Unveil Your Radiant Skin
Acne scars can be persistent and linger long after breakouts have faded. Some scars fade over time, but deeper ones can remain for years without the right intervention. Your skin has the ability to heal, and the right treatments can help speed up the process by encouraging new tissue growth.
At Perfect Skin Center, we offer a wide range of treatments for different types of acne scars. We treat patients in Scottsdale and Tempe, AZ, along with many of the surrounding areas including Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Ahwatukee, and more. Our options include laser treatments, microneedling, chemical peels, and other methods that target scar tissue and promote smoother skin.
What Is an Acne Scar Treatment?
An acne scar treatment promotes a more uniform skin texture by treating this textural irregularity with an energy-based device to renew and rejuvenate the complexion. We offer the most effective treatments to address this skin imperfection, including Fraxel laser, Morpheus8, Sciton HALO, and Sciton laser skin resurfacing treatments.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Acne scars form when breakouts damage the deeper layers of the skin. Inflammatory acne, such as cysts and nodules, is more likely to cause scarring because it triggers a stronger immune response. When the skin repairs itself, it can produce too much or too little collagen, leading to raised or indented scars.
Different Types of Acne Scars
The most common types of acne scars are atrophic scars or scars that create a depression in the skin. Rolling scars have softer edges and look like waves on the skin. They are shallow and often have bands of scar tissue underneath that pull the skin downward. This type can effectively be treated by many different options that resurface and revitalize the skin. Boxcar scars have more defined edges and are usually round in shape. They can be shallow or deep.
Icepick scars are deep and narrow scars with a triangular shape. Because they are so deep, they can be harder to treat. Certain treatments are designed to target these more challenging types of scars. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is not a true scar but is also related to acne. These are the dark spots left behind after acne heals and they can also be targeted with skin resurfacing treatments.
Factors That Can Contribute to Scarring
Inflammatory breakouts that persist for long periods are more likely to damage deeper layers of skin. Genetics also play a role, as some people naturally produce more collagen during healing, leading to raised scars, while others lose more collagen, resulting in depressions. Picking or squeezing acne can increase inflammation and make acne scar treatment more difficult by causing further skin damage.
How Can Acne Scars Be Treated?
Acne scars don’t fade on their own if the skin isn’t producing enough collagen to fill in the damaged areas. Over-the-counter products can help with surface discoloration, but they don’t reach the deeper layers where real healing happens. Professional treatments trigger collagen remodeling, which smooths out indentations and softens raised scars over time.
What Are the Benefits of Acne Scar Removal?
One of the benefits of undergoing an acne scar removal treatment plan is that we can completely customize the entire treatment protocol to meet each patient’s needs. Once we learn more about your skin, we can determine which device or combination of treatment options can help restore a uniform skin tone. Other treatment benefits include the following:
- Visibly improved skin texture
- No significant downtime
- Safe treatment plans for all skin types
- Total skin rejuvenation in the treatment area
- Improved confidence in the appearance of the skin
- Quick treatments
Fraxel
Fraxel is a laser skin resurfacing treatment that uses a non-ablative fractional laser to visibly improve the appearance of acne scars. No invasive techniques are associated with the treatment, and patients can see results after just one session. The device has an integrated cooling system that helps promote patient comfort throughout the treatment process.
There’s minimal downtime, and patients can expect visible improvements in the appearance of acne scars and the health and appearance of their skin.
How It Works
The device has a dual 1550/1927 laser that will stimulate collagen and elastin production below the acne scar. Skin volume will increase as the body responds to the treatment, and the acne scar will become less noticeable. The device can make a significant difference in the appearance of surface acne scars, and the results are permanent. Patients typically see the best results after three to five sessions, with two to four weeks between each.
Morpheus8
We also offer Morpheus8 acne scar removal treatment plans to help patients naturally address acne scars. Patients who begin a Morpheus8 treatment plan can expect dramatic results. The device uses microneedles and radiofrequency energy to create injuries in the skin and heat the dermal tissue to force the body to respond with a significant increase in collagen and elastin production.
