How to Treat Acne Scars Effectively

Understanding Different Types of Acne Scars and Treatment Options at Seven Days Clinic

Acne Scars Can Be Treated with the Right Approach

     Even after acne has cleared, many people are left with acne scars that affect the skin's texture and overall appearance. Acne scars can make the skin look uneven, cause makeup to sit poorly, and impact self-confidence.

     Today, there are several effective acne scar treatments available. However, each type of acne scar responds differently to treatment. Identifying the type of acne scar is the first step toward achieving optimal results.

What Are Acne Scars?

     Atrophic acne scars are depressed scars that develop after inflammatory acne lesions heal. They commonly occur following severe acne, cystic acne, or acne that has been squeezed, picked, or manipulated.

     When the skin experiences significant inflammation, collagen and underlying tissue can be damaged. If the body is unable to regenerate sufficient collagen during the healing process, permanent indentations may form, resulting in acne scars and uneven skin texture.

What Types of Acne Scars Are There?

     Acne scars are generally classified into three main types:

Ice Pick Scars

     Ice pick scars are narrow, deep scars that extend into the skin, resembling small puncture marks.

Characteristics

• Deep and narrow appearance
  
• Irregular scar edges
  
• Considered the most challenging type of acne scar to treat
  

Common Causes

• Severe inflammatory acne
  
• Squeezing or picking comedonal acne and inflamed lesions
  
  

Boxcar Scars

     Boxcar scars are broad, box-shaped depressions with well-defined edges.

Characteristics

• Clearly visible borders
  
• Wider than ice pick scars
  
• Moderate depth
  

Common Causes

• Severe acne breakouts
  
• Previous chickenpox scars
  
  

Rolling Scars

     Rolling scars create a wave-like or undulating appearance on the skin due to fibrous bands pulling the skin downward.

Characteristics

• Shallow depressions
  
• Soft, sloping edges
  
• Often caused by underlying scar tissue tethering the skin
  

Treatment Response

• Typically responds well to acne scar treatments
  
  

What Causes Acne Scars?

•      Several factors can contribute to the development of acne scars, including:
  
  Severe inflammatory acne that damages collagen fibers
  
• Picking, squeezing, or popping pimples
  
• Chronic acne inflammation
  
• Delayed acne treatment
  
• Individual healing response and genetic factors
  

The more severe the inflammation, the higher the risk of developing permanent acne scars.

Acne Scar Treatments at Seven Days Clinic

     At Seven Days Clinic, our doctors perform a personalized assessment to determine the type and severity of your acne scars before recommending the most suitable treatment plan.

1. TCA CROSS Program

What Is TCA CROSS?

     TCA CROSS (Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) is a targeted treatment that involves applying a high concentration of trichloroacetic acid directly into acne scars.

How Does TCA CROSS Work?

     The TCA solution stimulates controlled skin regeneration and collagen production within the scar, helping the scar gradually become shallower and less noticeable.

Benefits of TCA CROSS

• Effective for deep acne scars
  
• Stimulates collagen production
  
• Quick treatment procedure
  
• Minimal downtime
  

Best Suited For Ice Pick Scars. Visible improvement is typically seen after three or more treatment sessions spaced approximately four weeks apart.

2. Subcision Program

What Is Subcision?

      Subcision is a minimally invasive procedure that releases the fibrous bands beneath the skin responsible for pulling the scar downward.

How Does Subcision Work?

      A specialized needle is used to break up scar tissue beneath the skin. This releases the tethered skin and stimulates natural collagen production, resulting in smoother skin texture.

Benefits of Subcision

• Addresses the root cause of tethered acne scars
  
• Immediate lifting effect in some cases
  
• Encourages long-term collagen remodeling
  
• Can be combined with other acne scar treatments
  

Best Suited For Rolling Scars. Mild swelling, redness, or bruising may occur after treatment and typically resolves naturally within a few days.

3. Fractional CO2 Laser

What Is Fractional CO2 Laser?

     Fractional CO2 Laser is an advanced skin resurfacing treatment that delivers laser energy in microscopic columns to stimulate collagen production and skin renewal.

How Does Fractional CO2 Laser Work?

     The laser creates controlled micro-injuries within the skin, triggering the body's natural healing response and encouraging the formation of new collagen and healthy skin tissue.

Benefits of Fractional CO2 Laser

• Improves skin texture
  
• Reduces acne scar depth
  
• Promotes overall skin rejuvenation
  
• Helps refine enlarged pores
  
• Suitable for multiple scar types
  

Best Suited For Ice Pick Scars ,Boxcar Scars and Rolling Scars Patients should avoid direct sun exposure and follow post-treatment care instructions carefully. Downtime is typically around 3–7 days.

4. PN Vitaran

What Is PN Vitaran?

     PN Vitaran is a Polynucleotide (PN) skin-rejuvenation treatment derived from purified trout DNA. It helps repair damaged skin and improve overall skin quality.

How Does PN Vitaran Work?

     Once injected into the skin, PN stimulates cellular regeneration, collagen synthesis, and tissue repair, improving skin strength and elasticity.

Benefits of PN Vitaran

• Enhances overall skin quality
  
• Improves skin smoothness
  
• Increases hydration
  
• Supports acne scar treatment outcomes
  
• Helps reduce post-acne redness
  

Best Suited For Mild and Shallow Acne Scars. PN Vitaran is often recommended as a complementary treatment alongside other acne scar procedures.

5. PDRN P-Cell

What Is PDRN P-Cell?

     PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a regenerative skin treatment derived from salmon DNA. It is widely used to promote skin healing and tissue repair.

How Does PDRN P-Cell Work?

     PDRN stimulates tissue regeneration, supports collagen production, and enhances the skin's natural healing process.

Benefits of PDRN P-Cell

• Repairs damaged skin
  
• Reduces inflammation
  
• Strengthens the skin barrier
  
• Improves skin texture
  
• Complements other acne scar treatments