Acne Scar Treatments

Acne vulgaris — most often referred to as simply acne — is the most prevalent skin condition. It’s troublesome enough on its own, but the scars it leaves behind can exacerbate your frustration.

Acne scars can leave lasting marks both on your skin and your confidence, and if you’re bothered by scarring, you’re far from alone. About 47% of people with acne develop scars.

The good news? You’re not stuck with those scars.

Oge Onwudiwe, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, offers advanced, effective treatments to help you achieve smoother, clearer skin. Two of the most popular options for treating acne scars are microneedling and laser skin resurfacing, including both fractional ablative and non-ablative lasers.

Here's what you need to know, courtesy of the Cutis Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics team in Alexandria, Virginia.

All about microneedling for acne scars

Dr. Onwudiwe uses a microneedling device with ultra-fine needles to create tiny micro-injuries in your skin. This stimulates your body’s natural healing process, which includes both collagen and elastin production.

When collagen production ramps up, it gradually fills in and smooths out the indentations caused by acne scars.

The bottom line is that microneedling — also known as collagen-induction therapy — is a go-to for acne scars because it improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of scars.

You might also consider it because microneeding:

Is safe for all skin tones
Requires only minimal downtime
Leads to gradual, natural-looking results
Works for multiple types of acne scars, including rolling scars and boxcar scars
Sessions are quick — just about 30 minutes

Microneedling doesn’t just help with scars. Microneedling can also help treat acne-prone skin, reduce inflammatory acne, and combat comedones (blackheads and whiteheads).

Depending on your specific skin needs, Dr. Onwudiwe may recommend a series of three to six microneedling sessions once a month.

All about laser skin resurfacing for acne scars

Laser skin resurfacing targets deeper layers of your skin to break down scar tissue and stimulate collagen production. At Cutis Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics, we offer two types: ablative and non-ablative fractional laser treatments.

Ablative lasers remove the outer layers of skin to stimulate new skin growth, while non-ablative lasers heat the underlying tissue without damaging the surface.

Fractional ablative laser

This treatment removes microscopic columns of damaged skin to make room for healthy new tissue.

You might consider a fractional ablative laser because it:

Significantly improves deep acne scars
Contributes to a smoother skin texture
Requires fewer sessions than non-ablative lasers

Keep in mind: This treatment comes with some downtime, usually 5–7 days of redness and peeling.

Fractional non-ablative laser

Unlike ablative lasers, non-ablative lasers heat your skin without removing the outer layer. During your session, the device sends heat through deep channels called microthermal treatment zones.

Fractional non-ablative laser therapy offers a few advantages, including:

Less downtime (just some redness or swelling)
Gradual improvement over multiple sessions
Ideal for people who prefer a less aggressive option

This method is great for targeting early or shallow scars and for maintaining results over time.

Which treatment is right for you?

Every scar — and every skin type — is different. That’s why Dr. Onwudiwe and our dermatology experts at Cutis Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics begin with a personalized consultation. She examines your skin, discusses your goals, and recommends a treatment plan that’s just right for you.

Ready to feel more confident in your skin?

Don’t let acne scars define you. Whether you’re interested in laser treatments, microneedling or combination treatments- we’ve got what you need all under one roof. Give us a call at 703-795-9615 or click here to schedule your consultation at Cutis Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics.