Manhattan

121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB, New York, NY 10022

Ph. (212) 285-1110

Long Island

901 Stewart Ave, Suite 240, Garden City, NY 11530

Ph. (516) 512-7616

New York City (212) 285-1110

Garden City, NY (516) 512-7616

Acne Scars Treatment in New York

Acne manifests itself in one way or another in almost 80% of people in their teens and twenties. Most people recover on their own. Others with stubborn acne may need the help of dermatologic treatments such as cleansers, gels, oral or topical antibiotics, or isotretinoin (Accutane). Others may choose to undergo laser treatments such as PDT or Accure laser to calm their acne. Unfortunately for many, the face is left with acne scarring as a result of the damage to the collagen due to inflammation. Scarring manifests itself as skin dents and depressions as well as discolorations in the skin such as darkening, lightening, redness, or purpleness of the skin. The skin also loses its smooth texture becoming bumpy and lumpy.

Dr. Rokhsar, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic laser surgeon, can help you both with your inflammatory acne to stop the ongoing scarring process, as well as developing an individualized acne scar treatment plan which addresses the specific type of acne damage you have incurred. Dr. Rokhsar is fully equipped to address all your acne and acne scar needs, either at his office in Long Island or one in the upper east side of Manhattan, New York.

While you may not be able to erase all signs of scarring, a drastic reduction in the visibility of these scars is absolutely possible with today’s state-of-the-art surgical dermatologic procedures such as subcision and punch excisions as well as cosmetic laser resurfacing procedures such as Fraxel laser resurfacing or fractional CO2 laser resurfacing.

New York Cosmetic Skin & Laser Surgery Center offers every type of acne scar treatments currently available. However, patients must understand that microdermabrasion and chemical peels aren’t the best treatments for acne scars. These act as exfoliating treatments that are used to gently sand the skin, followed by a small vacuum that sucks up dead cells and debris. This means that they work best for getting rid of blackheads and whiteheads associated with acne, but do not penetrate deep enough to cause dermal changes in the form of collagen remodeling to build new skin, a process needed for acne scar improvement.

The treatment option you and your dermatologist agree on completely depends upon the type of scars you may have and your skin type. Please make sure you see a board-certified dermatologist who is well-versed in all acne scars treatment modalities. Also, remember that creams do not work for the treatment of acne scars but only work for active acne.

Laser treatment for acne scars

When deciding on a treatment plan for your acne scars, your board-certified dermatologist should take into account the type and severity of your acne scars as well as any previous acne scar treatments you may have had. New York double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rokhsar treats acne scars in patients with a variety of skin types, including Asian, Indian, Hispanic, and African-American skin, and all skin colors, including brown and black skin. Because those with darker skin, scar differently than those with lighter skin, it is important to find a dermatologist such as Dr. Rokhsar who has years of experience treating acne and acne scars6 in both light skin colors and dark skin colors.

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar was closely involved in the development of all Fraxel lasers currently available. The Fraxel and CO2 family of lasers are considered one of the most effective fractional lasers currently available for the treatment of acne scars. Individual results will depend on the patient and the severity and type of scarring. Dr. Rokhsar can help you decide if Fraxel Re:store, Dual, or Re:pair is the right laser for you.

Although lasers can be effective on acne scars, the treatment may not be appropriate for everybody. If you would like to improve the texture of your skin, contact Dr. Cameron Rokhsar to schedule a consultation and see what treatments can best help you improve the texture of your skin. Other treatments may include microneedling, subcision, or punch excisions.

Fraxel laser for acne scars

Dr. Rokhsar considers the Fraxel Restore Dual to be the gold standard for the treatment of acne scars due to its high efficacy and safety profile in all skin types and colors. Fraxel laser works by delivering precise, targeted energy to the deeper layers of your skin, triggering your body’s natural healing response. The Fraxel Restore Dual is a non-ablative laser, which means it does not cause rawness or scabbing in the skin. The Fraxel repair is an ablative fractional CO2 laser that has more downtime and requires more aftercare. All Fraxel lasers work by creating increased collagen production, which can help fill in and smooth out acne scars over time. Fraxel laser treatments are performed on an outpatient basis.