It also promotes cellular turnover, naturally improving skin tone and texture. These methods combined will visibly reduce the appearance of acne scars after just one treatment. Patients typically see the best results after completing several sessions with a few weeks between each.
Sciton HALO
Sciton HALO is a hybrid fractional laser that combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths in a single session. This allows us to resurface the top layers while also stimulating collagen deeper within the skin. It effectively treats discoloration, smooths out uneven texture, and improves overall skin tone. Because it blends two laser types, we can customize the intensity to fit different skin types and levels of scarring. Patients who want visible improvement with minimal downtime often choose HALO as a starting point for acne scar treatments.
Sciton ProFractional
Sciton ProFractional uses a fractionally ablative laser to precisely target and remove damaged skin while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. By creating microscopic channels in the skin, this treatment triggers rapid healing and new collagen formation. It’s especially effective for deep scars, including ice pick and boxcar scars, where stronger resurfacing is needed. The controlled depth of the laser allows us to adjust treatments based on the severity of scarring and skin type.
TCA CROSS
Short for Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars, offers a highly effective solution for ice-pick and boxcar types. This simple treatment involves applying a high concentration of Trichloroacetic acid (70-100%) directly into the pitted scar using the tip of a toothpick. TCA CROSS is also beneficial for deep open pores with a quick recovery time of less than a week. The procedure generally requires multiple sessions, spaced 2 to 8 weeks apart, with most individuals needing 3 to 6 treatments for maximum improvement. At Perfect Skin we have found the best results are obtained if TCA CROSS is done immediately after a Fraxel 1550 treatment.
Bellafill®
Bellafill is a long-lasting dermal filler that helps remove acne scars by filling in deep atrophic scars. It contains collagen and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres, which provide both immediate volume and long-term collagen stimulation. We inject Bellafill beneath the scar to lift the skin and create a smoother surface. The microspheres support natural collagen production, helping maintain results for years. This treatment is ideal for those who want lasting improvement.
Our Perfect Glow Skin Rejuvenation Treatment
The Perfect Glow Skin Rejuvenation treatment is a multi-step approach designed to improve skin texture, tone, and overall health by combining advanced laser treatments with regenerative therapies. It includes:
- Laser Genesis: This non-ablative laser gently heats the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve overall texture.
- Fractional Laser: Fractional laser treatments create tiny microchannels in the skin to trigger collagen remodeling and skin regeneration.
- Exosome Therapy: Exosomes are regenerative cell messengers that enhance healing and boost collagen production when applied after laser or microneedling treatments. They accelerate skin repair, making scars fade faster and improving overall skin texture.
Comprehensive Skin Analysis With VISIA®
Before recommending an acne scar treatment, we can use VISIA® Skin Analysis to assess your skin’s condition. This imaging system captures high-resolution images to analyze scar depth, pigmentation, and overall skin health. It helps us identify underlying concerns that may not be visible on the surface.
Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Acne Scar Treatments
Surgical treatments for acne scars, such as punch excision or subcision, physically remove or release scar tissue to improve skin texture. These methods are typically reserved for deep, stubborn scars that don’t respond to other treatments. Non-surgical options, including laser resurfacing, microneedling, and chemical peels, focus on stimulating collagen production to gradually smooth out the skin. The best acne scar removal treatment depends on the scar type, skin condition, and how much downtime you’re willing to have.
What Is Recovery Like With Our Acne Scar Treatments?
Recovery varies depending on the treatment, but most methods require some level of downtime while the skin heals. Laser and microneedling treatments may cause redness, swelling, and mild peeling for a few days. Injectable treatments like Bellafill require minimal downtime, with mild swelling or bruising that fades quickly. Since acne scar healing happens gradually, multiple sessions may be needed for the best improvement, and results continue to develop as collagen rebuilds.
The Benefits of Professional Acne Scar Removal
- More Effective Results: Professional treatments work beneath the surface, stimulating collagen production to repair scar tissue. Lasers, microneedling, and TCA CROSS smooth out scars more effectively than over-the-counter products.
