Published: February 6, 2023
Last updated: July 28, 2026
Written and source checked by: Adel Galal
Clinical review status: This article has not been reviewed by a dermatologist.
Acne scar removal is not one treatment. Ice pick scars, rolling scars, boxcar scars, raised scars, and flat dark marks need different care.
Most treatments can make a scar less visible. They cannot promise perfect or scar free skin.
The first step is to control active acne. The next step is to identify the type of mark or scar. A qualified dermatologist can then build a safe plan.
For help with ongoing breakouts, visit the Acne, Whiteheads and Pores Hub. You can also read our complete whiteheads guide.
Do not perform microneedling, dermabrasion, laser treatment, filler injections, deep peels, subcision, or punch surgery at home. These treatments can cause infection, burns, new scars, color changes, and other injuries.
Quick Answer
The best acne scar removal plan depends on scar type. Common options include professional microneedling, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, subcision or punch techniques, and targeted injections or fillers. Treat active acne first. Use sunscreen. Do not use home needles, strong peel acids, or unlicensed injectors.
Is It a Scar or an Acne Mark?
Many people call every mark an acne scar. This is not always correct.
Flat Dark or Red Marks
Flat brown, gray, red, or pink areas are often post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or post inflammatory redness.
These are usually acne marks, not true scars. The skin surface stays flat.
These marks often fade with time. Sunscreen and suitable acne care may help them fade more evenly.1
True Acne Scars
True scars change the shape or texture of the skin.
The skin may:
- Sink inward
- Look wavy
- Have small deep holes
- Have wider round dents
- Rise above the skin
True scars rarely disappear fully on their own. Professional care may make them less noticeable.
Types of Acne Scars
Ice Pick Scars
Ice pick scars are small and narrow. They extend deep into the skin.
Rolling Scars
Rolling scars are wide and shallow. Several can give the skin a wavy look.
Boxcar Scars
Boxcar scars are round or oval dents. They are wider than ice pick scars.
Raised Scars
Raised acne scars form when the skin makes too much collagen. They may feel firm, itchy, or painful.
Depressed acne scars form when the skin makes too little collagen while healing. Ice pick, rolling, and boxcar scars are depressed scars.1
Raised scars are more common on the jaw, chest, shoulders, and back. A keloid can grow beyond the original acne area.
Treat Active Acne Before Scar Procedures
A new breakout can create a new scar. This is why scar treatment often begins after acne is under control.2
An active acne treatment plan may include:
- A gentle cleanser
- A topical retinoid
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Azelaic acid
- Prescription medicine
- Hormonal treatment when suitable
The correct plan depends on age, acne type, pregnancy, health, medicines, and skin sensitivity.
Read our updated guide to safe home care for whiteheads. You can also use the Skincare Basics Guide to build a gentle routine.
Do not pick, scratch, or squeeze acne. This can damage the skin and raise the risk of permanent scarring.
The Best 5 Acne Scar Removal Methods
No method is best for every scar. A dermatologist may combine more than one treatment.
1. Professional Microneedling
Microneedling for acne scars uses very small sterile needles. The controlled injury can support new collagen and elastin.
This process is sometimes called collagen remodeling.
Microneedling may help some rolling and boxcar scars. It may be combined with another procedure.
The FDA has cleared certain microneedling devices to improve facial acne scars in adults aged 22 and older. The FDA recommends a healthcare provider with special training. Medical microneedling devices are not authorized for over the counter sale.3
Possible side effects
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Peeling
- Dark or light spots
- Infection
- New scars
Important questions to ask
- Is the device cleared or legally marketed for this use?
- Who will perform the treatment?
- Is a new sterile needle cartridge used?
- How is the device cleaned?
- What is the risk for my skin tone?
- What aftercare will I need?
Do not use a medical dermaroller or microneedling pen at home. Needles can reach living skin, nerves, and blood vessels.
Radiofrequency microneedling warning
Radiofrequency microneedling adds heat below the skin.
In October 2025, the FDA reported serious complications with some uses. Reports included burns, new scarring, fat loss, nerve damage, disfigurement, and the need for medical or surgical care.4
The FDA says radiofrequency microneedling is a medical procedure. It should not be used at home.
2. Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing uses controlled light energy to improve scar texture.
Some lasers remove a thin layer of skin. Other lasers heat deeper tissue and support collagen growth.
Laser treatment may help mild or moderate depressed scars. It may also help some raised scars.
The right laser depends on:
- Scar type
- Scar depth
- Skin tone
- Past pigment changes
- Active acne
- Medical history
- Available recovery time
Some people need several sessions.
Possible risks
- Redness
- Swelling
- Crusting
- Burns
- Infection
- Dark spots
- Light spots
- New scarring
Laser choice and settings are important for skin of color. Ask how the provider reduces the risk of pigment change.
Laser treatment may improve a scar. It does not erase every scar or create flawless skin.
3. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels apply a controlled acid solution to the skin.
A dermatologist may use a peel to improve mild depressed scars, uneven color, or rough texture.