CO2 laser for acne scars

The two main types of lasers used for acne scars are ablative Fractional CO2 lasers and fractional non-ablative lasers like the Fraxel restore dual. The difference between these lasers lies in the wavelength of light used and how they target the skin. Fractional CO2 lasers treat microscopic areas of skin at a time by vaporizing tissue. This fractional approach penetrates deep layers of the skin to stimulate the skin’s natural healing process by encouraging collagen production, which can ultimately allow for faster results.

These lasers use a wavelength of 10,600nm to penetrate deep into the skin, removing the thin outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heating the underlying skin (dermis). This process triggers the body’s natural healing response, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of scars.

IPL for acne scars

IPL may work for the treatment of active acne and redness associated with acne scarring. It’s not that effective for treating depressions or dents associated with acne scars. Acne treatments that use Intense Pulse Light (IPL) technology work by using a broadband light that destroys acne-causing bacteria while reducing redness.

IPL acne treatment can only be used in lighter skin types for individuals with mild to moderate acne. Darker skin types can not be treated with IPL as there is a high incidence of scarring and burns. The number of sessions varies on the severity, although most are treated within 5 visits. This quick but effective procedure requires minimal downtime.

Dermal fillers for acne scars

Dermal fillers are a type of injectable treatment that can be used to add volume to the skin and fill in depressed or hollow areas. When used for acne scars, fillers are injected into the scar tissue to raise it up to the level of the surrounding skin, resulting in a smoother appearance.

By using dermal fillers like Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, or Sculptra, we can fill in the depressions caused by acne scars. This works well for boxcar scars and rolling scars where indentations are deep. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these improvements are temporary.

Bellafill for acne scars

Bellafill is an FDA-approved collagen-based dermal filler that is used to fill in and smooth out deep smile lines or indented acne scarring. It is formulated with microspheres of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a resin that has been used in medical implants for decades and is proven to be effective in treating acne scars.

Unlike other dermal fillers that are absorbed and require reinjection, Bellafill is a non-resorbable filler that is designed to last longer. It is the only FDA-approved dermal filler with demonstrated safety and effectiveness through five years, following the completion of its five-year post-approval study.

Bellafill is particularly effective for treating distensible rolling scars, which are caused by damage beneath the skin’s surface. This type of acne scar can be difficult to treat with other methods, but Bellafill works by stimulating new collagen fibers to form two to three months after each series of injections. After multiple treatments, Bellafill can be considered permanent, which means it can provide long-lasting improvement in the appearance of acne scars.

Steroid injections for acne scars

These injections involve the use of corticosteroids, which are injected directly into raised or hypertrophic scars to reduce inflammation and flatten the scar. The use of corticosteroids helps to break down the collagen that is causing the scar to be raised, allowing the body to produce new collagen and create a smoother surface.

Keloid scars are best treated with a steroid injection (or multiple injections) to decrease the body’s response to scar formation. Another option is to physically cut out the keloid and suture the skin back together, but this could potentially result in another keloid, and potentially a larger one at the site of the surgery.

While steroid injections can be effective, but they are not suitable for all types of acne scars. For instance, they are not effective for ice-pick scars, which are deep and narrow. Steroid injections can rarely cause side effects such as temporary discoloration or thinning of the skin, but these are usually minor and go away on their own.

Subcision for acne scars

Dr. Rokhsar often recommends scar subcision for the treatment of acne scars, especially in rolling scars. This works best in large areas of scar tissue which is causing depressions in the skin’s surface. Scar subcision treatment is ideal for patients with deep, rolling, or chickenpox scars. This procedure breaks up scar tissue and offers significant improvement, especially when combined with a Fraxel laser resurfacing treatment.

During the simple, in-office treatment, Dr. Rokhsar utilizes a specialized sterile needle or a specialized cannula to stimulate collagen growth and breakthrough fibrotic strands, which are tethering the skin down. This minimizes the appearance of the scar. This minor surgical procedure is used to offer cosmetic improvement for moderate to severe scars anywhere on the body. Depending on the severity of your scar and the amount of correction needed, you should notice remarkable improvement within one to three treatments.

Chemical peels for acne scars

Chemical peels work by applying a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the outer layers of damaged skin to peel away. This process encourages new skin growth and collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of scars.

