Acne scars are a common concern that can linger long after breakouts have cleared, and it can be frustrating when a change in your skincare routine doesn’t lead to visible improvement.
That’s where medical treatments make a difference. At DermAlly, our dermatologists tailor acne scar treatment plans to your scar type, skin needs, and goals. We provide removal options compatible with Asian skin, such as Pico Laser, RF Gold Microneedling, and Fractional Microneedling RF.
While acne scar removal treatments don’t guarantee overnight results, you can expect gradual improvement. We usually recommend a series of sessions for lasting outcomes.
Reviewed By:
Dr Coni Liu, Consultant Dermatologist | (MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (Dermatology)
Dr Cheng Hui Mei, Consultant Dermatologist | MBBS (Australia), FAMS (Dermatology)
These are temporary changes in skin colour after a breakout, including:
Both tend to fade gradually, though medical treatments can help speed up recovery.
These are permanent changes in skin texture caused by damage beneath the surface, typically requiring targeted treatment. Acne scars develop when inflammation from acne disrupts the normal healing process and leads to an imbalance in collagen – the protein that helps skin stay even and firm.
Too little collagen results in depressed scars (atrophic), while too much can cause raised scars (hypertrophic or keloid).
This forces the pus, dead skin cells, or bacteria deeper into the skin layers, creating a more intense inflammatory response. Deep inflammation triggers the body’s natural healing mechanism, producing collagen to repair the damage. However, when the healing process is disrupted by squeezing and picking, it can lead to irregular collagen production, resulting in acne scars.
Some people are naturally more prone to scarring because of their genetics. If you have family members who scar easily, then you may have a higher chance of developing acne scars too.
Genetics can also influence how strongly your skin reacts to inflammation. A heightened inflammatory response means acne triggers more damage beneath the surface, increasing the risk of deeper and more visible scars.
Due to the intensity of the inflammation, severe acne is more likely to leave lasting scars. This type of acne penetrates deeper into the skin, causing more extensive damage to its structural elements, including collagen and elastin fibres. When the deeper layers are damaged, the skin’s ability to heal is compromised, increasing the risk of permanent scarring.
When acne isn’t treated early, it can progress from mild breakouts to more severe forms such as nodules and cysts — these carry a higher risk of scarring. Delayed treatment allows inflammation to persist, prompting the immune system to send white blood cells to fight infection. While this process is part of natural healing, prolonged or intense inflammation can damage surrounding skin tissue, leaving behind permanent scars.
We typically group acne scars into two main categories:
You may also notice marks, such as PIE and PIH.
Here’s how you can tell the different acne scars and marks apart:
Ice pick scars are small but deep, creating narrow indentations that resemble tiny puncture marks on the skin. Because they extend far below the surface, they are often the most challenging to treat. Treatments usually focus on stimulating collagen in deeper layers of skin, often requiring multiple sessions or combined techniques.
Boxcar scars appear as broad, round or oval depressions with clearly defined edges. They can be shallow or deep and are commonly seen on the cheeks and temples, where acne is more inflammatory. Treatments often target resurfacing and collagen remodelling to lift the scar base.
Rolling scars give the skin an uneven, undulating texture. They are caused by fibrous bands of scar tissue that tether the upper layers of skin down to deeper structures. This pulling effect creates a wave-like appearance, especially visible in certain lighting. Treatment often involves breaking these bands and stimulating new collagen for a more even-looking skin.
Unlike atrophic scars, hypertrophic and keloid scars are raised above the skin surface.
To treat and manage these scars, we focus on reducing scar tissue, flattening raised areas, and preventing regrowth.
Not all marks left by acne are permanent scars.
Unlike acne scars, PIE and PIH are colour changes in the skin rather than texture changes.
You can’t treat active acne and scars together. Your acne must be controlled before starting treatment, as ongoing inflammation can create new scars and reduce the effectiveness of your scar removal.
