Skin
Acne and acne scars
Acne and acne scar treatment
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and can affect not only how the skin looks but also self-confidence. Even after acne clears, dark marks and scars often remain and require tailored treatment.
At the clinic we start with an assessment of the skin, scar type, and severity, then build a personalized plan to improve texture and restore the tissue.
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What is acne?
Acne (Acne Vulgaris) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the hair follicle and sebaceous gland unit (Pilosebaceous Unit). It develops through a combination of several mechanisms, including increased sebum production, a disturbance in skin cell renewal that leads to blocked hair follicles, proliferation of the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes, and a local inflammatory response.
Acne can present as comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules and cysts, and in some cases can lead to scarring or hyperpigmentation after the lesions heal.
Although acne is especially common during adolescence, it can also appear in adulthood. Factors that may influence its onset or severity include genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, stress, certain medications, and environmental and lifestyle factors. In addition, studies suggest that in some patients diet – particularly a high-glycemic-load diet and increased consumption of certain dairy products – may also affect acne severity.
Scar types and treatments
Many patients have several scar types at once, so treatment is tailored individually.
Ice Pick Scars
Narrow, deep scars that resemble small holes in the skin.
Boxcar Scars
Wider scars with clear borders and a depressed appearance.
Rolling Scars
Scars that create an uneven, wavy look on the face.
SubcisionSubcision
Subcision is one of the effective treatments for depressed acne scars. During the procedure, fibrous bands that pull the scar downward are released.
Releasing the tissue allows the scar to gradually lift and encourages new collagen formation in the treated area.
Treatment benefits
- Improved scar depth
- Improved skin texture
- Stimulation of natural collagen production
- Gradual, ongoing improvement
MicroneedlingMicroneedling
Microneedling creates controlled micro-channels in the skin using fine needles and activates the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
The treatment may help with:
- Improved skin texture
- Improved acne scars
- Improved enlarged pores
- Improved skin quality
- More even skin tone
- Treatment duration
- Approx. 30–60 minutes
- Discomfort level
- When results begin
- Gradual improvement over the weeks and months after treatment
- Number of treatments
- Personalized (a series of treatments is usually required)
- Duration of effect
- Long-term*
*Depending on scar type, the treatment performed, and the ongoing treatment plan.
Questions & answers
How do acne scars form?
Acne scars form when significant inflammation damages the skin’s collagen structure and healing does not proceed normally. As a result, pits, irregularities, and texture changes may develop. The deeper and more prolonged the inflammation, the higher the risk of scarring.
Common factors in the development of acne include:
- Increased sebum production
- Blocked hair follicles
- Bacterial proliferation
- Inflammatory processes
- Hormonal changes
- Genetic predisposition
Scar treatment is tailored personally to scar type, skin condition, and treatment goals — it is not based on a single protocol for everyone.
Who is the treatment suitable for?
The treatment is suitable for patients with acne scars or marks left after acne, including:
- Depressed scars and pits in the skin texture
- Uneven or wavy appearance of the face
- Post-acne marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
- Reduced skin quality and texture
In some cases treatment can begin while active acne is still present, but sometimes inflammation must be controlled first before scar treatment starts. Suitability is determined after a medical assessment.
Can acne scars be removed completely?
In most cases acne scars cannot be removed entirely, but their depth, skin texture, and quality can be significantly improved. The goal is the best possible improvement with a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Are all acne scars treated the same way?
No. There are different types of acne scars, such as rolling, boxcar, and ice pick, each with distinct characteristics. Many patients have more than one type, so there is no single treatment that fits everyone.
Treatment choice is based on scar type, depth, skin quality, and each patient’s unique features.
Why is it important to diagnose scar type before starting treatment?
Accurate diagnosis is one of the most important steps in acne scar treatment. Scar type, depth, skin quality, laxity, active acne, and other factors all influence treatment selection.
During the consultation a comprehensive medical assessment is performed, and a personalized plan is built that may combine several techniques for the best outcome.
How is the treatment performed?
Treatment begins with a medical assessment of the skin, scar types, and severity.
Based on the findings, a personalized plan is created that may combine subcision, microneedling, TCA CROSS, medical peels, biostimulators, and other regenerative treatments as needed.
The number of treatments and intervals between them are tailored individually.
How many treatments are needed?
The number varies according to scar type, severity, and the techniques chosen. In most cases a series is required, with the plan adjusted personally and updated based on progress and response.
When can results be seen?
Tissue repair and collagen production are gradual processes. Some improvement may be visible after the first treatments, but results continue to improve over the weeks and months after each session.
Is the treatment suitable for old scars too?
Yes. Scars that have been present for many years can still improve with an appropriate plan. The degree of improvement depends on scar type, severity, and the skin’s ability to renew.
Is the treatment painful?
Most procedures are performed after local anesthesia, so discomfort is usually mild to moderate. Sensation during treatment varies with the technique used.
Is there a recovery period?
Recovery time depends on the treatment. After some procedures you can return to routine the same day; after others redness, swelling, peeling, or sensitivity may last several days.
Detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your treatment are provided during the consultation.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
Yes. In many cases combining several techniques achieves better results than a single method alone.
When appropriate, subcision, microneedling, TCA CROSS, medical peels, biostimulators, polynucleotides, exosomes, or PRP and iPRF can be combined to encourage new collagen and improve tissue quality.
The combination is decided after medical assessment according to scar type, skin quality, and treatment goals.
What are the possible side effects?
After treatment, redness, swelling, local sensitivity, peeling, or mild bruising may occur, depending on the procedure. These effects are expected and usually resolve within a few days.
As with any medical treatment, rarer risks and side effects also exist. Before each treatment, a medical consultation is held to assess suitability and fully explain benefits, risks, and possible side effects as part of informed consent.
In summary
Acne and acne scar treatment starts with accurate assessment of the skin and scar types, then a personalized plan to improve texture and restore tissue.
The goal is more even, healthier, more vital-looking skin with a natural, gradual result.