There are different types of chemical peels, including light, medium, and deep peels. The type of peel that is recommended for you will depend on the severity of your acne scars and your skin type. In general, light peels are used for milder acne scars, while deeper peels may be necessary for more severe scarring.

The most commonly used acids in chemical peels for acne scars are glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin and can help to reduce the appearance of mild scarring minimally. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin and is more effective at treating deeper scars. Both peels work better for active acne than acne scars.

Chemical peels are not a one-time solution and may require multiple treatments over weeks or months to achieve the desired results. Additionally, chemical peels can cause temporary side effects such as redness, peeling, and dryness.

Microneedling for acne scars

Microneedling can benefit individuals with acne scars by improving the appearance of the scars, although it is not an option for treating active acne. RF (radiofrequency) Microneedling works by creating zones of heat around the needles which penetrate the skin to cause collagen remodeling thereby reducing the appearance of acne scars. The results with microneedling are generally inferior to Fraxel or CO2 laser results.

Acne scars punch excision

This is a surgical procedure used for deep ice pick acne scars. This method of treatment for acne scars requires local anesthesia. A tool called a punch biopsy tool is used to cut out the scar. The normal edges of the skin are then stitched together and this allows a more controlled healing process. The edges of the skin being sewn together are undamaged by scarring; so they can heal in a normal manner. All skin lesions heal with scars. This procedure is transforming a deep acne scar into a more manageable small surgical scar which can subsequently be faded with a laser resurfacing procedure like the Fraxel Laser. In other words, The punch excision scar is more likely to respond to other therapies, such as Fraxel resurfacing than an ice-pick scar.

Potential risks of laser acne scars removal

Fraxel is generally regarded as a painless treatment, accompanied by a slight tingling sensation. Usually, only topical numbing cream is used to take the edge off during the treatment Some patients choose to inhale nitrous oxide in the form of Pronox. Patients experience some redness and swelling for a few days after the Fraxel procedure. For those who are prone to cold sores, there is a risk of a cold sore outbreak which can be prevented by taking oral anti-cold sore medications such as Valtrex. Other risks include hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation which is a darkening or lightening of the skin in the treated area. This risk is higher for individuals with darker skin tones. Hyperpigmentation always resolves after Fraxel laser treatments for acne scars even in darker skin types. In some individuals, a bleaching agent may need to be used to restore the skin’s color to its original color. The Co2 laser is not recommended for darker skin tones due to the potential risk of permanent skin discoloration. The risk of infection is extremely rare with the Fraxel laser. The risk of scarring is higher with fractional CO2 laser procedures, but this risk can be minimized by proper skin care following your laser procedure.

Laser acne scars removal results

In a study conducted by Dr. Rokhsar, the Fraxel laser can result in improvements of up to 50% to 80-% in the appearance of acne and surgical scars. Dr. Rokhsar will tailor the procedure for your skin depending on the type of acne scars that you may have. He may recommend subcision in addition to rolling scars as well as combining the Fraxel resurfacing procedure with punch excisions for ice-pick scars.

Treatments are typically done every 2 to 4 weeks. Scars on any body surface area can be treated with the Fraxel laser, although scars on the face respond the best. Patients have to be aware that there is no cure for (acne) scars but that the Fraxel laser in Dr. Rokhsar’s hands can result in significant improvement in the appearance of acne scars, far superior to any other procedures.

Fraxel: Before and After Treatment Photo - patient 3
Fraxel: Before and After Treatment Photo - patient 7
Fraxel: Before and After Treatment Photo - patient 8
Fraxel: Before and After Treatment Photo - patient 9
Fraxel: Before and After Treatment Photo - patient 10
Fraxel: Before and After Treatment Photo - patient 12
Fraxel: Before and After Treatment Photo - patient 13
Fraxel: Before and After Treatment Photo - patient 14
Fraxel: Before and After Treatment Photo - patient 15

*Results may vary.

Types of acne scars

Ice-pick acne scars

These are deep and narrow scars that extend through both the epidermis (the upper layer of skin) and the dermis (the deeper layer of skin). The skin appears as if it has been pierced by a sharp instrument, which has left small deep holes in the skin. They typically develop after an infection from a cyst or deeply inflamed blemish.

