Skin & Complexion
Indented, raised, or uneven skin texture left after deeper acne inflammation.
Physician-led assessment · individualized care · Vancouver clinic
Understanding Acne Scars
Acne scars are lasting changes in the skin's texture, such as indented, raised or uneven areas, left behind when deeper acne inflammation damages the skin's supporting collagen and healing proceeds unevenly. They are different from acne marks, which are flat changes in colour that usually fade over time.
Where tissue is lost, the surface indents into ice-pick, boxcar or rolling scars; where the skin overproduces collagen, raised or keloid scars form instead. Because these are almost opposite problems, they call for different treatments. Active acne is generally settled first, and established scars can be treated in their own right.
Causes and Contributing Factors
Scarring happens when acne inflammation runs deep enough to damage the skin's collagen and healing is uneven. Where tissue is lost, indented (atrophic) scars form. Where the skin overproduces collagen during healing, raised (hypertrophic or keloid) scars can form. Deeper, more inflamed, or long-standing acne carries a higher risk, and picking or squeezing lesions can raise the likelihood.
Signs and Symptoms
Assessment
A clinician usually tells true scars apart from flat colour marks, notes the scar types present (indented versus raised), considers their depth and distribution and the person's skin tone, and checks whether active acne is still present. Because different scar types call for different approaches, this assessment shapes realistic options and expectations.
Treatment Options
These are some of the options connected to this concern. The appropriate plan depends on assessment, suitability, and your goals.
Treatment depends on the scar types present, their depth and your skin tone, and is generally approached once active acne is under control. The options below are some of what the clinic may consider; no single treatment suits every scar, and results vary.
Raised and keloid scars are handled differently again. The right plan is a clinical decision, so book a consultation to have your scars assessed, or see the Scar & Stretch-Mark Treatment page.
Controlled laser energy that renews the skin surface and stimulates repair, helping soften texture, scars, fine lines and sun damage.
Combines fine needles with radiofrequency energy delivered at controlled skin depths to stimulate collagen and help remodel scars and laxity.
Uses a concentrate of platelets prepared from a small sample of your own blood to aid skin healing and skin-quality goals.
Combines resurfacing and collagen-remodelling treatments, selected according to scar type, depth and skin type, to soften the texture and appearance of scars and stretch marks.
For the fuller picture, explore the treatment pages above or discuss the options during a consultation.
Medical Assessment
Assessment is worthwhile when acne is still active and scarring is progressing, when it is unclear whether a change is a scar or a mark, or when scars are raised, growing, itchy, or tender, which can point to hypertrophic or keloid scarring that needs specific care. Early control of scarring acne is particularly important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deep acne inflammation that damages collagen, followed by uneven healing. Deeper, long-standing or picked-at acne carries a higher risk, as does a family tendency to scar.
Acne scars are changes in the skin's texture, such as indentations or raised areas, caused by collagen damage. Acne marks are flat changes in colour that usually fade over time. They respond to different treatments, so working out which you have is an important first step.
Treatments can often make acne scars look considerably better, but complete removal is not usually a realistic goal, and results vary between individuals and scar types. A clinical assessment helps set realistic expectations.
No. Indented and raised scars are handled quite differently, and even among indented scars the approach varies with depth and shape. This is why an assessment of the specific scar types matters.
Ongoing breakouts can create new scars and interfere with scar treatment and healing. Bringing acne under control first generally leads to more predictable, lasting results.
Established scars don't usually deepen on their own, but ongoing active acne creates new scars, which is why controlling breakouts matters.
Collagen remodelling is gradual. Improvement typically develops over months and often needs a series of sessions rather than a single treatment.
Improvements are generally long-lasting, but no treatment fully erases scars, and new acne can create new scarring, so controlling acne remains important.
If acne is still active and scarring is progressing, if you're unsure whether something is a scar or a mark, or if scars are raised, growing, itchy or tender, which can point to hypertrophic or keloid scarring that needs specific care.
Physician Assessment
An assessment can help clarify what may be contributing, which options may be appropriate, and what a reasonable next step could look like for you.
Visit Our Clinic
Anti-Aging Medical & Laser Clinic combines medical assessment, individualized planning, physician oversight, and a broad range of treatment options in its Vancouver clinic.
Bring your questions, treatment history, and goals. Your provider can help you understand appropriate options, expected recovery, and realistic outcomes.
Make an Appointment
Use our consultation form below and the clinic can guide you toward the appropriate starting point.
