Acne is a common condition that affects teenagers and adults, with the average pimple healing within a week. However, when the acne is inflamed or you start popping the pimples, this damage can lead to another potential inconvenience: acne scars. Some people are lucky enough not to experience this, but almost 50 percent of people with acne will get these marks. 

Many people believe that acne scars are permanent, and left alone, the potential does exist. However, this depends on the approach chosen. This blog will reveal the truth about acne scarring and how innovations used at Dr. Ariel Ostad’s New York City office can treat and prevent the issue altogether.

What Causes Acne Scars?

To understand the cause of acne scars, you first need to learn about acne itself. Acne forms when pores become blocked by excess sebum, trapping dirt and dead skin cells. Acne-causing bacteria can thrive in this environment, leading to inflammation, swelling, and eventually pus. The longer it drags, the more it damages the surrounding tissue. 

Collagen is an essential part of the wound-healing process, but the older you get, the less your body starts producing it. This is why scars become more pronounced, as the body can’t produce enough collagen to fill the gap caused by the pimple. Popping the pimple makes matters worse, as the injury becomes bigger. This can lead to various types of acne scars, from the icepick type to boxcar and hypertrophic scars.

Popular Ways to Treat Acne Scars

Acne scarring happens when deep inflammation disrupts the healing process, which prevents sufficient collagen from forming. Once the scar tissue has already developed, the only way to address it is to restart the healing process, which breaks the fibrotic scar tissue bands. Below are some innovative procedures that can help reduce the visibility of acne scars.

1. Fraxel® CO2 Resurfacing

Fraxel® CO2 resurfacing is a procedure that uses fractional laser technology to create thousands of microchannels in the skin. This stimulates a deep healing response that restarts the collagen regeneration process, replacing the rigid scar tissue. 

The procedure is effective for treating rolling and box-scar acne scars, but also for reducing pore size and other texture irregularities. Most patients notice smoother skin after one to three sessions, depending on the severity of the scar tissue.

2. Morpheus8™ RF Microneedling

For patients looking for a stronger effect, Morpheus8™ combines the power of both microneedling and radiofrequency to stimulate collagen production. The tiny needles create microscopic channels in the skin that trigger the healing response, whereas the RF technology goes deeper to further improve the results. 

This procedure breaks down the fibrotic scar tissue bands, allowing the skin to remove the damaged cells and replace them with new, healthy ones. The treatment also helps stimulate collagen production, which shrinks the pores while strengthening the skin barrier. 

3. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are one of the most effective ways to address superficial acne scars and pigmentation marks. The treatment relies on chemical exfoliation to trigger the removal of the top damaged layer, where most of the pigmentation and irregularities happen. With the expert guidance of Dr. Ostad, patients can choose the strength of the chemical peel they desire, based on the severity of the acne scar. 

Within the next few days, the top damaged layer with the scar tissue peels off, allowing the healthy cells to come to the surface. Depending on the severity of the acne scars, you may see better results from multiple chemical peel sessions or a medium to deep chemical peel. Talk to Dr. Ariel Ostad first, as he can assess your skin and create a custom treatment plan.

Prevention Is the Key

Treating acne scars is possible with the right procedure, but sometimes, the best way to treat the condition is to prevent it altogether. Below are some innovative technologies that can help prevent a scar-causing breakout: 

1. AviClear™ for Sebum Reduction

Most acne breakouts happen because excess sebum traps the acne-causing bacteria inside the pore, letting it thrive. Breakthrough procedures like AviClear™ go straight to the root of the problem, targeting the sebaceous glands with a 1726nm laser. This reduces oil production in the long term and prevents breakouts, indirectly reducing scar formation.

2. CUTERA® Genesis for Bacteria Reduction

If the acne breakout has already taken root, the only way for you to prevent scarring is to keep it from progressing. The CUTERA® Genesis treatment uses an Nd:YAG laser technology to address active acne, inflammation, and redness. When administered, it penetrates the dermis and targets the acne-causing bacteria, reducing the inflammatory response through its destruction. The procedure also triggers collagen production, which shrinks the pores and prevents further inflammatory cycles.

3. PicoWay® Laser for Collagen Stimulation 

Procedures like PicoWay® are effective auxiliary treatments to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent acne scars. This procedure stimulates collagen regeneration, which shrinks the pores while improving the skin texture. It also smooths out minor scars and decreases pigmentation, making it effective for both prevention and treatment.

4. DiamondGlow for Extraction & Cleansing

The DiamondGlow procedure is a handheld device that uses a diamond-tipped wand to slough off dead skin cells and unclog pores while simultaneously suctioning out impurities and excess oil. At the same time, customized serums rich in acne-fighting ingredients—such as salicylic acid or antimicrobial agents—are infused into the skin to calm inflammation, reduce bacteria, and promote healing. This multi-step approach not only helps clear current breakouts but also supports smoother, clearer skin over time with minimal downtime.

Make Acne Scars a Thing of the Past!

Acne scars are stubborn and problematic, but they are no longer permanent. They form because the skin failed to produce sufficient collagen to heal itself. Restarting the healing process and preventing further acne breakouts is the secret to smooth skin. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ariel Ostad today and see how you can heal your acne scars!

For more insight on treating and preventing acne scars, contact Dr. Ariel Ostad at 212-517-7900. We can create a treatment and prevention plan so that you can achieve clear skin. As an alternative, get in touch with the online contact form, and we will reach out shortly!