However, you can treat PIH and PIE alongside active acne. These are colour changes on the skin’s surface, not changes in texture, so they don’t interfere with acne control. Addressing marks early can also help even out your skin tone while you work on keeping breakouts under control.
We offer a range of acne scar treatment options at DermAlly that target specific concerns.
Both fractional CO2 and non-ablative lasers rejuvenate the skin, though they differ in technology, intensity, and recovery times.
Fractional CO2 is an ablative laser that removes damaged layers of skin and triggers collagen production underneath. This process repairs the skin and reduces the visibility of deep acne scars and other texture problems. Because it works more aggressively, recovery usually takes longer.
Recommended For: Ice Pick, Boxcar & Rolling Scars
A non-ablative fractional laser delivers controlled heat into the deeper layers of the skin without removing the surface. This stimulates collagen production and encourages skin renewal while leaving the top layer intact, which means recovery is quicker.
Recommended For: Ice Pick, Boxcar, Rolling Scars & PIH
Pico laser uses ultra-short pulses of energy delivered in picoseconds (trillionths of a second) to target specific problem areas. The rapid pulses trigger the skin’s natural healing response and stimulate collagen production without significant damage to surrounding tissue. This makes it effective for both texture and pigmentation concerns with minimal downtime.
Recommended For: Ice Pick, Boxcar, Rolling Scars, PIH & PIE
Multifrax laser is a non-ablative fractional laser that uniquely uses two wavelengths (1550nm and 1927nm) at the same time. The deeper 1550nm wavelength penetrates the skin to remodel scar tissue and stimulate new collagen, while the 1927nm wavelength targets the surface to improve texture, pores, and pigmentation. This dual approach allows for comprehensive skin renewal with minimal downtime.
Recommended For: Ice Pick, Boxcar, Rolling Scars & PIH
Multifrax laser is a non-ablative fractional laser that uniquely uses two wavelengths (1550nm and 1927nm) at the same time. The deeper 1550nm wavelength penetrates the skin to remodel scar tissue and stimulate new collagen, while the 1927nm wavelength targets the surface to improve texture, pores, and pigmentation. This dual approach allows for comprehensive skin renewal with minimal downtime.
Recommended For: Ice Pick, Boxcar, Rolling Scars & PIH
This treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to reach deeper layers of the skin, using standard medical-grade needles to create controlled micro-channels while RF energy is delivered beneath the surface. Together, they stimulate collagen and elastin production, remodel scar tissue, and tighten the skin. Because the surface layer is left largely intact, downtime is usually minimal.
Recommended For: Ice Pick, Boxcar, Rolling Scars, PIH & PIE
This version of RF microneedling works exactly like the above, except this uses gold-plated needles, making the treatment more conductive, sterile, and less likely to irritate the skin.
Recommended For: Ice Pick, Boxcar, Rolling Scars, PIH & PIE
These treatments target depressed acne scars by releasing tethered scar tissue and restoring lost volume. They work differently from lasers or chemical peels, and may be used on their own or in combination for better results.
Subcision is a minor surgical technique where a fine needle is inserted under the skin to break up fibrous scar tissue that pulls the skin surface down. This releases the tethering and allows the skin to lift, reducing the depth of rolling or boxcar scars. Downtime usually involves mild swelling and bruising for several days.
Recommended For: Rolling & Boxcar Scars
Dermal fillers can be injected beneath depressed scars to raise the skin surface and restore lost volume. This gives an almost-immediate improvement in contour, though results are temporary and may require repeat treatments. Fillers are often used together with subcision for enhanced outcomes.
Recommended For: Rolling & Boxcar Scars
Biostimulatory injectables, such as collagen-stimulating agents, work more gradually. Instead of simply filling the scar, they trigger the body’s own collagen production, leading to longer-term improvement in skin texture and firmness.
