Laser Treatment for
Acne Scars

The use of multiple laser technologies in combination represents a revolutionary new approach to effectively reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, especially during adolescence and young adulthood. While many experience temporary breakouts, for some, the aftermath of acne can leave lasting scars, both physically and emotionally.
We dive into the different types of acne scars and why a multiple modality laser treatment for acne scars produces superior results.

Understanding Acne Scars

Acne scars can be a frustrating reminder of past breakouts. These scars typically develop as a result of inflammation and tissue damage caused by severe or prolonged breakouts.
Acne scars can persist long after blemishes have faded, serving as a reminder of past struggles with skin issues.
Types of Acne Scars
Ice Pick Scars: These are deep, narrow scars that extend into the dermis, resembling small punctures or pits on the skin’s surface.
Boxcar Scars: Characterized by their angular, well-defined edges, boxcar scars are broader depressions in the skin.
Rolling Scars: These scars have a wave-like appearance and are caused by damage beneath the skin’s surface, resulting in a rolling or undulating texture.
Hypertrophic Scars: Unlike other types that result from tissue loss, hypertrophic scars occur when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process, leading to raised, firm areas of scar tissue.

Laser Treatment for Acne Scars

Fortunately, advancements in laser technology offer effective solutions for scar reduction. Several different laser treatment options are available to address existing acne scars and improve overall skin texture and appearance.
While each of these lasers provides excellent results on their own, combining them into a single multiple modality treatment produces a far superior result.

CO2 Fractional Laser Treatment for Acne Scars

CO2 fractional laser treatment harnesses the power of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser technology to resurface and remodel the skin.
Unlike traditional laser treatments that target the entire surface of the skin, fractional CO2 laser treatment delivers microscopic columns of laser energy to only a fraction of the skin’s surface, leaving surrounding tissue untouched. This fractional approach promotes faster healing and reduces the risk of complications, making it an ideal choice for treating acne scars.
Benefits of CO2 Fractional Laser Treatment
One of the key benefits of CO2 fractional laser treatment is its ability to stimulate collagen production and promote skin regeneration. The controlled thermal energy from the laser penetrates deep into the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response. This process stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin fibers, which are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. By encouraging collagen remodeling, fractional CO2 laser treatment helps improve the texture and appearance of acne scars, resulting in smoother, more even skin.
CO2 fractional laser treatment is a highly effective procedure for reducing the appearance of acne scars by promoting collagen production and resurfacing the skin, resulting in smoother and more even skin texture.
Another advantage of CO2 fractional laser treatment is its versatility in treating different types of acne scars. Whether someone has shallow depressions, deep ice pick scars, or irregular texture, fractional laser therapy can be customized to target specific areas of concern. The laser can be adjusted to penetrate different depths of the skin, allowing for precise treatment tailored to the individual’s needs. This versatility ensures comprehensive scar revision and optimal results for patients with varying degrees of scarring.
CO2 fractional laser treatment is suitable for all skin types and tones, making it an option for patients with diverse skin concerns. The treatment can be safely performed on patients with fair or dark skin, with minimal risk of complications such as hyperpigmentation. This broad applicability allows patients to undergo fractional CO2 laser treatment with confidence, knowing that they can achieve significant improvement in their acne scars without compromising the health or appearance of their skin.
Treatment with a CO2 Fractional Laser
The treatment process for fractional CO2 laser typically involves multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart. The exact number of sessions required depends on the severity of the acne scars and the patient’s skin response. During each session, a topical numbing cream may be applied to ensure patient comfort, and protective eyewear is worn to shield the eyes from the laser light. The laser is then passed over the skin, delivering precise pulses of energy to targeted areas.
Following treatment, patients may experience temporary redness, swelling, and mild discomfort, similar to a sunb urn. These side effects usually subside within a few days, and most patients are able to resume their normal activities relatively quickly. Over the following weeks and months, the skin undergoes a gradual transformation as collagen remodeling occurs.
Fractional CO2 laser treatment offers a highly effective and customizable solution for patients seeking to improve the appearance of acne scars. By harnessing the power of fractional laser technology, this advanced treatment promotes collagen production, encourages skin regeneration, and reduces the visibility of acne scars with minimal discomfort and downtime.