The most effective procedures are punch excision and punch grafting. In punch excision, a small tool is used to remove the scar tissue, and the remaining skin is then sutured back together. In punch grafting, a small piece of skin is removed from another area of the body and transplanted into the scarred area. This procedure is often used for more extensive scars. Dr. Rokhsar recommends punching excisions over punch grafting as punch grafting often results in a pebbly uneven look in the skin.

Other medical procedures that can help treat ice-pick scars include chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and dermabrasion. These procedures work by removing the top layer of skin, which can reduce the appearance of scars. These are not as effective as punch excisions because they often can not penetrate deep enough to reach the bottom of the ice pick scar.

Pitted acne scars

Pitted acne scars are a type of atrophic scar that is caused by the inflammation of deep acne breakouts. The resulting scarring is characterized by a small, pit-like structure on the skin, which is why they are called pitted scars. There are different types of pitted acne scars, including ice pick scars, rolling scars, and boxcar scars. Ice pick scars are deep and narrow while rolling scars are relatively shallow and have soft, subtle edges that create an undulating contour. Boxcar scars are wider and have a more angular shape.

Pitted acne scars can be stubborn and take quite a while to fade. In some cases, they may never disappear completely without treatment. However, there are various treatments available to improve the appearance of pitted acne scars. These treatments include laser resurfacing, microneedling, chemical peels, and dermal fillers. Laser resurfacing can improve the texture and tone of the skin by removing the outermost layers of damaged skin. Microneedling involves using a needle-studded device to stimulate collagen formation in the skin, which can help to fill in pitted scars. Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin to remove the outermost layers of damaged skin, while dermal fillers can be injected into the skin to plump up pitted scars and make them less noticeable.

Deep acne scars

Deep acne scars are a common concern among patients seeking dermatological treatments. These scars can range in appearance from narrow, V-shaped scars that penetrate deep into the skin, to depressions that are skin-colored or darker in color. Laser resurfacing along with subcision is the first line of therapy for deep acne scars. Skin microneedling is another option for treating deep acne scars, and can stimulate collagen production to improve the appearance of scars. In-office treatments such as dermal fillers, and Sculptra injections can also be effective in improving the appearance of deep acne scars. For patients with severe acne scarring, a series of treatments at the dermatologist’s office over time may be required to achieve the best results.

Rolling acne scars

Rolling acne scars appear as sloped scars that rise and fall from the skin’s natural surface and they arise when fibrous bands of tissue develop between the skin and subcutaneous layer, which pull on the epidermis. This pulling of the top layer of skin into the deeper structures creates uneven rolling.

While rolling acne scars can be stubborn, there are many treatments available that can help improve their appearance. Dr. Rokhsar considers subcision the best treatment for rolling scars. During the subcision procedure, Dr. Rokhsar first numbs the area with numbing fluid. He then inserts a special needle or a cannula under the skin to free up the skin that is being pulled down by fibrous bands of the rolling scars creating the large depressed valleys. This procedure may need to be repeated once or twice every three months depending on the severity of your rolling scars.

Boxcar acne scars

Boxcar acne scars are a type of atrophic scar that commonly results from widespread acne, chickenpox, or varicella. They are characterized by round or oval depressions in the skin that have sharper edges and are often found on the lower cheeks and jaw. Boxcar scars form when inflammatory acne destroys the collagen fibers within the skin, leading to a sunken appearance due to a lack of tissue support. The best treatment for these is resurfacing the skin in 3-6 sessions with a powerful non-ablative fractional laser such as the Fraxel Restore Dual.

Atrophic acne scars

Atrophic acne scars are a common type of acne scarring that can occur after severe or persistent acne. These scars are characterized by a flat or depressed appearance that results from a loss of tissue during the healing process. Atrophic scars can be further classified into different types, including ice-pick scars, boxcar scars, and rolling scars.

Some of the most effective treatments for atrophic acne scars involve the use of lasers or other energy-based devices. The best laser for atrophic scars is the non-ablative fractional Fraxel restore dual laser. These treatments work by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin regeneration, which can help to fill in depressed areas and improve skin texture. Dermal fillers are another option for treating atrophic scars, as they can be injected directly into the scar to plump up the surrounding skin and reduce the appearance of depressions.