Recommended For: Rolling Scars
This is a minor surgical procedure used for very deep, narrow scars that do not respond well to lasers or peels. A small circular tool is used to remove the scar tissue, and the wound is closed with a fine stitch or skin graft. As the area heals, the depressed scar is replaced with skin that blends more evenly with the surrounding surface. Downtime is short, though temporary redness or a fine line may remain.
Recommended For: Ice Pick & Boxcar Scars
There are two non-surgical options that use controlled chemical solutions to improve acne scars:
Both approaches stimulate new collagen formation and skin renewal, but they differ in how they’re applied and which scars they target.
This technique places a high-strength TCA solution directly into individual scars, creating a controlled injury that stimulates collagen and gradually lifts the scar base. Because it targets only the scars, the surrounding skin is unaffected. Treatment is usually repeated over several sessions, with downtime that may include frosting of the treated spots, followed by redness, scabbing, and peeling for a few days.
Recommended For: Ice Pick & Boxcar Scars
A chemical peel applies a lower-strength solution across the skin’s surface. By removing damaged outer layers and encouraging cell turnover, peels help lighten pigmentation, refine texture, and soften shallow scars. Recovery varies depending on the depth of the peel, from mild redness and peeling to several days of downtime.
Recommended For: PIH & PIE
Certain injectable treatments can improve the appearance of acne scars.
Steroid injections are commonly used for raised scars such as hypertrophic or keloid scars. They work by reducing inflammation and softening thickened tissue, which helps the scar flatten over time. Multiple sessions may be needed, with minimal downtime.
Recommended For: Hypertrophic & Keloid Scars
When injected in small amounts around acne scars, muscle-relaxing agents reduce the pulling forces that make certain scars appear deeper. By relaxing the surrounding skin, the scar becomes less noticeable. This effect is temporary, so repeat treatments are usually required.
There isn’t a single “best” acne scar treatment for everyone. The right choice depends on your scar type, skin condition, downtime tolerance, and goals. Often, dermatologists combine different approaches to improveme outcomes.
Here’s a quick overview of the treatments recommended for each type of acne scar:
Scar Type | Recommended Treatments | Downtime | Sessions |
Ice Pick | TCA CROSS Fractional CO2 Laser Punch Excision | 3 – 7 days | Multiple |
Boxcar | Fractional CO2 Laser Non-Ablative Laser RF Microneedling TCA CROSS Fillers | 2 – 7 days | Multiple |
Rolling | Subcision RF Microneedling Fillers Fractional CO2 Laser Non-Ablative Laser | 2 – 7 days | Multiple |
Hypertrophic | Steroid Injections Fractional CO2 Laser RF Gold Microneedling | Minimal to 5 days | Multiple |
Keloid | Steroid Injections Excision + Laser / RF Combination Therapy | Minimal to 5 days | Multiple |
PIE | Pico Laser Non-Ablative Fractional Laser Yellow Laser Multifrax | 1 – 3 days | Few |
PIH | Pico Laser Chemical Peels Non-Ablative Laser | 1 – 3 days | Few |
The price of an acne scar removal in Singapore depends on the treatment type, the number of sessions needed, and the severity of your scars. These treatments are considered cosmetic, so they are not covered by MediSave or insurance.
Treatment | Cost Range (SGD) |
Fractional CO2 Laser | $300 – $950 per session |
Non-ablative Laser | $300 – $1,500 per session |
Pico Laser | $150 – $800 per session |
Fractional Microneedling RF | $300 – $800 per session |
RF Gold Microneedling | $399 – $1,500 per session |
TCA CROSS | $300 – $600 per session |
Chemical Peels | $150 – $600 per session |
Subcision | $350 – $800 per session |
Fillers | $600 – $1,200+ per session/syringe |
Biostimulators | $800 – $1,500 per session/syringe |
Punch Excision | $600 – $1,000+ per lesion |
Steroid Injections | $150 – $350 per session/injection |
Muscle-Relaxing Injection | $300 – $600 per session/injection |
Consult our dermatologists for a customised treatment plan and cost estimate.
