Acne scar treatments compared: which one suits your scar type?

Quick answer: the best acne scar treatment depends on your scar type. Rolling scars and shallow boxcar scars often respond well to SkinPen microneedling or Sciton HALO laser, while deeper boxcar and ice pick scars usually need targeted laser such as ProFractional, or deeper resurfacing with Contour TRL. Most people have a mix of scar types, so a combined plan built at consultation usually gives the best result.

If you've ever searched for acne scar treatment, you'll know how quickly it gets overwhelming. Online, the same questions come up again and again: how do I choose which treatment is actually worth it? Will it work on my scars? What about scars on my chest and back? Many people tell us they're worried about spending money on the wrong thing and seeing no change.

This guide explains the main types of acne scars and which treatments tend to suit each one. At NassifMD, every scar treatment plan starts with a consultation with our medically led team, so the treatment is chosen for your skin rather than the other way round.

How our experts build your acne scar plan

No two people's scars are the same, and most faces have more than one type. That's why we don't sell a single "acne scar package". At your consultation, our team will:

• Look at each type of scar. We assess the shape, depth, texture and location of your scarring, and whether there's redness or pigmentation as well.
• Check your skin is ready. Active acne is treated first (see our acne treatment options), so new breakouts don't undo your progress. Treatments such as Sciton Forever Clear BBL, Hydrafacial and Dermalux LED, alongside medical-grade skincare, can help settle the skin.
• Choose the right tools and the right order. Different treatments work on different layers of the skin. We combine them, and space them, according to your skin and the result you want.
• Be honest with you. We'll explain what's realistic for your scars. If we don't think a treatment will help you, we'll tell you.

What type of acne scars do I have?

Acne scars form when inflammation damages the deeper layers of the skin and collagen doesn't rebuild evenly. They usually fall into three main groups:

• Rolling scars: wide, shallow dips with soft edges that give the skin a wave-like, uneven look, especially in side lighting.
• Boxcar scars: wider depressions with more defined, sharp edges. They can be shallow or deep.
• Ice pick scars: narrow, deep scars that look like small punctures in the skin.

Many people have a combination, often across the cheeks and temples. It's also common to mistake marks for scars. Red, pink or purple marks (post-inflammatory erythema) and brown or grey marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) are changes in colour rather than texture, and they need a different approach.

Best treatment for rolling and boxcar acne scars

SkinPen microneedling

SkinPen microneedling creates thousands of tiny channels in the skin to stimulate new collagen. It's one of the most effective non-surgical options for mild to moderate acne scarring and can gradually soften rolling scars, shallow boxcar scars and uneven texture. Downtime is usually 1 to 3 days of redness, similar to mild sunburn.

Sciton HALO laser

HALO is a hybrid fractional laser that resurfaces the top layer while working deeper to support collagen. It can improve overall texture and some types of acne scarring, particularly where uneven surface texture and pigmentation sit together. The initial healing period is usually 5 to 7 days.

Sciton MOXI laser

MOXI is a gentler, low-downtime laser. It's more suited to milder texture, tone and skin maintenance than to established scarring, but it can form part of a wider plan.

Ice pick scars treatment: why targeted laser matters

Narrow, deep scars and deeper boxcar scars often don't respond enough to treatments that work evenly across the whole face. Sciton ProFractional creates microscopic treatment columns within the scar tissue itself, leaving healthy skin in between. This lets us concentrate treatment on individual, localised scars and encourage collagen remodelling so they blend better with the skin around them.

For more established scarring across a wider area, Sciton Contour TRL offers adjustable resurfacing, from lighter to deeper treatments. Deeper resurfacing involves more recovery, often 1 to 2 weeks, which we'll talk through before you decide.

Microneedling vs laser for acne scars

Both encourage new collagen, but they work differently. Microneedling is often chosen for mild to moderate scarring with less downtime and a gradual recovery. Lasers such as HALO and ProFractional can give more intensive resurfacing and may be recommended for deeper scars. For many people, the answer is both. SkinPen can be combined with HALO or ProFractional for more comprehensive results.

What about red or dark marks?

If your marks are flat but red or brown, Sciton BBL can target redness and some pigmentation, and chemical peels from Obagi and ZO Skin Health can help with post-acne marks, texture and clarity. Pigmentation needs care, especially in medium and darker skin tones, so we choose the peel or light setting for your skin.

Can scars on the chest and back be treated?

Yes, for many people. Acne scarring on the body is common and often affects confidence just as much. HALO can be used on the chest, back, neck and arms, BBL can treat redness and pigmentation on the chest and shoulders, and ProFractional can target individual scars. Body skin heals differently from the face, so we'll assess the area and plan settings and spacing to suit it.

How many sessions will I need, and when will I see results?

Scar treatment usually needs a course of sessions. Results build gradually over several months as collagen rebuilds, although many people see early improvement after their first one or two treatments. Some scars improve noticeably after one laser session, while older or deeper scars may need a series. Scars can look worse for a short time while the skin heals. Your practitioner will tell you what to expect for your treatment.

When to contact us

Some redness, swelling and flaking is a normal part of healing. Contact us if you notice heat, spreading redness, pus or blisters, pain that's getting worse, or you feel unwell. Call 0161 877 8444, or contact our out-of-hours concierge team using the details in your aftercare information. If you're ever in doubt, go straight to A&E.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best treatment for acne scars?

There isn't one best treatment for everyone. Rolling and shallow boxcar scars often respond to SkinPen microneedling or HALO laser, while deeper boxcar and ice pick scars usually need targeted laser such as ProFractional. Most people get the best result from a combined plan.

Can ice pick scars be treated?

Yes, ice pick scars can usually be improved. Because they're narrow and deep, they tend to need treatment focused on each scar, such as Sciton ProFractional, rather than a treatment applied evenly across the whole face.

Is microneedling or laser better for acne scars?

Microneedling suits mild to moderate scarring with less downtime. Laser can give more intensive resurfacing for deeper scars. Many people benefit from both, planned in the right order for their skin.

How many sessions do acne scars need?

Most people need a course of treatments, and results build over several months as collagen rebuilds. Many see early improvement after one or two sessions. Your practitioner will recommend a plan for your scars at consultation.

Can I treat acne scars while I still have spots?

Active acne is usually treated first, with options such as Forever Clear BBL, Hydrafacial, LED and medical-grade skincare. Once your skin is stable, scar treatment can start.

Do acne scar treatments work on the back and chest?

Yes, for many people. HALO, BBL and ProFractional can all be used on the body. We assess the area first, because body skin heals differently from the face.

Acne scar treatment in Manchester, planned around you

At our MediaCityUK clinic, every acne scar plan starts with a consultation, is built by our experienced medical team and is adjusted as your skin responds, in line with Dr Paul Nassif's focus on natural-looking results. Find out more about acne and acne scarring treatment and scar removal, read how we treat patients for acne scarring, or book a consultation. You can also call us on 0161 877 8444.