Hypertrophic acne scars

Hypertrophic acne scars are a common side effect of acne, which can result in raised and thickened skin. These scars occur when fibrous tissues, such as collagen, in the region of the skin overgrow during the wound healing process.

Thick and raised scars appear more commonly on the chin as well as the nose on the face. On the body, they can occur commonly on the back, shoulders as well as chest. They can often spread beyond the original areas of skin damage caused by cystic acne in these areas and are often red in appearance early on.

There are various treatment options available to reduce the appearance of hypertrophic acne scars. Injections of corticosteroids may help soften and flatten raised acne scar tissue, Dr. Rokhsar likes to combine cortisone-5FU injections with the Vbeam laser for optimal results for hypertrophic scars.

Causes of body acne scars

Acne causes inflammation in the dermis that deforms the collagen in the skin. This can result in the formation of depressions or “pits”, commonly referred to as acne scars. There are a variety of classifications for acne scars including boxcar, ice pick, and rolling scars.

Face acne scars

Acne scars on the face can range from shallow depressions to deep and narrow scars. The most common type of acne scar on the face is atrophic scars, which appears as small indentations in the skin.

Subcision is a technique used to treat depressed acne scars on the face, where the dermatologist inserts a special cutting needle or a cannula under the skin to loosen the scar fibers below the scar. Subcision is often combined with laser resurfacing like the Fraxel laser or the fractional CO2 laser.

Chest acne scars

Chest acne scars are a common concern for many individuals. Acne on the chest can lead to scarring, especially if the acne is severe or if it is picked or popped. Chest acne is not caused by poor hygiene and can be made worse with harsh soaps or chemicals and rough scrubbing. There are several treatment options available to reduce the appearance of chest acne scars. Most chest acne scars are hypertrophic in nature. That means that they are raised instead of being indented. These scars are usually treated with a combination of cortisone 5fu injections in conjunction with the Vbeam laser.

Preventing chest acne in the first place is key to avoiding chest acne scars. This can be done by keeping the chest clean and dry, avoiding tight-fitting clothing that can trap sweat and bacteria on the skin, and avoiding picking or popping pimples.

Back acne scars

Acne scars on the back can take various forms, including atrophic scars, which are small indentations in the skin, icepick scars, which look like pinpricks, and boxcar scars, which have broad, flat depressions with defined edges. Back acne scars can also be hypertrophic which means they can be raised and often red in color. The best treatment for your specific acne scars will depend on the type of scar and your individual skin type.

One effective treatment for back acne scars is laser therapy. As a fellowship-trained cosmetic laser surgeon, Dr. Rokhsar has extensive experience in using lasers to treat various types of acne scars on the back. Laser treatments work by targeting the scar tissue and stimulating the production of new collagen, which can help improve the appearance of scars over time.

Butt acne scars

Butt acne scars can be a frustrating and embarrassing issue for many people. Fraxel laser treatment can be used to achieve smoother skin on the butt. This cutting-edge laser treatment can help improve acne scars on the butt as well as a variety of other skin issues, including hyperpigmentation.

Topical treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid body wash, and prescribed topical or oral antibiotics can also be effective in treating butt acne and preventing scarring.

Dr. Rokhsar is the best acne scars treatment doctor in NYC

Dr. Rokhsar is a recognized national and international authority on the use of lasers and in particular, the Fraxel laser as well as the CO2 laser, for the treatment of acne and other scars. Dr. Rokhsar published the first report on correction of acne scars with the Fraxel laser and was involved in its development. Dr. Rokhsar also did his laser fellowship with the physician who invented CO2 laser resurfacing, the late Richard Fitzpatrick, MD. Dr. Rokhsar is also an expert in combining multiple modalities to have a comprehensive treatment approach to acne scars, Including punch excisions as well as subcision. Remember that the treatment of acne scars is complicated and an individualized approach needs to be created to cater to your particular type of acne scarring using multiple techniques.