Peels come in different strengths. The strength must match the scar, skin tone, medical history, and treatment goal.
Mild and medium peels may need several sessions. Skin preparation may begin before the procedure.2
Possible risks
- Burning
- Redness
- Peeling
- Swelling
- Infection
- Cold sore flare
- Dark spots
- Light spots
- New scars
Do not buy a strong peel acid and apply it at home. A chemical burn can create deeper pigment change and new scarring.
Store bought exfoliating products are not the same as a medical peel. Follow the label and stop if the skin burns or swells.
4. Subcision and Punch Techniques
Subcision is a small surgical procedure for selected rolling scars.
A trained clinician places a sterile needle under the scar. This releases bands that pull the skin downward.
Subcision may be combined with fillers, microneedling, or laser treatment.
Punch procedures
Punch excision may be used for selected ice pick scars.
Punch elevation may be used for selected boxcar scars.
Punch grafting may be considered for very deep scars.
These are medical procedures. They can leave a smaller or less visible surgical scar. They do not make the skin completely scar free.5
Possible risks
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Infection
- Pigment change
- A visible new scar
- An uneven result
A dermatologist must map each scar before treatment. Rolling, boxcar, and ice pick scars should not all receive the same procedure.
5. Fillers and Targeted Scar Injections
Fillers for depressed scars
Dermal fillers can add volume under selected depressed scars.
Some fillers last for months. Others last longer. Repeat visits may be needed.
Fillers may be combined with subcision or another form of scar revision.
Only a qualified licensed clinician should inject a filler.
Injections for raised scars
Raised scars need different care.
A dermatologist may use:
- Corticosteroid injections
- Other prescription injections
- Laser treatment
- Silicone gel or sheets
- Freezing treatment
- Surgery with other treatment
Keloids can return after treatment. A combined plan is often needed.
Do not use a filler for a raised scar. Adding volume to a raised scar does not treat the excess collagen.
Which Treatment Fits Each Scar Type?
| Skin change | What it looks like | Treatments a dermatologist may discuss |
|---|---|---|
| Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Flat brown, gray, red, or pink mark | Sunscreen, retinoids, azelaic acid, selected peels, or pigment treatment |
| Ice pick scar | Small narrow hole that extends deep into skin | Punch excision, selected chemical treatment, laser, or a combined plan |
| Rolling scar | Wide shallow depression with a wavy surface | Subcision, microneedling, laser, filler, or combined treatment |
| Boxcar scar | Round or oval depression with clear edges | Microneedling, laser, punch elevation, peel, or combined treatment |
| Hypertrophic scar | Firm raised scar that stays within the original acne area | Prescription injections, laser, silicone, or other scar treatment |
| Keloid | Raised scar that grows beyond the original acne area | Combined injections, laser, freezing, surgery, or other specialist care |
This table is general education. It is not a personal treatment plan.
What Can Home Care Do?
Home care cannot fill a deep ice pick scar or release a rolling scar.
It can still protect the skin and prevent more scars.
Control New Acne
Use an evidence-based acne routine. New deep breakouts can create new scars.
Use Sunscreen
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Sun exposure can make flat acne marks look darker.
Use Gentle Skin Care
Use a mild cleanser and noncomedogenic moisturizer.
Read our guide to moisturizer for oily skin if acne products make your skin dry.
Ask About a Retinoid
A topical retinoid may help active acne, flat dark marks, and some mild texture. It will not remove a deep scar.
Do not use a topical retinoid during pregnancy unless a qualified healthcare professional has advised a safe option.
Do Not Pick
Picking can deepen inflammation and increase scarring.
Support Your Wellbeing
You do not need flawless skin to take part in work, relationships, photos, exercise, or social life.
Read our positive body image guide if scars are changing how you feel about yourself.
Acne Scar Treatments to Avoid at Home
Do not try:
- Medical dermarollers
- Microneedling pens
- Radiofrequency microneedling
- Strong chemical peel acids
- At-home dermabrasion tools
- Pore vacuum treatment for scars
- Needle subcision
- Punch excision
- Filler injections
- Steroid injections
- Unlicensed laser devices
- Lemon juice
- Vinegar
- Harsh baking soda scrubs
These methods may cause burns, infection, pigment changes, added scars, or damage below the skin.
What Happens During an Acne Scar Consultation?
A dermatologist may:
- Check whether active acne is controlled
- Identify every scar type
- Separate true scars from dark marks
- Ask about past acne medicines
- Ask about isotretinoin and retinoid use
- Review keloid history
- Check skin tone and pigment risk
- Discuss pain control
- Explain recovery time
- Discuss cost and likely results
Tell the dermatologist about all acne and skin treatments used during the past two years. Some medicines may affect procedure choice or timing.2
Questions to Ask Before Treatment
- What type of scars do I have?
- Do I still have active acne?
- Which treatment fits each scar?
- Will I need more than one method?
- What improvement is realistic?
- How many sessions may be needed?
- What are the risks for my skin tone?
- How much recovery time should I expect?
- What should I stop using before treatment?
- How should I care for my skin later?