Radiofrequency Microneedling Laser Treatment for Acne Scars

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves the use of tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing process, promoting the production of collagen and elastin – two essential proteins that contribute to healthy, youthful-looking skin. By triggering this process, microneedling can help improve the appearance of acne scars by promoting skin regeneration and remodeling.
Radio-frequency microneedling takes microneedling to the next level by adding the element of radio-frequency energy. During the treatment, the microneedles deliver radio-frequency energy deep into the skin, targeting the underlying layers where collagen and elastin are produced. This dual-action approach not only enhances the skin’s natural healing response but also stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin fibers, leading to firmer, smoother skin over time.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Microneedling Treatment
One of the key advantages of radio-frequency microneedling is its ability to target both superficial and deep acne scars. Unlike traditional treatments that may only address surface imperfections, such as chemical peels or topical creams, radio-frequency microneedling penetrates the skin at varying depths, allowing for comprehensive scar revision. Whether the scars are shallow depressions or deeper ice-pick scars, this treatment can help improve their appearance and texture.
Radio-frequency microneedling is a cutting-edge treatment for acne scars, utilizing precise energy delivery to stimulate collagen production and remodel scar tissue, ultimately leading to smoother and rejuvenated skin texture.
Radio-frequency microneedling is suitable for all skin types and tones, making it an option for patients of all skin types. Since the treatment does not rely on heat or light-based technologies, there is minimal risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Treatment with Radiofrequency Microneedling
In terms of the treatment process, radio-frequency microneedling is typically performed in a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart. The exact number of sessions required may vary depending on the severity of the acne scars and the patient’s skin response. During each session, a topical numbing cream is applied to ensure patient comfort, and the treatment itself is relatively quick, usually lasting around 30 to 60 minutes.
While some improvement may be visible after just one session, optimal results are usually achieved after completing a series of treatments. Patients can expect to see continued improvement in the appearance of their acne scars over the following weeks and months as the skin’s natural healing process unfolds. In addition to reducing the visibility of scars, many patients also report overall improvement in skin texture, tone, and firmness.
Radio-frequency microneedling offers a promising solution for patients seeking to address acne scarring and achieve smoother, more radiant skin. By harnessing the power of microneedling and radio-frequency energy, this innovative treatment promotes collagen production, enhances skin elasticity, and minimizes the appearance of acne scars with minimal downtime.
Learn More About the Devices Used for the Treatment of Acne Scarring

MediCO

Fractional CO2 Laser

The MediCO offers aesthetic providers a high powered CO2, which may be used for treating fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring and other skin resurfacing indications.
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MediRaf

Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling

The MediRaf uses RF energy and microneedling for skin tightening and rejuvenation. The combined modalities penetrate deep into the skin and affect the deeper dermis and subcutaneous layers.
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Q-Switched Nd: YAG Laser Treatment for Acne Scars

The Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser, short for neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, is a versatile laser system that emits light at a wavelength of 1064nm/532nm.
The 1064 wavelength allows the laser energy to penetrate deep into the skin, targeting the underlying layers where acne scars form. By delivering controlled pulses of energy, the Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser laser stimulates collagen production, promotes cellular turnover, and encourages the regeneration of healthy skin cells, ultimately reducing the appearance of acne scars.
Benefits of Q-Switched Nd: YAG Laser Treatment
One of the key benefits of ND YAG laser treatment is its ability to address various types of acne scars, including boxcar scars, rolling scars, and ice pick scars. Unlike some traditional treatments that may only target surface imperfections, such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion, ND YAG laser therapy penetrates the skin at a deeper level, providing comprehensive scar revision. This allows for smoother, more uniform results, regardless of the type or severity of the scars being treated.
The Q-switched Nd: YAG laser offers a targeted approach to treating acne scars, utilizing specific wavelengths to break down scar tissue and stimulate collagen production, resulting in noticeable improvement in skin texture and reduction of scars.
Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser treatment is safe and effective for all skin types and tones. Whether a patient has fair or dark skin, they can undergo Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser treatment with confidence, knowing that the risk of adverse effects such as hyperpigmentation is minimal.
Treatment with a Q-Switched Nd: YAG Laser
The treatment process for Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser treatment is typically straightforward and well-tolerated by patients. Before the procedure begins, a topical numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area to ensure comfort. During the treatment, the laser is passed over the skin, delivering short bursts of energy to targeted areas. Patients may experience a mild warming sensation or slight discomfort during the procedure, but overall, the process is relatively quick and painless.
Depending on the severity of the acne scars and the patient’s skin response, multiple treatment sessions may be recommended to achieve optimal results. These sessions are usually spaced several weeks apart to allow the skin time to heal and regenerate between treatments. Over time, patients can expect to see gradual improvement in the appearance of their acne scars, with continued enhancement in skin texture, tone, and overall complexion.
One of the advantages of Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser treatment is its minimal downtime, allowing patients to resume their normal activities shortly after each session. While some redness or mild swelling may occur immediately following treatment, these side effects typically subside within a few hours to a few days. With proper post-treatment care, such as gentle cleansing and sun protection, patients can minimize the risk of complications and optimize their results.
Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser treatment offers a transformative solution for patients seeking to address acne scarring and achieve smoother, more radiant skin. By harnessing the power of laser technology, this advanced treatment stimulates collagen production, promotes skin regeneration, and reduces the appearance of acne scars with minimal discomfort and downtime.
The Multiple Modality Laser Treatment for Acne Scars
While various treatments exist, combining multiple modalities can often yield superior results in acne scar revision. Among the cutting-edge techniques gaining popularity are the combination of CO2 fractional laser, Radio-frequency Microneedling, and Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser treatments. This comprehensive approach offers patients a synergistic treatment plan that targets acne scars at multiple levels.
CO2 fractional laser treatment is renowned for its ability to resurface the skin and stimulate collagen production. By delivering precise columns of laser energy, this treatment promotes skin regeneration and improves the texture of acne scars. The controlled thermal energy from the laser penetrates deep into the skin, triggering collagen remodeling and encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin cells. CO2 fractional laser therapy is particularly effective for addressing shallow depressions and irregularities in the skin’s surface.
Microneedles on a radio-frequency microneedling device penetrate the skin at varying depths, delivering controlled energy to stimulate collagen production and promote skin rejuvenation, effectively addressing acne scars and improving overall skin texture.
RF microneedling combines the benefits of microneedling with radio-frequency energy to further enhance skin rejuvenation. The microneedles create tiny channels in the skin, allowing for the delivery of RF energy deep into the dermis. This dual-action approach stimulates collagen production, tightens the skin, and reduces the appearance of acne scars. RF microneedling is especially effective for treating deeper acne scars, such as ice pick scars and boxcar scars, by promoting collagen remodeling and improving skin texture.
Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser treatments complements the effects of CO2 fractional laser and RF microneedling by targeting pigmentation and promoting additional collagen production. The 1064 nanometer wavelength of the Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser penetrates deep into the skin, targeting melanin and stimulating collagen synthesis. By addressing pigmentation irregularities and enhancing skin elasticity, Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser treatment helps to further improve the overall appearance of acne scars. This treatment is particularly beneficial for patients with darker skin tones who may be at risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Benefits of Combining Laser Modalities into a Single Treatment
When combined, CO2 fractional laser, RF microneedling, and Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser treatments create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses acne scars at various levels. The CO2 fractional laser resurfaces the skin and stimulates collagen production, while RF microneedling tightens the skin and promotes additional collagen remodeling. Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser treatment complements these effects by targeting pigmentation and further enhancing collagen synthesis. Together, these modalities work synergistically to provide patients with a smoother, more even-toned skin.
The CO2 fractional laser handpiece, equipped with advanced technology, precisely delivers laser energy to targeted areas, effectively resurfacing the skin and diminishing the appearance of acne scars for smoother, revitalized skin.
One of the key benefits of combining these laser modalities is the ability to customize treatment based on the patients’s unique skin concerns and scar types. By tailoring the treatment plan to address specific scar characteristics, patients can achieve more personalized and optimal results. Additionally, combining multiple modalities allows for a more comprehensive approach to scar revision, targeting both textural irregularities and pigmentation issues simultaneously.
Another advantage of combining CO2 fractional laser, RF microneedling, and Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser treatments is the potential for enhanced collagen production and long-lasting results. By stimulating collagen synthesis through multiple mechanisms, this comprehensive approach promotes greater skin rejuvenation and improves the overall quality of the skin. Patients can expect to see continued improvement in their acne scars over time, with results that are both noticeable and long-lasting.