Acne scars treatment reviews for Dr. Rokhsar

Preventing acne scars

Ways to avoid the worsening of acne scars is to stay out of the sun or constantly protect your skin with at least an SPF 30 sunscreen. Exposing scars to the sun can cause them to darken and slow down the natural healing process. Even if laser treatments are done, sun exposure can lead to ineffective results. The ultraviolet rays the sun gives off can stimulate melanocytes which are pigment-producing cells that lead to further discoloration. The sun also makes acne scars look redder. In addition, it’s important to prevent the occurrence of severe inflammatory acne that eats away at the collagen and other structural proteins in your skin causing dents and depressions. This may involve a good acne cleanser regimen. It may also involve seeing your board-certified dermatologist come up with a comprehensive acne treatment plan which may involve prescription-grade creams or oral medications.

Topical solutions for acne scars

  • Retinoids and retinoid-like drugs: Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that have been shown to improve the appearance of mild acne scars. These medications work by increasing cell turnover and collagen production, which can help to smooth out the texture of the skin. Examples include tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A, others), adapalene (Differin), and tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage, others). Usually, the results with any cream are underwhelming.
  • Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is a topical medication that is commonly used to treat hyperpigmentation. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin, which can help to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
  • Fluorouracil (5-FU): Fluorouracil is a chemotherapy medication that is effective in treating raised or hypertrophic acne scars. When used in combination with corticosteroid injections, it can help to reduce the size and prominence of these types of scars.
  • Tranexamic acid: Tranexamic acid is a topical medication that has been shown to be effective in reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can be a common complication of acne. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin and can help to even out skin tone.

Serum for acne scars

There are a variety of serums on the market that claim to help fade acne scars, each with different ingredients and formulations.

When looking for a serum for acne scars, it is important to look for ingredients that have been proven to be effective in reducing the appearance of scars. One of the most popular ingredients is retinol, which helps to increase cell turnover and improve skin texture. Other ingredients like vitamin C can also be helpful in brightening and evening out skin tone.

No single serum will work for everyone, as each person’s skin is unique. It is best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist who can help determine which serum or combination of serums will work best for your specific skin type and the severity of your acne scars.

Retinol for acne scars

Retinol works by promoting cell turnover, which helps to unclog pores and enable the skin to repair itself. This reduces swelling and smooths the skin’s texture, which can improve the appearance of acne scars. Retinol can also help to fade the stubborn acne scars and marks that linger after a breakout.

When using retinol, it is essential to use it at the right time and in the right amount. Using too much retinol can irritate your skin and cause retinol to burn. A pea-sized amount of retinol is enough to work on your skin to help with acne scars. Remember the treatment of acne scars with creams, gels, and lotions is not that effective.

Acne Scars Treatment FAQ

What is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition characterized by clogged pores like blackheads and whiteheads, as well as lumps appearing deeper in the skin on the face, neck, chest, upper arms, shoulders, and back.

Though commonly associated only with teenagers, acne is prevalent among adults as well and can even be seen in people into their 40s. One of the major concerns about acne is that even less severe cases can leave scars and even cause disfigurement. The reality is that acne is so widespread that 60 million Americans suffer from it and 20 million of them have cases severe enough to cause scarring.

What is the best acne scar treatment?

Acne scars can be frustrating and difficult to treat, but there are many options available to improve their appearance. Here are some of the best acne scar treatments to consider:

  • Subcision: Subcision is a technique where Dr. Rokhsar inserts needles under the skin to loosen fibers below a scar, which may improve the appearance of an acne scar leaving depressions on the skin.
  • Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): These acids unclog pores and exfoliate the skin, reducing acne and preventing new scars from forming, while also improving the appearance of existing scars.
  • Collagen-induction therapy: Also known as needling or microneedling, this treatment encourages the body to make more collagen and is effective in treating depressed acne scars.
  • Dermabrasion: This treatment uses a special tool to remove the top layer of skin and is effective in treating all types of acne scars.
  • Laser treatments: Lasers can be used to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of acne scars. The Fraxel Re:Store Dual laser is the gold standard for skin resurfacing and is ideal for improving the appearance of acne scars.
  • Punch excisions: Dr. Rokhsar uses the punch excision method for the treatment of ice-pick scars followed by laser resurfacing.

The best treatment for acne scars will vary depending on the type and severity of the scars. It’s recommended to consult with Dr. Rokhsar to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs. Additionally, it’s important to maintain a consistent skincare routine with gentle cleansers and moisturizers in addition to a proper acne treatment regimen to help prevent further scarring.

