Understanding Acne Scars: Why They Form and How Professional Treatments Can Improve Them
Acne may fade, but the marks it leaves behind can last much longer. Acne scars are one of the most common concerns we see at Skin Restored, and they can affect not only skin texture but also confidence. The good news is that acne scars are treatable — especially when you understand why they form and which professional treatments truly work.
Why Acne Scars Form
Acne scars develop when inflammation from breakouts damages the skin’s deeper layers. As your skin heals, it may not produce collagen evenly, leading to changes in texture.
Several factors influence whether acne leaves scars:
Severity and duration of breakouts
Delayed or improper acne treatment
Picking or squeezing blemishes
Individual healing response and collagen production
When collagen is either lost or overproduced during healing, scars can form.
Different Types of Acne Scars
Understanding the type of acne scar you have is key to choosing the right treatment.
Atrophic (Depressed) Scars
These scars sit below the surface of the skin and are caused by collagen loss. Common types include:
Rolling scars
Boxcar scars
Ice pick scars
Hypertrophic Scars
These raised scars occur when the body produces too much collagen during healing. They are more common on the chest and back but can appear on the face as well.
Most acne scar treatments focus on stimulating collagen to rebuild smoother skin texture.
Why Acne Scars Don’t Fade on Their Own
Unlike discoloration or dark spots, acne scars involve structural damage to the skin. While skincare products can help with tone and brightness, they cannot rebuild collagen deep enough to correct texture.
This is where professional medspa treatments become essential.
Professional Treatments That Improve Acne Scars
Microneedling
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that trigger your skin’s natural repair process. This leads to new collagen and elastin production over time.
Benefits include:
Improved skin texture
Reduced appearance of fine lines
Smoother acne scars
More even skin tone
Microneedling is ideal for mild to moderate acne scarring.
Microneedling with PRP
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) enhances microneedling results by using your body’s own growth factors to accelerate healing and collagen formation.
Why we love this combination:
Boosts collagen production
Speeds up recovery
Improves overall skin quality
Enhances scar improvement
This treatment is excellent for clients seeking more advanced results with natural healing.
Subcision
Subcision is one of the most effective treatments for deep, tethered acne scars. It works by releasing fibrous bands beneath the skin that pull scars downward.
Subcision helps by:
Lifting depressed scars
Stimulating collagen at the treatment site
Improving rolling and boxcar scars
Often, subcision is combined with microneedling or PRP for optimal results.
Why Combination Treatments Work Best
Acne scars rarely respond to a single treatment. Combining therapies allows us to target scars from multiple angles — breaking scar tissue, stimulating collagen, and resurfacing the skin.
At Skin Restored, we customize treatment plans based on:
Scar type and depth
Skin condition
Lifestyle and downtime preferences
This personalized approach leads to better, longer-lasting outcomes.
What Results Can You Expect?
Acne scar improvement is gradual. Most clients notice smoother texture and improved tone over a series of treatments.
While scars may not disappear completely, professional treatments can significantly soften their appearance and restore smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Why Choose Skin Restored Medspa
At Skin Restore Medspa, we focus on evidence-based treatments and realistic expectations. Our team takes the time to assess your skin, explain your options, and design a plan that supports long-term skin health — not quick fixes.
Final Thoughts
Acne scars tell a story, but they don’t have to define your skin. With the right professional treatments and expert guidance, you can dramatically improve texture, tone, and confidence.
If you’re ready to explore acne scar treatments, our team at Skin Restored is here to guide you every step of the way.