There are many misconceptions about acne scar treatment that can cause confusion or false expectations. Here are some of the most common myths, debunked:
Acne scars form deep in the skin, so they won’t disappear after a single treatment. Most patients need a series of sessions, and improvement builds gradually as collagen remodels over time.
Topical creams and home remedies may help lighten marks or improve skin tone, but they cannot remodel scar tissue. Medical treatments such as lasers, microneedling, or subcision are needed to target the deeper layers where scars form.
When performed by a dermatologist in appropriate settings, lasers do not thin your skin. Instead, they stimulate collagen production and strengthen the underlying structure. Proper technique and safety protocols make laser treatment safe for Asian skin types.
The exact downtime after an acne scar treatment varies depending on the type and intensity of the procedure.
Treatment | Downtime |
Fractional CO2 Laser | 1 – 2 weeks of redness, peeling, and sensitivity |
Non-Ablative Fractional Laser | 3 – 5 days of mild redness and flaking |
Pico Laser | 1 – 2 days of mild redness and minimal peeling |
RF Microneedling | 3 – 5 days of redness and pinpoint scabs |
RF Gold Microneedling | 2 – 4 days of redness, minimal downtime |
TCA CROSS | 5 – 7 days of scabbing and flaking at treated spots |
Chemical Peels | 3 – 7 days depending on peel depth |
Subcision & Fillers | 2 – 5 days of bruising or swelling |
Punch Excision | 5 – 7 days for stitches or healing of excised sites |
Steroid / Muscle-Relaxing Injections | Minimal, usually no visible downtime |
All scar treatments rely on stimulating collagen remodelling beneath the skin. This is a gradual process:
Plan your treatment timeline with confidence. Talk to us today.
All acne scar treatments carry some risks and side effects, which include:
To ensure your safety, DermAlly follows these protocols:
In Singapore, acne scar treatments should always be carried out in a clinic licensed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and supervised by dermatologists registered with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC). This ensures that every procedure you undergo is medically appropriate and suitable for your skin.
At DermAlly, we believe in a multimodal approach because acne scars often require more than one method of treatment. Depending on your scar type, our dermatologists may recommend a combination of lasers, microneedling, chemical peels, subcision, or injectables for lasting results.
You may also notice that we don’t provide before-and-after photos online. This is because the MOH prohibits publishing images of medical aesthetic results on websites or social media. We can only share these with you during your consultation at our clinic.
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Liu specialises in general dermatology, dermatologic surgery, aesthetic dermatology, and women’s dermatology. She previously practised at the National Skin Centre, where she also oversaw the women’s clinic, and has taught future doctors at NUS and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.
Dermatologist
Dr Heng has special interests in eczema, skin cancers, dermatologic surgery, cosmetic dermatology, and lasers. She was part of the dermatologic surgery and laser team at the National Skin Centre, and continues as a Visiting Consultant. She has also taught at NUS, Duke-NUS, and NTU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.
Consultant Dermatologist
MBBS (Australia), FAMS (Dermatology)
Dr Cheng Hui Mei is a MOH-accredited specialist who practices in general dermatology, dermatology surgery, and aesthetic dermatology, with a special interest in the prevention and management of skin cancer. She is a fully accredited medical practitioner in both Singapore and Australia with more than 10 years of clinical experience.
Acne scars take time to form and treat. While no single session can remove them completely, the right medical treatments can improve your skin texture.
At DermAlly, we customise your acne scar treatment plan with options that are compatible with Asian skin. From Pico laser to Microneedling RF, our dermatologists will select the right approach for lasting results.
If you have active breakouts, your dermatologist will generally prioritise stabilising the inflammation first. Undergoing intensive resurfacing whilst acne is active can spread bacteria and worsen post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). In some cases, a gentle acne laser treatment may be deployed initially to reduce sebaceous gland activity before deeper scar remodelling begins.