How long does laser acne scar removal take?

Laser acne scar removal typically requires three to five treatment sessions, with each session lasting between 15 to 45 minutes, with an additional 60 minutes for topical anesthetic. The exact number of sessions required may vary depending on the severity of the scars and the type of laser used. Additionally, the results of the treatment may not be immediately visible, and it can take several weeks or even months for the skin to fully heal and improve. The recovery time after fractional laser treatment, which is a commonly used method for treating acne scars, is usually between three to five days. Additionally, while most people can safely undergo laser acne scar removal procedures, side effects such as redness, dryness, peeling, and irritation are common but generally mild. Dr. Rokhsar is considered a world expert in the treatment of acne scars with laser resurfacing including the Fraxel and CO2 lasers and often combines multiple procedures including lasers, subcision, and punch excisions depending on the type and severity of the acne scarring.

How long does an acne scar take to heal?

The time it takes for an acne scar to heal can vary depending on the severity of the scar, the type of scar, and the treatment method used. Acne scars take more time to fade from oily skin compared to dry skin. Scars on oily skin take longer to heal because oil provides a breeding ground for acne, which can lead to dark scars. However, the healing time for acne scars can range from a few months to several years.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), or redness, may lighten on its own within several months. However, it may take longer for acne scars to disappear completely, and some scars may be difficult to get rid of completely. Scars cause depressions and shadowing in addition to redness and brown pigmentation. Dr. Rokhsar often uses several lasers combined with other modalities for a comprehensive approach to acne scarring.

Reducing acne scars requires treatment, which can either be over-the-counter medications or one or more procedures performed by a dermatologist. In general, most people will need at least three to six initial treatments with the Fraxel laser spaced about four weeks apart to rebuild collagen and restore smoothness to the skin surface. Dr. Rokhsar is an expert in the treatment of acne scarring with the Fraxel and CO2 laser. He was involved in the development of the Fraxel laser. Most protocols in use today, by physicians in the United States and around the world for the treatment of scarring with the Fraxel laser, were devised by Dr. Rokhsar.

There are several treatment options available for acne scars, including subcision, injecting Botox to relax the surrounding skin, punch excision, subcision, microneedling, and filling the depressions with fillers like Restylane and Juvederm.

While some mild scars may diminish on their own, most scars require treatment to help them fade. It may take anywhere from a few months to several years to see desired results, and most people will need multiple treatments to achieve the best outcomes.

How much is acne scar laser treatment?

The cost of acne scar laser treatment can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the scars, the number of treatments needed, and the type of laser used. Laser treatment for acne scars isn’t typically covered by insurance. We offer package pricing to our patients to reduce the cost. Please arrange for an in-person consultation with Dr. Rokhsar to come up with an individualized plan and cost estimate.

New York Office Locations

Upper East Side Manhattan Office
121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB New York, NY 10022
(212) 285-1110

Long Island Office
901 Stewart Ave, Suite 240, Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 512-7616

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References

  1. How to Best Treat Acne Scars. Available: https://www.healthline.com/health/acne-scars.
  2. Acne Scars: Pathogenesis, Classification and Treatment. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2958495/.
  3. Acne Scars. Available: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/guide-to-treating-acne-scars-and-skin-damage.
  4. Acne Scarring—Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Treatment Options. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5749614/.
  5. Acne scars: Diagnosis and treatment. Available: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars/treatment.
  6. Treating Acne Scars: What’s New? Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4570086/.

About author - Dr. Cameron Rokhsar

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is the founder and medical director of the New York Cosmetic, Skin, & Laser Surgery Center. Dr. Rokhsar is a graduate of Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Rokhsar is double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery, being one of the few select dermatologists in the country who is also fellowship trained in laser surgery. A researcher and innovator, Dr. Rokhsar is the creator of the non-surgical nose job and has been instrumental in the research and development of laser systems such as the Fraxel, CO2, Mirady, Vbeam, Themitight, and Ulthera devices. An Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Dr. Rokhsar actively teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic to the resident at Mount Sinai. An expert injector of fillers, and a trainer for many companies, patients fly in from around the world to see Dr. Rokhsar in his Garden City and Manhattan offices in New York.

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