- Customizable Treatment Plans: Different scars require different approaches. Professional treatments can be combined for enhanced acne scar reduction.
- Long-Term Improvements: Treatments like lasers and fillers promote ongoing collagen production and allow scars to fade gradually. Results continue developing for months for smoother and more even skin.
- Healthier Overall Skin: Acne scar treatments strengthen the skin, reducing redness, even out pigmentation, and refine pores. By promoting new cell growth, these treatments improve both skin appearance and resilience.
More Information About Acne Scar Removal
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of treatments depends on the severity of your scars and the method used. Some patients see improvement after one or two sessions, but deeper scars often require multiple treatments spaced several weeks apart. Treatments like acne laser scar removal typically require three to five sessions for noticeable results, while Bellafill may provide instant volume with long-term collagen stimulation. Since collagen takes time to rebuild, results improve gradually with each session.
Can Acne Scar Treatments Work for All Skin Types?
Most professional acne scar treatments can be adjusted for different skin types and tones. Treatments like microneedling and radiofrequency energy are suitable for all skin tones since they don’t rely on pigment-targeting lasers. Certain laser treatments may need to be modified for darker skin to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation. We assess each patient’s skin type and scar severity to determine the best approach.
Can Acne Scar Treatments Be Used During Active Acne Breakouts?
Some treatments can be used on acne-prone skin, but active breakouts may need to be controlled first. Some treatments may trigger irritation if acne is inflamed. Other treatments can help calm redness and promote healing while addressing scars. If active breakouts are a concern, we may recommend acne management treatments before starting scar removal.
Are Acne Scar Removal Treatments Painful?
Most acne scar treatment options cause mild discomfort but are well-tolerated. Laser treatments may feel like a snapping sensation on the skin, while microneedling creates a slight tingling or prickling sensation. We use numbing agents when needed to keep treatments as comfortable as possible, and any post-treatment irritation usually resolves within a few days.
Strategies for Preventing Acne Scarring
- Treat Inflammatory Acne Early: The longer acne remains inflamed, the more likely it is to leave scars. Prescription treatments, medical-grade skincare, and in-office procedures can help reduce breakouts before they cause lasting damage.
- Avoid Picking or Squeezing Pimples: Squeezing breakouts forces bacteria deeper into the skin and increases inflammation, making scars more severe. If extractions are needed, professional treatments like facials or acne peels are a safer option.
- Use Sun Protection Daily: Sun exposure can darken acne scars and slow healing. Applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher prevents pigmentation from worsening and supports the skin’s natural repair process.
- Incorporate Collagen-Boosting Skincare: Ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, and peptides help strengthen the skin and support collagen production. Using these consistently may reduce the severity of post-acne marks and improve skin texture over time.
About Your Provider
Dr. Richard Burgmeier has spent over two decades helping patients achieve healthier, more youthful skin through advanced, minimally invasive treatments. As a recognized leader in the aesthetic field, he shares his expertise as a trainer for Allergan and Galderma, teaching doctors across the country the latest injection techniques. His extensive background in laser medicine, skin rejuvenation, and aesthetic innovations allows him to offer precise, results-driven care.
Dr. Burgmeier has a strong foundation in emergency and urgent care medicine, having spent 15 years treating critically ill patients. He is a respected member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. A graduate of the University of Iowa School of Medicine, his combined experience in both medical and cosmetic treatments gives him a deep understanding of patient care. His dedication to safety, precision, and innovation makes him a trusted provider for those seeking expert acne scar treatments.
Take the First Step Toward Clearer Skin With Acne Scar Removal
Professional acne scar removal treatments stimulate collagen production and resurface the skin for a complexion that glows from the inside out. At Perfect Skin Center, we offer a range of options, from laser resurfacing to microneedling, to treat different types of scars. To schedule a consultation in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, or Ahwatukee, call (480) 897-3623 or reach out online.