- What device or product will you use?
- Is the provider licensed and trained?
- What will the full cost be?
- What happens if a complication occurs?
Skin Care After an Acne Scar Procedure
Follow the provider’s instructions. Different procedures need different care.
Common advice may include:
- Wash gently
- Do not pick peeling skin
- Use the prescribed ointment or moisturizer
- Avoid strong acids and retinoids until advised
- Avoid makeup until advised
- Use sun protection
- Keep follow-up visits
- Report worsening pain or swelling
Seek medical advice promptly for severe pain, growing swelling, pus, fever, spreading redness, blisters, black skin, loss of feeling, or a worsening wound after a procedure.
How Much Improvement Is Realistic?
Results vary.
They depend on:
- Scar type
- Scar depth
- Number of scars
- Skin tone
- Age
- Active acne
- Treatment choice
- Provider skill
- Healing response
- Aftercare
Some people see a clear improvement. Other people see a smaller change.
Several sessions or combined treatments may be needed.
The NHS advises realistic expectations because procedures may improve scars but cannot remove them completely.5
Common Acne Scar Myths
Myth: Dark Marks Are Always Scars
Flat pigment marks are often not true scars. They may fade with time.
Myth: One Treatment Works for Every Scar
Ice pick, rolling, boxcar, and raised scars need different plans.
Myth: Home Microneedling Is the Same as Medical Treatment
Medical devices reach living tissue and can cause bleeding, infection, and scarring.
Myth: A Strong Peel Works Faster
A strong peel can burn skin and create deeper color changes or scars.
Myth: Laser Removes Every Scar
Laser may improve texture. It cannot guarantee scar free skin.
Myth: Expensive Treatment Must Be Better
The best plan depends on scar type, provider skill, safety, and realistic goals.
Five High Authority References and Sources
American Academy of Dermatology: Acne Scar Signs and Types
Open guidance on ice pick, rolling, boxcar, raised scars, keloids, and the difference between scars and flat pigment marks.
American Academy of Dermatology: Acne Scar Consultation and Treatment
Open guidance on scar diagnosis, acne control, chemical peels, fillers, laser treatment, microneedling, subcision, and raised scar care.
United States Food and Drug Administration: Microneedling Benefits, Risks and Safety
Open safety guidance on cleared devices, trained providers, age limits, infection, pigment changes, and home use risks.
United States Food and Drug Administration: Radiofrequency Microneedling Safety Warning
Open October 2025 warning about reported burns, added scarring, fat loss, nerve damage, disfigurement, and other serious complications.
NHS: Acne Scarring and Treatment Options
Open guidance on ice pick, rolling, and boxcar scars, realistic expectations, laser treatment, punch techniques, subcision, and emotional effects.
Conclusion
Acne scar removal begins with the right diagnosis. Control active acne first. Then match the treatment to the scar type.
Microneedling, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, subcision, punch procedures, fillers, and scar injections all have limits and risks. They should be performed by qualified professionals.
Call to action: Stop any unsafe home procedure. Take clear photos of your scars, list your past acne treatments, and book a dermatologist consultation for a personal and realistic plan.
Related NextFitLife Guides and Hubs
Medical Disclaimer
This article gives general education. It does not diagnose a scar or replace a skin examination, prescription, procedure consultation, treatment plan, or emergency medical care.
Always consult a qualified dermatologist or licensed healthcare professional before microneedling, laser treatment, chemical peeling, subcision, punch surgery, fillers, scar injections, or another procedure.
About the Author
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acne scars be removed completely?
Most treatments improve the appearance of scars. They cannot promise complete removal or flawless skin.
What is the best acne scar removal method?
The best method depends on scar type, skin tone, active acne, medical history, budget, and recovery time. A dermatologist may combine treatments.
Are dark acne marks the same as scars?
No. Flat brown, gray, red, or pink marks are often pigment changes rather than true scars. They may fade with time.
Does microneedling help acne scars?
Professional microneedling may improve selected depressed scars. It should be performed by a trained healthcare provider with suitable equipment.
Can I use a dermaroller at home for scars?
Do not use a medical dermaroller or microneedling pen at home. It can cause bleeding, infection, color changes, and new scars.
Is radiofrequency microneedling safe?
It has potential benefits and serious risks. The FDA reported complications including burns, scarring, fat loss, nerve damage, and disfigurement with some uses.
Does laser treatment remove acne scars?
Laser treatment may improve scar texture. Results vary, and more than one session may be needed.
Do chemical peels remove deep acne scars?
Peels may help selected mild or depressed scars. Deep ice pick or rolling scars often need other procedures.
What treatment helps rolling scars?
A dermatologist may discuss subcision, microneedling, laser treatment, fillers, or a combined plan.
When should I see a dermatologist?
Seek professional care for deep scars, raised scars, active painful acne, pigment changes, scarring that affects wellbeing, or any planned procedure.
Health & wellness writer with 30+ years of experience in nutrition, fitness, and healthy aging. Founder of NextFitLife.com — evidence-based health guidance.