Whilst clinical treatments can significantly improve skin texture and minimise the depth of depressed scars, complete removal of deep fibrotic tissue is not a realistic expectation. The objective of acne scar treatment is scar revision: rebuilding the underlying collagen matrix so that scars blend more naturally with the surrounding skin.
Acne scars fall into two main categories: atrophic (depressed) and hypertrophic (raised). A dermatologist can assess your scar type and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your individual presentation.
There is no single best treatment for acne scars. What matters is what is most suitable for your scar type, skin condition, and individual response. Options such as laser therapies, microneedling, and chemical peels each address different types of scarring. A dermatologist will assess your skin and recommend an approach tailored to your presentation.
Laser treatments may help to reduce the visibility of acne scars by stimulating collagen production and resurfacing the skin. Results vary depending on scar type, depth, and individual skin response.
Whilst treatments can improve the appearance of acne scars, complete removal is not always achievable. Your dermatologist will set realistic expectations based on your scar type and condition.
The number of sessions required varies depending on scar type, severity, and the treatment modality used. Your dermatologist will advise on an appropriate treatment plan following a clinical assessment.
Yes. Newer acne scars may respond more readily to treatment, whilst older scars may require a longer course of treatment or a combination of approaches. Your dermatologist will assess your scars and recommend accordingly.
Common side effects include redness, swelling, and temporary changes in pigmentation, which typically resolve within a few days to weeks. Your dermatologist will explain the potential side effects associated with your chosen treatment.
Pain levels vary between individuals. Many patients report mild discomfort during procedures, which is often manageable with topical anaesthetics. Discuss any concerns with your dermatologist before proceeding.
Some improvement may be noticeable within a few weeks, but full results typically take several months as the skin heals and collagen remodelling occurs.
Home remedies may offer some improvement for mild acne scars but are generally less effective than professional clinical treatments for moderate to severe scarring.
Yes. Skin type can influence treatment outcomes, as factors such as skin tone and sensitivity affect how the skin responds to treatment. Your dermatologist will recommend options based on your scar type and skin profile.
After treatment, it is important to avoid prolonged sun exposure, harsh skincare products, and swimming until the skin has healed. Follow your dermatologist’s post-treatment care instructions for optimal healing and results.
Whilst treatment can reduce the appearance of existing scars, new scars may form if acne recurs. Proactive acne management and regular follow-up appointments with a dermatologist can help reduce the risk of further scarring.
There is no instant solution for acne scars. What works best depends on what is most suitable for your scar type, skin condition, and how your skin responds to treatment. Scars involve changes at a deeper dermal level, and treatments work gradually by stimulating collagen production. Options such as laser therapy, radiofrequency microneedling, and TCA CROSS may be considered, and a combination approach may produce more noticeable results than a single modality. A dermatologist will advise on a plan suited to your individual presentation.
CO2 lasers involve more tissue resurfacing and are generally considered suitable for deeper textural acne scars. Recovery time is typically longer, often one to two weeks. Picosecond lasers are gentler on the skin, with minimal downtime, and are commonly used for pigmentation concerns and mild to moderate scarring. A dermatologist will assess your scar profile and recommend the appropriate modality.
Ice pick scars typically require a course of targeted treatments, which may include TCA CROSS, carbon dioxide laser, or punch excision, depending on the number of scars present and how your skin responds to treatment. Your dermatologist will advise on the appropriate treatment plan following a clinical assessment.
Acne scar treatments can be performed safely on darker skin tones when carried out by a certified, accredited dermatologist. Darker skin has a higher predisposition to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and appropriate precautions such as adjusted laser settings, patch testing, and strict sun protection are important to ensure treatment safety.
Acne scars cannot be completely eliminated, but their appearance can be significantly improved with appropriate treatment. Results vary between individuals depending on scar type, skin response, and the treatment approach taken. A dermatologist can advise on realistic expectations following a thorough assessment. Maintenance treatments may be considered if new breakouts lead to further scarring.
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