Fraxel Dual or the Clear + Brilliant laser does (more on Clear + Brilliant shortly) but it does ‘trick’ your skin into regenerating itself and create new collagen, helping to smooth the scars.
Regenlite can also be used in a different setting to help soften redness in the skin which is ideal if you have been left with background redness and pink marks after your acne.
The Regenlite pulse dye laser is beneficial to some atrophic scars as well as red marks and pinkness left behind after your acne has gone.
6. Clear + Brilliant Laser
This fractional laser is known as the ‘baby Fraxel’; it is by the same people who make the Fraxel Dual laser and, although it works in the same way as the Fraxel Dual, Clear + Brilliant offers a less intense treatment.
It is best for macular scarring and can treat some atrophic scars also.
7. Punch Excision
This treatment uses a punch device that removes a very small section of tissue; it is placed over the scar, usually an ice-pick scar, and replaces it with a shallower wound which will then heal. You may require further treatment to this ‘replacement’ scar to further improve it.
This treatment is best suited to very deep, small scars such as ice-pick scars. We do not offer this treatment at our clinic at the time of writing.
This is a treatment that harnesses the regenerative properties of the growth factors found in your plasma.
During the PRP treatment, a very small sample of your blood is taken and spun in a medical device called a Centrifuge. As the blood is spun it separates in the collection tube; one half is a golden colour- this is your plasma full of regenerating growth factors. The other half is red which are the components of your blood that is not useful when it comes to the treatment.
Your practitioner will draw out the plasma and re-introduce it to your skin either during a treatment that created tiny ‘wounds’ in your skin such as micro-needling or fractional laser or they will inject it directly into the scars.
The growth factors trigger your skin to heal and regenerate.
This treatment can be used to help improve atrophic scars or to further boost the results of another procedure that treats macular (and/or atrophic) scars.
9. Byonik
The Byonik treatment uses hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and two types of ‘cold’ lasers: near-infrared and red light. These lasers do not cause any type of controlled wound so there is no recovery time.
The result of the combined aspects of the procedure is that skin redness and inflammation is improved, wound healing is supported, and skin regeneration is triggered.
This treatment is best for macular acne scarring and redness that has been left behind by acne.
Hopefully, this sheds some light on what can be done for your acne scarring. If you would like to know more about these treatments, please do contact our Hertfordshire skin clinic, we’d love to help you more.
Disclaimer: This blog is not to be used for diagnostic purposes. We are all unique which means that our results, recovery and suitability for any type of treatment will vary. Always seek the advice of a professional should you have any health or cosmetic concerns or to discuss treatments specifically for you.
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The care that Jane and her team show is exemplary, especially their follow up care for every treatment.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your 5 star review Laurie. We are so grateful you took the time to write about us and we're pleased you are happy with your treatment and follow-up care. Thanks for your kind comments. See you soon!
Nikki’s amazing. The cost of the treatment is reasonable. I’ve gone from looking like a hairy silverback gorilla to a silverback gorilla with a hairless back.
What was I ever worried about! From start to finish (reception to nurse) everyone was helpful, patient and happily answered all of my questions. The clinic is lovely with a welcoming and relaxing feel to it. I travelled from Essex and have no regrets. The procedure was done with great care and lots of advice. I can’t fault Nurse Jane and will not hesitate to return or recommend this clinic.
Emma is amazing amazing amazing !! She removed my huge ear keyloid with minimal scarring. She makes you feel so comfortable and supported. Very Grateful would recommend her and the clinic to anyone 🥰
The service is so personal and they have always given excellent advice and help. The staff are so professional and friendly and Nicky has been so kind and helpful with my daughter. I would 100% recommend them 😊
Thank you so much to Jane at The Skin To Love clinic for your care and great treatment provided this morning - very professional and made me feel relaxed during the treatment too. Look forward to seeing you again in a month. Col
Highly recommend the Skin to Love clinic , such a lovely relaxing atmosphere and so professional. I am very pleased with my treatment with Stuart and Jane both of whom took plenty of time to discuss my requirements, desired outcomes and exactly what to expect, including step by step explanation during treatment. Can’t wait to see the results emerging and beyond
Response from the owner: What a lovely review! Thank you for giving us feedback on your treatment results and the care you received from Jane. We’re really pleased you’re so happy with your results-enjoy!
