Not all acne scars respond to the same treatment, and that’s why a personalized plan is essential. At Berman Skin Institute, we evaluate the type of scar, your skin tone and your downtime preferences to determine the most effective approach. Here’s how today’s most advanced options, like microneedling, RF microneedling, CO₂ laser resurfacing and TCA CROSS, work together to deliver visible improvement.
Understanding Your Scar Type
Different acne scars form in various layers of the skin, so selecting the correct modality is crucial. Explore different scar types:
- Rolling scars are shallow dents with soft edges.
- Boxcar scars have sharper edges and often need deeper resurfacing.
- Icepick scars are narrow and deep, extending into the dermis.
A tailored plan ensures that each scar type receives the appropriate level of collagen remodeling.
Microneedling: Best for Mild Textural Scarring
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate the production of collagen. It’s ideal for patients with mild rolling scars and for those who want results with minimal downtime.
What to expect:
- Best for: Mild acne scars and early textural changes
- Sessions: Three to six
- Downtime: 24 to 48 hours
- Improvement: 20% to 40%
Microneedling is also safe for all skin tones, including darker skin types prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
RF Microneedling: A Top Choice for Rolling and Boxcar Scars
RF microneedling incorporates radiofrequency energy to tighten and remodel the deeper layers of skin, making it one of the most effective options for addressing rolling and boxcar scars.
RF microneedling vs. CO₂ for acne scars:
- RF microneedling is safer for darker skin and carries a lower PIH risk.
- A CO₂ acne scar laser is more effective for severe scarring but requires more downtime.
What to expect:
- Sessions: Two to four
- Downtime: Two to four days
- Improvement: 30% to 70%, depending on scar depth
CO₂ Laser: Ideal for Acne Scars
A CO₂ laser is one of the best treatments for acne scars, especially deeper boxcar scars or severe texture irregularities. CO₂ vaporizes damaged skin and triggers full-thickness collagen remodeling.
What to expect:
- Sessions: One to two
- Downtime: Five to 10 days
- Improvement: 50% to 80%
TCA CROSS for Icepick Scars
TCA CROSS results for icepick scars are often most dramatic when the treatment is performed by an experienced provider and paired with complementary procedures, such as RF microneedling. TCA CROSS delivers high-strength acid directly into the scar to stimulate collagen from the bottom up.
What to expect:
- Ideal for: True icepick scars
- Sessions: One to three
- Improvement: 40% to 80%.
It is often combined with RF microneedling or CO₂ for comprehensive results.
Preventing PIH in Darker Skin
For patients seeking acne scar treatment for darker skin tones, safety is of paramount importance.
To reduce PIH risk, we use:
- Pre-treatment melanin-stabilizing topicals.
- Conservative energy settings.
- Gradual combination therapy.
What Does Acne Scar Treatment Cost?
Prices for these treatments vary. Microneedling and TCA CROSS tend to cost less than RF microneedling and CO₂ laser treatments, but the final cost depends on the size of the targeted area and whether other treatments are needed. Most patients need combined modalities for optimal improvement.
Find the Right Treatment for Your Acne Scars
Not sure which treatment suits your goals best? Contact our team of professionals at Berman Skin Institute to receive the assistance you need. Our team is happy to help!