Superior Acne Scar Treatment

The combination of CO2 fractional laser, RF microneedling, and Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser treatment offers a powerful and comprehensive approach to acne scar revision.
For individuals seeking to rejuvenate their skin and regain confidence, this advanced combination treatment offers a transformative solution that delivers exceptional results.

Acne Scar Laser Treatment FAQs

Acne scars form as a result of the skin’s natural healing process after severe acne lesions or cysts.

When the skin undergoes inflammation due to acne, it can cause damage to the underlying collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. As the body works to repair this damage, it may produce too much or too little collagen, leading to the formation of scars.

Factors such as the severity of the acne, individual skin type, genetics, and improper handling of acne lesions can influence the likelihood and extent of scarring.

Laser treatment for acne scars can be performed on various areas of the body where scars are present due to acne breakouts. These areas commonly include the face, neck, chest, and back, as these are typical areas where acne occurs. 

However, the specific areas targeted for laser treatment depend on the patient’s unique scar patterns and concerns.

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References

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  2. Hendel K, Karmisholt K, Hedelund L, Haedersdal M. Fractional CO2 -laser versus microneedle radiofrequency for acne scars: A randomized, single treatment, split-face trial. Lasers Surg Med. 2023 Apr;55(4):335-343. doi: 10.1002/lsm.23655. Epub 2023 Mar 19. PMID: 36934435.
  3. Majid I, Imran S. Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing as Monotherapy in the Treatment of Atrophic Facial Acne Scars. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2014 Apr;7(2):87-92. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.138326. PMID: 25136208; PMCID: PMC4134658.
  4. Qian H, Lu Z, Ding H, Yan S, Xiang L, Gold MH. Treatment of acne scarring with fractional CO2 laser. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2012 Aug;14(4):162-5. doi: 10.3109/14764172.2012.699679. PMID: 22671310.
  5. Bhat YJ, Rehman F, Hassan I, Krishan K, Daing A, Yaseen A, Jeelani S, Akhtar S, Bashir S, Zareek S, Devi R, Nabi N. Fractional Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scars: Our Experience at Tertiary Care Hospital of North India. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2023 Jan-Mar;16(1):42-48. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_23_21. Epub 2023 Apr 28. PMID: 37383970; PMCID: PMC10298618.
  6. Mandavia R, Cariati M, Shahidi S, Spencer C, Somenek M, Lapa T. Combination radiofrequency microneedling and carbon dioxide laser for acne scarring: A systematic review and retrospective case series across two centers. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Nov;21(11):5672-5679. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15276. Epub 2022 Sep 2. PMID: 35896510.
  7. Ibrahimi OA, Weiss RA, Weiss MA, Halvorson CR, Mayoral F, Ross EV, Cohen JL. Treatment of Acne Scars With High Intensity Focused Radio Frequency. J Drugs Dermatol. 2015 Sep;14(9):1065-8. PMID: 26355629.
  8. Gharib K, Seoudy W, Rageh MA, Abdelsatar S, Khater E. Treatment of Post-acne Scarring with Long-pulsed and Q-switched 1,064nm Nd:YAG Laser. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2023 Apr;16(4):32-37. PMID: 37077932; PMCID: PMC10110289.
  9. Sabry HH, Hegazy MS, Ahmed E, Salem RM. Q-Switched 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser versus fractional carbon dioxide laser for post acne scarring: A split-face comparative study. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2022 Sep;38(5):465-470. doi: 10.1111/phpp.12773. Epub 2022 Jan 20. PMID: 35020221.
  10. Asilian A, Salimi E, Faghihi G, Dehghani F, Tajmirriahi N, Hosseini SM. Comparison of Q-Switched 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser and fractional CO2 laser efficacies on improvement of atrophic facial acne scar. J Res Med Sci. 2011 Sep;16(9):1189-95. PMID: 22973388; PMCID: PMC3430044.
  11. Lipper GM, Perez M. Nonablative acne scar reduction after a series of treatments with a short-pulsed 1,064-nm neodymium:YAG laser. Dermatol Surg. 2006 Aug;32(8):998-1006. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2006.32222.x. PMID: 16918561.

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