New York Cosmetic, Skin & Laser Surgery Center

Acne Scar Removal

With more than 100,000 patients treated, New York Cosmetic, Skin & Laser Surgery Center provides acne scar treatment in NYC using Fraxel, CO2 laser, subcision, scar surgery, and individualized treatment planning for New York City patients.

Acne Scar Removal in New York

Q: Is laser acne scar removal painful?

Most patients tolerate laser acne scar removal in NYC well with topical numbing cream, cooling, or local anesthesia. Fraxel commonly feels warm or prickly. Subcision creates pressure after the skin is numb. Fractional CO2 treatment may require stronger comfort measures. Anesthesia is selected according to the procedure and treatment depth.

A Plan Based On Scar Type

Acne scar treatment in NYC improves textural changes left after inflammatory acne heals. These include rolling scars, boxcar scars, ice-pick scars, pitted scars, enlarged pores, and uneven texture. Red or brown marks after acne are different from true scars and may require a separate laser or skin-care plan.

At our Manhattan office, Dr. Rokhsar may use Fraxel Restore Dual, fractional CO2 laser, Vbeam, subcision, punch excision, microneedling, fillers, or combined treatment. He matches the method to scar depth, scar shape, skin tone, prior treatments, and whether active acne still needs medical care.

Treatment is performed in our office. Numbing cream or local anesthesia is selected for the procedure. Laser acne scar removal in NYC stimulates collagen remodeling, while subcision releases fibrous bands that tether rolling scars downward. Most treatment sessions take about 15 to 45 minutes after preparation.

Why Choose Dr. Rokhsar For Acne Scar Treatment In NYC

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is double board-certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery. He is fellowship-trained in laser and MOHS surgery and has more than 20 years of experience treating scars and complex skin concerns.

He graduated from Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine, then trained at Lenox Hill Hospital and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He completed laser and dermatologic surgery fellowship training with Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick and serves as Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Dr. Rokhsar helped develop Fraxel laser technology and published the first report on acne scar correction with Fraxel. He has taught laser techniques to physicians worldwide and has been recognized by New York Magazine, Castle Connolly, and RealSelf.

For acne scar treatment in Manhattan, Dr. Rokhsar does not force every scar into one procedure. He evaluates scar type, depth, skin tone, active acne, prior procedures, and your goals. Our Manhattan facility is Quad A accredited for patient safety and quality of care.

Acne Scar Removal Before and After

* Results May Vary.

How Long Does Acne Scar Removal Last?

Results from acne scar treatment develop gradually as collagen remodels below the skin. Many patients notice smoother texture within several weeks, followed by continued improvement over three to six months. Rolling scars may lift, boxcar edges may soften, and deep shadows from pitted scars may become less noticeable.

Long-term improvement depends on scar severity, acne control, skin care, and sun protection. Once an old scar improves through collagen remodeling or scar release, that change can be long-lasting. New cystic acne, picking, or uncontrolled breakouts can still create new scars.

In Dr. Rokhsar’s published work with Fraxel for acne scars, patients showed substantial visible improvement. Individual results vary. Mixed acne scarring often responds best to staged treatment, such as Fraxel or CO2 resurfacing with subcision and punch excision for selected deep ice-pick scars.

Acne Scar Removal Downtime or Side Effects

Downtime depends on the acne scar treatment selected. Fraxel Restore Dual often causes redness, swelling, dryness, and peeling for about three to seven days. Fractional CO2 laser can cause more redness, crusting, rawness, and lingering pinkness while the treated skin heals.

Subcision can cause swelling, tenderness, and bruising. Some patients return to regular routines quickly, while others allow several days before work or social plans. Dr. Rokhsar reviews cleansing, ointments, sun avoidance, and sunscreen use before you leave our Manhattan office.

Risks include temporary pigment changes, acne flare, cold sore outbreak in prone patients, infection, and rare scarring. Laser choice matters more in darker skin because discoloration risk can be higher. Dr. Rokhsar treats Asian, Hispanic, Indian, Middle Eastern, Black, brown, and lighter skin tones.

New York Acne Scar Removal FAQs

What is the best acne scar treatment for my scar type?

There is no single best treatment for every acne scar. Rolling scars often respond to subcision. Boxcar scars may improve with Fraxel or fractional CO2 resurfacing. Deep ice-pick scars may need punch excision before laser treatment. Dr. Rokhsar examines each scar pattern before recommending your acne scar treatment in NYC.

Is laser acne scar removal painful?

Most patients tolerate laser acne scar removal in NYC well with topical numbing cream, cooling, or local anesthesia. Fraxel commonly feels warm or prickly. Subcision creates pressure after the skin is numb. Fractional CO2 treatment may require stronger comfort measures. Anesthesia is selected according to the procedure and treatment depth.

Can acne scars be treated safely on darker skin?

Yes. Treatment must be chosen carefully for darker skin because some lasers carry a greater risk of post-treatment discoloration. Fraxel Restore Dual can treat acne scars in many skin tones. Fractional CO2 requires greater caution. Dr. Rokhsar has extensive experience treating Black, Asian, Hispanic, Indian, Middle Eastern, and brown skin.

How many acne scar treatment sessions will I need?

Most patients need staged treatment rather than one visit. Fraxel Restore is commonly performed in a series of about three to five sessions. Subcision may require more than one treatment for deeply tethered rolling scars. Ice-pick scar treatment in NYC may include punch excision followed by resurfacing once the area heals.

Should active acne be treated before acne scars?

Active inflammatory or cystic acne may need treatment before or alongside scar correction. Continuing breakouts can create new scars while older scars are being treated. Dr. Rokhsar evaluates both active acne and existing scarring so your treatment plan addresses current breakouts, depressed scars, redness, pigmentation, and prevention of additional scarring.

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Common Body Areas We Treat

From your face to your feet, we offer precise, physician-performed treatments for every area of your body. Whether you’re targeting wrinkles, scars, unwanted hair, or skin concerns, Dr. Rokhsar and our team provide customized care to achieve natural, lasting results.