What Can I Do About Acne Scars?

By Teresa Alasio, MD | Intentional Self Aesthetics, New Canaan, CT

This is one of the most hopeful questions I answer, because acne scars are far more treatable today than they were even ten years ago. But the right treatment depends entirely on what kind of mark you are dealing with, and that is where a physician’s eye matters.

First, let’s sort out what you are actually seeing. Many patients who tell me they have acne scars actually have post-inflammatory discoloration. These are the flat red or brown spots left behind after a breakout heals. They are not true scars, and they often fade on their own or respond well to chemical peels, brightening treatments, and consistent sun protection.

True acne scars involve a change in the texture of the skin. Some are depressed, like small pits or rolling indentations, caused by collagen loss during healing. Others are raised. Each type responds to different treatments, which is why no single approach works for everyone.

For depressed scars, radiofrequency microneedling is one of the most effective tools I offer. It creates controlled micro-injuries while delivering heat into the deeper layers of the skin, which stimulates your body to rebuild collagen exactly where it was lost. Over a series of treatments, the skin remodels itself and the surface smooths out. Chemical peels and laser resurfacing can refine texture further, and in select cases, biostimulatory treatments help restore volume under deeper scars.

One rule I hold firmly: we treat active acne first. Resurfacing skin that is still breaking out is like repainting a wall while the leak behind it is still running. Calm the acne, then repair the scars.

I perform every treatment in my practice personally, and I will tell you honestly which scars will respond well and which need a different approach. If acne scars are affecting how you feel about your skin, come see me at Intentional Self Aesthetics in New Canaan. We will look at your skin together and map out a realistic plan.