Amazing service. The nurse, Emma, was professional and had a very warm and engaging manner. I was having a skin tag removed, every step was clearly explained and I felt comfortable throughout, I was called the next day, Sunday, to check everything was OK - it was. I would not hesitate to recommend.
Emma is a dermatologist at the top of her field. She performed the treatment and expertly removed the lesion from my leg. The histology report came in 10 days and Emma fully explained the results and outcomes in a calm and reassuring manner. Her expertise and knowledge is second to none and I would highly recommend her. It was such a relief to be able to see a dermatology specialist and to receive treatment straight away.
Had moles removed with Emma-Highly recommendFantastic at her jobCouldn’t be happier- she has changed my lifeThe clinic is beautiful and so professional
It's always a pleasure coming back for another Hydrafacial with Nikky. I appreciate the extra touch of being greeted by name even before checking in—it makes me feel very special as a customer. The Hydrafacials have truly improved my skin, making it smoother and healthier. The real results started to show after 3-4 sessions. I'll be back, as always, for more sessions. Thank you!
Response from the owner: What awesome feedback, thank you so much. You have really made our day. We are thrilled to hear how pleased you are with your HydraFacial experience and results with Nikki, as well as our aftercare service. Thank you very much for choosing us to look after you and your skin and we look forward to welcoming you back anytime you need us.
Natalia was amazing as always. I trust her with absolutely everything! She’s the best and all the staff at the Skin to Love are so lovely and friendly x
5* HydraFacial with Nikki at this clinic would recommend to everyone and 100% recommend going to Nikki!Thanks again for making my skin glow :)
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We really appreciate you recommending us and Nikki, thank you. Enjoy your beautiful, glowing HydraFacial skin!
Natalia is super friendly and so knowledgeable. I follow her advice all the time and feel stronger and more beautiful. From HRT to facial aesthetics Natalia has guided me and it’s been a joy.
Response from the owner: Hello Tamsin,Thank you very much for your 5 star rating!We are really glad that you’re pleased with the service and treatment Nikki gave you.Really pleased to hear that you noticed some improvements immediately after your Regenlite and that you have a future plan!Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review, we’re very grateful.
Response from the owner: Thank you SO much Louise. What kind words. We’re thrilled you’re happy with our service and treatment. Thank you for your loyalty, it means the world.
Response from the owner: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us Georgia, it’s really appreciated. We are delighted that you’re happy with our service and our team.
Jane is amazing. She listens and provides the best treatment in maintaing a natural fresher youthful appearance. Her skills are 2nd to none. Highly recommend. I travel all the way from North London as she really is the very best :)
Response from the owner: Thank you SO much for your kind words Wendy. We are so grateful that you’ve chosen our Clinic and your practitioner, Jane. It’s wonderful to hear that she’s made you feel heard and came up with a treatment plan that suits you, leaving you refreshed and natural looking. Thank you for your especially kind comments about her clinical skills. Thank you for travelling to see us, it’s truly appreciated and we’re honoured to look after you.
What a beautiful clinic! Skin to Love offers such a variety of treatments all carried out by extremely knowledgeable and experienced staff. The clinic environment is just gorgeous and carefully thought out to make you feel comfortable. The whole experience from walking into reception, to meeting the clinicians, to my ongoing plan fills me with confidence that I am in the best hands.
Response from the owner: Hannah, what lovely words. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences. You have made our day. We are absolutely delighted that you’re happy with our treatments, service, and team and that your feel confident that you’re in good hands. Thank you.
Jane was really friendly and made me feel at ease. She explained what treatment I needed and how this would be done and how long it would take. She took time to chat and find out a bit about me as a person which I appreciated.
Response from the owner: Thank you so very much for feeding back to us Diana. We are absolutely delighted that you had such a positive experience with us. Thank you for choosing us to help and advise.
