Acne Scar Treatment

Reduce signs of acne scarring with expert treatment from Dr. Roy Geronemus and Dr. David Hashemi. Whether you have deep, pitted scars or milder post-acne marks, our advanced laser technologies can help restore a more even skin tone and texture.

Acne Scar Treatment Before & After Images

Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

Our Lasers for Acne Scar Treatment

In addition to the featured lasers, Dr. Geronemus and Dr. Hashemi offer a wide range of advanced laser technologies to treat all types of acne scars, including deep, pitted scars, superficial marks, red scars, and dark pigmentation. Often, the most effective approach combines multiple laser modalities to address different aspects of scarring simultaneously. Every treatment plan is carefully designed for your unique skin concerns, ensuring you receive the best combination of therapies for optimal results.

Fractional CO2

Creates microscopic channels within depressed acne scars to stimulate natural collagen production.

 

  • Downtime: Moderate to high. Healing typically takes 3-7 days with lingering redness.
  • Pain level: Moderate. A topical anesthetic is applied for comfort.
  • Results duration: Gradual improvement over 3-6 months as collagen rebuilds.
  • Best for: Deep ice pick scars, pitted scars, and severe textural irregularities.

    Fraxel® Dual / Sciton Halo®

    Stimulates skin renewal for a smoother, more refined texture.

     

    • Downtime: Moderate. Expect redness and flaking for 4-7 days.
    • Pain level: Mild to moderate. Numbing cream is applied before treatment.
    • Results duration: Progressive improvement, with the best results visible after 2-3 months.
    • Best for: Superficial acne scars, pigmentation, and uneven skin texture.

        LaseMD Ultra™

        A gentle yet effective resurfacing laser for improving skin texture and tone.

         

        • Downtime: Varies. Depending on treatment intensity, can range from 24 hours to 6 days for high-density treatments.
        • Pain level: Mild. Patients may feel slight warmth during treatment.
        • Results duration: Gradual enhancement, with optimal results after multiple treatments.
        • Best for: Mild acne scars, fine lines, and overall skin brightening.

            Fractional Erbium Lasers

            Target surface texture and deeper structural damage to break up scar tissue.

             

            • Downtime: Minimal to moderate. Most patients recover within 3-5 days.
            • Pain level: Mild to moderate. A topical anesthetic is applied for comfort.
            • Results duration: Gradual improvement over several months with continued collagen remodeling.
            • Best for: Boxcar and rolling scars, superficial to moderate textural irregularities.

                AVAVA Miria™ Laser

                Delivers gentle, precise energy deep into acne scars to promote fresh collagen growth with minimal discomfort

                 

                • Downtime: Minimal. Little to no recovery time with mild redness and swelling resolving within 24-72 hours.
                • Pain level: Mild. Most comfortable nonablative device with topical numbing cream applied for comfort.
                • Results duration: Skin improvement within 1-2 weeks, with final results over months as collagen remodels.
                • Best for: Deep acne scars, shallow depressions, red scarring, and skin rejuvenation for all skin tones.

                    *Laser treatments can be combined with Genius RF Microneedling to help boost your collagen production and enhance the results from the laser treatment.

                    Your Acne Scar Treatment Experience

                    Consultation

                    Meet with Dr. Geronemus or Dr. Hashemi for a personalized consultation. We will assess your scars and recommend the best treatment plan customized to your skin type and goals.

                    Treatment

                    Dr. Geronemus and Dr. Hashemi perform all laser treatments for maximum precision and the best results. Session duration depends on the treatment area. Topical numbing is applied as needed for comfort.

                    Post-Treatment

                    Healing time varies by laser type, but most patients resume normal activities within a few days. Follow-up treatments may be scheduled 4-6 weeks apart to maximize results.

                    Meet Roy Geronemus, MD

                    Dr. Geronemus has been a leading figure in laser treatment in dermatology for decades. He has contributed to the field as a practitioner, researcher, and innovator, publishing hundreds of peer-reviewed articles and being instrumental in the development of laser technologies. Dr. Geronemus has been recognized as one of America’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists by Newsweek (#4 in 2023) and voted as one of Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors each year since 1999.

                    • Past president of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
                    • Recognized as one of America’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists by Newsweek (#4 in 2023)
                    • Castle Connolly Top Doctor, 1999-2025
                    • Published over 450 research articles on laser dermatology
                    Headshot of Dr. Roy Geronemus

                    Meet David Hashemi, MD

                    Dr. Hashemi is a Harvard-trained, double board-certified dermatologist with dual fellowship training in laser/cosmetic dermatology and Mohs surgery. With extensive training at Massachusetts General Hospital and under Dr. Roy Geronemus, he delivers advanced laser treatments and surgical expertise.

                    • Harvard Medical School dermatology residency across all major Harvard hospitals
                    • Dual fellowship in laser/cosmetic dermatology and Mohs surgery in New York City
                    • Published 25+ peer-reviewed articles on laser treatments and advanced dermatologic procedures
                    • Expert in the full range of laser technologies, injectables, and energy-based devices
                    David Hashemi, MD Headshot

                    Your Skin is in Good Hands

                    Dr. Geronemus is a pioneer in laser dermatology and one of the preeminent figures in laser application for acne scarring and beyond. Dr. Hashemi was personally trained by Dr. Geronemus and is also considered a leader in cosmetic dermatology. You can trust their expertise to deliver the results you need.

                    Dr. Geronemus and Dr. Hashemi, two New York City cosmetic dermatologists

                    Publications

                    450+

                    Publications on dermatology, including hundreds in laser treatment. 

                    Experience

                    30+

                    Years of experience treating acne scars.

                    Track Record

                    1k+

                    Laser acne scar treatments delivered.

                    Patient Testimonials

                    I had visited Dr Geronemus for atrophic acne scarring that was very deep on my left cheek and scattered through my forehead. Dr Geronemus was able to minimize the scars and they are barely noticeable. My skin is smooth, and he explained the procedure very well. I am extraordinarily pleased with Dr Geronemus and trust him for my skincare needs.

                    Avi Alderstein
                    Google Review

                    Dr. Geronemus is the pioneer of laser surgery, and the office staff is very professional, attentive, and friendly. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!

                    Susie Sheffield Smith
                    Google Review

                    I had an excellent experience from the moment I entered the office until I left to go home.  I received a laser treatment on my face and the doctor was so gentle I could hardly feel it.  Dr Geronemus was exceptionally nice to me and the staff is very helpful.

                    Harriet Moser
                    Google Review

                    Kind, genuine, compassionate and an expert in his field! I feel so lucky to have been treated at his clinic again this year.

                    Alannah Banovac
                    Google Review

                    Frequently asked questions about acne scar removal

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                    Will laser treatment remove acne scars?

                    Laser treatments significantly reduce the appearance of acne scars, but complete removal depends on the severity and type of scars. Treatments like eCO2 and Sciton Halo provide dramatic improvements.

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                    Can acne scars be 100% removed?

                    While laser therapy can greatly diminish scars and improve skin texture, no treatment guarantees 100% scar removal. However, patients see substantial improvement in their skin’s appearance.

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                    What is the #1 acne scar treatment?

                    The best acne scar treatment depends on the type and depth of scars. For deep acne scars, eCO2 laser and Sciton Halo are top choices, while Fraxel and LaseMD Ultra are excellent for milder scars. Genius RF Microneedling enhances collagen remodeling for better overall results.