New York Cosmetic, Skin & Laser Surgery Center

Punch Excision for Acne Scars

With experience treating more than 100,000 patients, New York Cosmetic Skin & Laser Surgery Center offers precise punch excision for acne scars in New York, Manhattan, helping patients improve deep pitted scars with expert surgical scar care.

Punch Excision for Acne Scars in New York

A Precise Solution For Deep Pitted Scars

Punch excision for acne scars in New York, Manhattan treats narrow, deep ice pick scars that extend through the upper and deeper layers of skin. These scars often form after cystic acne or a deeply inflamed blemish damages collagen, leaving small holes that look as if the skin was pierced.

Many resurfacing treatments cannot reach the base of ice pick scars. During this procedure, Dr. Rokhsar uses a small punch biopsy tool to remove the scar tissue with millimeter-level precision. The healthy skin edges are then brought together with tiny stitches, creating a finer surgical scar that heals in a more controlled way.

At New York Cosmetic Skin & Laser Surgery Center, this acne scar surgery NYC treatment is performed in-office with local numbing injections. In many cases, 5 to 10 selected scars can be treated in one visit. After healing, Fraxel laser resurfacing acne scars or CO2 laser acne scars treatment may be used to blend the new scar into the surrounding skin.

Expert Scar Surgery By A Laser Pioneer

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar is a double board-certified dermatologist and micrographic dermatologic surgeon. He is also a fellowship-trained laser and MOHS surgeon, with more than 20 years of experience treating medical and cosmetic skin concerns.

He graduated from Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine, completed dermatology residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and trained in laser and dermatologic surgery under Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick. He now serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Dr. Rokhsar was involved in the development of Fraxel laser technology and has trained physicians around the world in laser resurfacing and minimally invasive procedures. He is also a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, New York Magazine Top Doctor, RealSelf Top Doctor, and Allergan, Galderma, and Merz trainer.

Results differ from many med spas and less specialized offices because Dr. Rokhsar matches the treatment to the scar type, skin tone, and healing pattern. Good candidates have true ice pick scars, stable acne, realistic goals, and can follow wound care. Our Quad A-accredited Manhattan facility treats patients like family, with safety at the center of every visit.

Punch Excision for Acne Scars Before and After

* Results May Vary.

How Long Does Punch Excision for Acne Scars Last?

Results from punch excision acne scars Manhattan treatment are long-lasting because the deep scar core is physically removed. The goal is not to erase every sign of acne scarring. The goal is to convert a deep, narrow pit into a smaller, flatter mark that can respond better to resurfacing.

Many patients notice that light catches the skin more evenly once the treated scars heal. The new surgical marks continue to mature over several months. When paired with Fraxel Re:Store Dual, Fraxel Re:Pair, or fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, the skin texture can look smoother and less shadowed.

Real outcomes depend on scar depth, skin color, collagen response, and the number of scars treated. Some patients need staged sessions for different scar groups. Acne scar revision New York patients often choose punch excision as part of a broader plan that may also include subcision, fillers, lasers, or acne control to protect their results.

Punch Excision for Acne Scars Downtime or Side Effects

Downtime after pitted acne scar treatment is usually localized to the treated spots. Small bandages and antibiotic ointment are used while the skin heals. Sutures are commonly removed in 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the location and the way the skin is closing.

Temporary side effects may include slight bleeding, swelling, redness, tenderness, crusting, or bruising. These are expected after a minor surgical procedure. Patients should keep the sites clean, avoid picking, and protect the area from sun exposure while the skin repairs itself.

After stitches are removed, steri-strips may be placed and usually fall off within 3 to 7 days. Laser resurfacing can often begin 2 to 4 weeks after suture removal, once Dr. Rokhsar confirms that the skin has healed well enough for the next step.

New York Punch Excision for Acne Scars FAQs

Is punch excision better than laser for ice pick scars?

Punch excision is often better for true ice pick scars because these scars extend too deeply for many lasers to fully reach. Lasers are still valuable after surgery because they help soften, smooth, and blend the new fine scar with the nearby skin.

How many acne scars can be treated in one visit?

Dr. Rokhsar commonly treats a selected group of scars in one appointment, often around 5 to 10 scars. The exact number depends on scar location, skin tension, healing risk, and the overall acne scar plan created during your Manhattan consultation.

Can darker skin tones have punch excision safely?

Yes, many skin tones can be treated, but planning matters. Dr. Rokhsar treats Asian, Indian, Hispanic, African-American, brown, and black skin patients with acne scars. He may adjust the surgical plan and laser timing to reduce the risk of color change.

Will punch excision leave a scar?

Any surgical removal leaves a scar. The purpose is to replace a deep pit with a smaller, flatter line or dot that heals in a more predictable pattern. Follow-up laser resurfacing can make the treated area less visible over time.

Where is the Manhattan office located?

New York Cosmetic Skin & Laser Surgery Center – Manhattan is located at 121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB, New York City, NY 10022. Appointments are available by calling (212) 285-1110. The Garden City office can be reached at (516) 512-7616.

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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.