The Science of Smooth: Advanced Strategies for Treating Acne Scars

Acne scars stick around long after the breakouts stop. Studies show they affect up to 95% of people who’ve had acne, and depending on their severity, they can really impact how you feel about your appearance.

At Vivida Dermatology, with locations in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, our board-certified dermatologists specialize in treating acne scars across all skin types and tones. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of acne scars and the treatments that can improve them.

Understanding different types of acne scars

Not all acne scars look the same, and identifying which type you have helps determine the best treatment approach. The main categories include:

• Rolling scars with a wave-like appearance from fibrous bands pulling skin downward
• Boxcar scars that appear as round or oval depressions with steep, defined edges
• Icepick scars that are narrow, deep puncture marks extending into the skin
• Hypopigmented scars that appear lighter than the surrounding skin

During your consultation, we examine your scars and categorize them to create the most effective treatment plan.

Effective treatments for acne scars

We offer several proven treatments that can improve the appearance of acne scars. Most patients get the best results by combining multiple approaches. Your personalized acne scar treatment plan may include:

Subcision

Subcision is particularly effective for rolling and boxcar scars with fibrous attachments. After numbing the area, we insert a small needle under your skin to release these attachments. As your skin heals, new collagen forms beneath the scar, lifting it toward the surface. We can also inject filler under the scars after subcision to even out your skin texture.

Fractional CO2 laser

Fractional CO2 lasers deliver energy in hundreds of tiny columns that create controlled micro-injuries in your skin. As these wounds heal, your body produces new collagen through a process called collagen remodeling, which smooths out the surface and reduces scar appearance. 

This approach heals faster than traditional CO2 resurfacing with a lower risk of complications.

Chemical peels and dermabrasion

Chemical peels create a controlled injury to the top layers of your skin, triggering a healing response that produces smoother, softer skin. These peels are safe for all skin types and require virtually no downtime.

Dermabrasion penetrates deeper than microdermabrasion, using a medical-grade device with diamond-studded tips to remove layers of skin and scar tissue precisely. The procedure requires local anesthesia, and skin typically heals within 7-10 days.

Advanced technology options

We also use devices that combine technologies to deliver better results. Secret RF pairs microneedling with radiofrequency energy to rebuild collagen and elastin with almost no downtime. 

Sciton ProFractional retexturizes skin damaged by acne scars, while Opus addresses complex textural concerns with 50% less downtime than traditional resurfacing lasers.

Your personalized treatment plan

Each case of acne scarring requires careful evaluation and a customized approach. During your consultation, we categorize your scars and develop a treatment plan tailored to your skin tone and scar types. 

Our dermatologists have participated in clinical studies on various acne scar treatments and bring that expertise to every consultation. 

If you’re dealing with rolling scars, boxcar scars, or a combination of different types, we’ll help you find the right solution. Schedule an appointment at our Las Vegas, Henderson, or St. George office to learn more about your options.