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Services / Acne & Acne Scars / Acne Scars

Acne Scars

Effective acne scar treatments from board-certified dermatologists to restore smoother, clearer skin in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and surrounding cities.

Acne scars can be stubborn, but with the right treatments, you can achieve smoother, clearer skin. At DOCS Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists provide personalized, evidence-based acne scar treatments designed to fade scars and restore your skin’s natural appearance.


What causes acne scars?
Acne scars form when inflammation from acne damages skin tissue and collagen. Certain factors can increase your risk of scarring:

Type of acne: Acne that occurs deeper in the skin, like cystic acne and nodular acne, are more likely to increase inflammation and lead to scars.
Popping or picking pimples: This damages your skin tissue, increasing inflammation and your likelihood of scars.
Genetics: Some people are more prone to scarring because of certain inherited skin traits.
Skin tone: Darker skin tones may be more likely to experience post-inflammatory scarring or hyperpigmentation.
What are the different types of acne scars?
Understanding your scar type helps your dermatologist design an effective treatment plan. Common acne scars include:

Atrophic scars: Depressions in the skin that form when tissue is lost during the healing process after acne, and they can appear as ice pick scars, which are deep, narrow holes; boxcar scars, which are broad, rectangular depressions with sharp edges; or rolling scars, which are shallow, wavy depressions with soft edges.

Hypertrophic scars: Raised, thickened areas caused by excess collagen during healing.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark or discolored spots left behind after acne, not a true scar but often treated the same way.
How do we treat acne scars?
Treatment is personalized based on your scar type, skin tone, and overall skin health. Your dermatologist may combine multiple treatments to maximize results and ensure the best improvement in your skin’s appearance. Common acne scar treatments include:

Topical treatments: Prescription retinoids, hydroquinone, or exfoliating acids, like glycolic acid or salicylic acid, help improve skin texture, reduce discoloration, and promote cell turnover.
Laser and light therapies: Target deeper layers of skin to resurface scars and improve skin tone.
Microneedling: Tiny needles increase collagen production to help smooth indented scars.
Chemical peels: Professional, controlled exfoliation removes damaged skin and promotes healthy skin growth.

Prioritize your skin health with expert dermatology care.

Our board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons, cosmetic dermatology providers, and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons provide best-in-class treatment for all your skin health needs.

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Frequently asked Questions

What are acne scars?
Acne scars are areas of textured or discolored skin that arise after acne heals. They occur because of inflammation that damages collagen and elastic during the healing process.
Can acne scars go away on their own?
Mild discoloration may fade with time, but deeper scars typically require professional treatment to improve their appearance.
Will new acne cause more acne scars?
It depends on which kind of acne you have, but yes, it’s possible for more scarring to occur. Preventing new breakouts is important while treating acne scars, and your dermatologist may combine acne control with scar treatment for best results.
Which treatment works best for acne scars?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, as the best treatment for acne scars depends on your scar type and skin type, and while a board-certified dermatologist can develop a personalized plan tailored to you, common treatments include topical treatments, laser and light therapies, microneedling, and chemical peels.
Is there downtime after acne scar treatment?
It depends on which treatment your dermatologist decides is best for you. Some treatments have little to no downtime while others, like laser therapy, microneedling, and chemical peels may require a few days of healing.
When should I see a dermatologist for acne scars?
If acne scars are getting in the way of your confidence or quality of life, see a board-certified dermatologist for a personalized treatment plan.

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