I met Emma who did my treatment. She provided great customer service in explaining the process which has gone so well. All staff are warm and welcoming, making me feel comfortable throughout the process. I highly recommend anyone. Thank you Emma
Response from the owner: Thank you for taking your time to feedback on your experiences at our clinic with all the staff and in particular, Emma. How fantastic to hear that you were given great customer service and felt well informed, welcomed, and comfortable. Thank you so much for your kind recommendation Samuel, and for trusting us to care for you.
The consultant skilfully diagnosed my skin condition within seconds of the appointment starting. She was confident, professional and knowledgeable which instantly put my mind at rest. She explained what she was looking at throughout so I was fully informed and at ease. I would highly recommend her and will happily return myself for an annual check up
Response from the owner: Thank you for feeding back to us Gemma. We’re so glad that you have had such a positive experience with us; that you found your consultant skilful, confident, professional, and knowledgeable. It’s also wonderful that you felt comfortable and fully informed throughout your time with us. Thank you also for recommending us. We look forward to seeing you again.
Yesterday, I underwent a Hydrafacial treatment with Nikki at The Skin To Love Clinic, and it was truly a remarkable experience.Nikki's expertise in tailoring the treatment to my skin's needs was evident from the start. The Hydrafacial process left my skin feeling deeply cleansed, hydrated, and rejuvenated.The addition of the J Lo booster serum took the experience to another level. Its application left my skin feeling incredibly smooth and plump, with a noticeable glow that was noticed by my husband,too!Overall, my Hydrafacial experience with Nikki exceeded my expectations. It's clear that her skill and attention to detail make her an exceptional aesthetician at The Skin To Love Clinic.I will definitely be back for more!
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your kind words and sharing your experience of the clinic, Nikki, and your Hydrafacial treatment. We’re delighted that your skin looked and felt great after the treatment… and that your husband thought so too! It’s wonderful to hear that your experience exceeded your expectations. Can’t wait to see you again soon!
Nikki was incredible. My milia extraction went smoothly and I felt at ease. Would thoroughly recommend
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us Jordan. We’re so pleased that you’re happy with the service and treatment provided by Nikki. Thank you SO much for recommending us, it’s wonderful to hear.
Excellent, friendly and felt at ease with treatment to remove mole from face. Highly recommend if looking for similar service.
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us feedback Joanne, it means a lot. We’re thrilled to hear that you thought our service was excellent and friendly. It’s also lovely to hear that you felt at ease having treatment with us. What a wonderful compliment recommending us to others looking for mole removal. Thank you for choosing us to look after you!
Friendly & very professional service. Clear explanation given before my treatment & for the after care.
Response from the owner: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us Margaret. We’re delighted that you found our service friendly and professional and that you felt informed throughout your treatment.
Emma was fantastic.. really thorough and explained everything. I got a full body check of all my moles/skin tags/marks and left reassured. Highly recommend, quick, easy and extremely professional..five stars!
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for your lovely review Sasha, we’re really happy that you found our service to be worthy of 5 stars!We’re really pleased that you left reassured following your full body check. We’re equally thrilled that you found the service to be extremely professional, quick, and easy.
Stuart's caring and informative nature has made my journey to younger looking skin an exciting and pleasant experience. And my skin - just WOW!
Response from the owner: Wow! Thank you for your glowing review Claire. We are beyond grateful that you took the time to share your experience with us. It’s really lovely to hear how happy you are with the service and treatment Stuart has provided. Enjoy your beautiful skin!
I had an excellent Hydrafacial which was recommended to me by Jane. I had my treatment with Nikki, who was so friendly and made me feel comfortable from start to finish. She was so professional and gave me all the information about each step of the facial. She struck the perfect balance between getting to know me/building a rapport, and also giving me the chance to switch off and relax. It was a lovely treatment and I’m so grateful to Nikki for all her knowledge and skill. My skin felt amazing afterwards and I received so many compliments about my “glowing skin”! Thank you for making it such a personable experience. We also added on the Slimyonik treatment which was so lovely and relaxing. I was able to add this on last minute after being recommended by Kerri. Again, tailoring the treatment to me personally added so much to my overall experience. I’m so glad I added this to the treatment and would recommend the skin to love clinic to anyone. Thank you Nikki, Jane & Kerri.