Acne Scarring: Treatment Options That Actually Work

Why Acne Leaves Scars in the First Place

Not every breakout leads to scarring, but deeper or inflamed acne (cysts and nodules) is more likely to damage the collagen structure under the skin. As the skin heals, it can either overproduce collagen (leading to raised scars) or underproduce it (leading to indented scars). The type of scarring you have determines which treatment will work best.

Common Types of Acne Scars

• Ice pick scars Narrow, deep pits that go straight down into the skin. Among the hardest to treat with topical products alone.
• Boxcar scars Wider, box-like depressions with defined edges. Common on the cheeks and jawline.
• Rolling scars Broad, shallow depressions that give the skin a wavy texture. Caused by fibrous bands pulling the skin down from underneath.
• Hypertrophic and keloid scars Raised scars caused by excess collagen during healing. Less common than the depressed types but require a different treatment approach entirely.

Treatments That Actually Work

• Microneedling Fine needles create controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen production. Effective for rolling and shallow boxcar scars, with minimal downtime. Usually done in a series of sessions spaced weeks apart.
• Chemical peels Medium to deep peels remove damaged outer layers of skin, encouraging fresher skin to surface. Works well for mild to moderate scarring and uneven texture.
• Laser resurfacing Fractional lasers target scarred tissue and stimulate deeper collagen remodeling. One of the more effective options for boxcar and rolling scars, though it requires some recovery time.
• Dermal fillers For rolling and boxcar scars, filler can be injected underneath the depression to lift it level with the surrounding skin. Results are temporary but immediate.
• Subcision A minor procedure where a needle is used to break up the fibrous bands tethering rolling scars to deeper tissue. Often combined with filler or microneedling for better results.
• Steroid injections For raised hypertrophic or keloid scars, corticosteroid injections help flatten and soften the tissue over a series of sessions.

Several of these treatments, including microneedling, peels, fillers and skin boosters, are part of our dermatology services in Salmiya.

What to Expect

Most acne scar treatments require more than one session, and results build gradually rather than appearing overnight. A dermatologist will typically examine the scarring in person to determine which type is present, since ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars often respond to different combinations of treatment. Combining two or three approaches (for example, microneedling with subcision) tends to produce better results than relying on a single method.

When to See a Dermatologist

If over-the-counter products haven't made a visible difference after a few months, or if scarring is affecting your confidence, it's worth getting a professional assessment. Early treatment, particularly for hypertrophic scarring, tends to respond better than scars that have been present for years.

Ready to talk to a dermatologist about your options? Book a consultation with Cedar Clinic's dermatology team to get a treatment plan built around your specific scarring type.