Best Laser for Every Type of Acne Scar
Not all scars are the same, and different lasers are better suited for different types of scarring. Below, we’ll explore the best laser treatments for various scar types, helping you understand which option may be right for you.
Find the Best Laser for Every Scar Type
Acne scars vary in depth, shape, and severity, which means that different laser treatments may be required based on individual needs. In many cases, combination therapy is used—blending different lasers or energy-based devices to target multiple layers of the skin and achieve more comprehensive, long-lasting results.
For Deep or Severe Acne Scars
For deep acne scars, including ice pick acne scars, boxcar acne scars, and pitted acne scars, these treatments reach the deepest layers where acne damage occurs:
- Fractional CO2 – creates microscopic channels within depressed acne scars, stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. This “bottom-up” healing process gradually lifts the scars to blend with the surrounding skin, making it especially effective for deep ice pick scars.
- Sciton ProFractional® – Uses cutting-edge light energy to precisely target acne scars, breaking down stubborn scar tissue while promoting collagen production. This treatment effectively addresses both surface-level and deeper scars, enhancing skin texture and tone with minimal downtime. The customizable energy settings allow for treatment at various skin depths, ensuring a personalized approach to treat each unique scar type.
- Fractional Erbium Lasers – Targets both the surface texture and deeper structural damage of acne scars. By delivering precise energy, they break up dense scar tissue while stimulating new collagen production, effectively softening boxcar and rolling scars over time.
For Superficial to Moderate Acne Scars
For depressed acne scars, forehead acne scars, and acne scars on the cheeks, where the skin damage is less severe. These technologies are often combined:
- Fraxel® Dual Laser – Creates a precise pattern of tiny wounds in and around acne scars, prompting the skin to produce new collagen exactly where it’s needed. This controlled injury helps smooth out shallow boxcar scars and rolling scars.
- AVAVA Miria™ Laser – A non-invasive laser with minimal discomfort that delivers gentle, precise energy to acne scars very deeply into the skin, promoting the growth of fresh collagen. It is especially effective for addressing deep acne scars and shallow depressions while also improving the red color.
- Genius® Radiofrequency with Microneedling – Combines physical micro-injuries with heat energy to break up tough scar tissue and trigger collagen production specifically within acne scars. The needles can be adjusted to match each scar’s depth.
For Red Scars
For red acne scars, including those from deep acne such as ice pick, boxcar, and pitted scars, these treatments target the deeper layers where the scar tissue forms, helping to reduce discoloration and promote smoother skin.
- Vbeam® – Creates a targeted pattern of light energy that stimulates the skin to produce new collagen in and around acne scars. This controlled treatment helps improve the appearance of red or discolored acne scars by promoting smoother, more even skin, making it especially effective for shallow boxcar and rolling scars.
- ClearV® – Delivers gentle, precise energy to target vascular lesions, breaking down discolored blood vessels while promoting healthier skin tone. It is especially effective for addressing redness from conditions like rosacea, broken capillaries, or red acne scars, helping to improve overall skin texture and tone with minimal downtime.
- excel® V – Designed to address a variety of skin concerns, particularly those related to vascular and pigmented lesions. Using green laser technology (532 nm wavelength) combined with a high-power 1064 nm wavelength, Excel V effectively targets blood vessels, pigmentation, and other skin irregularities.
For Dark Scars
Dark scars are marks left on the skin after acne or injury, characterized by hyperpigmentation. They appear as darker spots or patches and can take time to fade. Treatments focus on reducing discoloration and promoting skin renewal for a more even tone and smoother texture.
- LaseMD Ultra – Non-invasive laser treatment that uses fractionated laser technology to target the skin’s surface and deeper layers. It delivers precise microbeams of energy to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and address concerns like fine lines, pigmentation, and acne scars. The treatment promotes smoother, more even skin with minimal downtime..
- Fraxel® Dual/Sciton Halo® – Laser treatments that use two wavelengths to target both the surface and deeper layers of the skin. Both create controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production, helping to improve skin texture, reduce pigmentation, and treat scars. The treatment promotes smoother, more youthful skin with minimal downtime.
- PicoPlus and PicoSure – Advanced laser treatments that use ultra-short pulses of energy to target pigmentation, tattoos, and skin imperfections. The rapid pulses break down pigment and stimulate collagen production without damaging surrounding tissue, leading to clearer, smoother skin with minimal downtime.
- Q-Switched Ruby – “Q-switching” technology allows the laser to deliver energy in extremely short bursts, breaking down pigment without damaging surrounding tissue. It’s especially effective on darker tattoo inks (like black and blue) and age spots, freckles, or sun damage on lighter skin types.
For Surgical and Trauma Scars
Scars from surgeries or injuries can be raised, discolored, or deeply embedded in the skin. Fractional lasers can help resurface these areas, reducing their appearance over time. In cases where scars are thickened or keloid-like, laser treatments may be combined with corticosteroid injections for better results.
Before and Afters
Can Lasers Completely Remove Scars?
Laser treatments significantly reduce the appearance of scars, but complete removal is rare. The goal is to improve skin texture, tone, and overall uniformity. The number of sessions required will depend on scar severity, skin type, and the chosen laser technology.
Book Your Acne Scar Treatment in NYC
Dr. Roy Geronemus is a world leader in dermatological laser treatments, pioneering many of the technologies used today to treat scars effectively. His expertise in laser dermatology ensures that patients receive the most advanced, customized care available.
If you’re looking to improve the appearance of acne, surgical, or trauma-related scars, schedule a consultation with Dr. Geronemus.