B2-12 Marina Bay Link Mall, 8A Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Center, Singapore 018984
Monday to Friday | 11 am to 8 pm
Saturday & Sun | 11 am to 6 pm
Closed on public holidays
There are several types of acne scars that can occur as a result of severe or persistent acne. These scars can be classified into two main categories: atrophic scars and hypertrophic scars.
Atrophic scars: Atrophic scars are depressions or indentations in the skin that occur when there is a loss of tissue. There are several types of atrophic scars:
Boxcar scars: These are broad depressions with sharp edges that give the skin a pitted appearance.
Rolling scars: These scars are broad and shallow, giving the skin a wavy appearance.
Ice pick scars: These are deep, narrow scars that extend into the dermis and have a V-shaped appearance.
Hypertrophic scars: Hypertrophic scars are raised, thickened areas of skin that occur when there is an excess of collagen production during the healing process. These scars can be red or purple and can feel firm or lumpy.
Keloid scars: Keloid scars are a type of hypertrophic scar that extends beyond the original site of the injury or inflammation. They can be itchy and painful and can continue to grow over time.
It's important to note that some people may develop a combination of different types of acne scars. The type of acne scars that occur can depend on factors such as the severity of the acne, the individual's skin type, and their healing process.
The best treatment for acne scars depends on the type and severity of the scars, as well as the individual’s skin type and overall health. Here are some common treatments for acne scars:
Topical treatments: Topical treatments such as retinoids, vitamin C, and glycolic acid can help improve the appearance of acne scars by exfoliating the skin and promoting collagen production.
Laser resurfacing: Laser treatments reduce the appearance of acne scars by remodeling scar tissue and promoting collagen production.
Fillers: Dermal fillers or collagen stimulators can be injected into acne scars to help smooth out the skin’s texture and reduce the appearance of scars.
Radiofrequency Microneedling: Fine gold plated needles that emit radiofrequency energy help to remodel scar tissue and stimulate collagen production
Surgical procedures: In more severe cases, surgical procedures such as punch excision or subcision may be recommended.
It’s important to consult with a qualified doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your specific acne scars, as some treatments may not be suitable for all skin types or may have side effects. It’s also important to maintain a healthy skincare routine and avoid picking or squeezing acne, as this can lead to further scarring.
Acne scars are marks or indentations that form when the skin heals from an acne lesion, and they can vary in severity and appearance. The healing process may not be perfect, and as a result, the skin can lose its smooth texture, leaving behind visible scars. These scars are caused by the body’s response to the inflammation and can occur when the skin either produces too much collagen or insufficient collagen during healing. This uneven healing leads to different types of scars, including deep acne scars, which are often more noticeable and harder to treat.
Acne scars develop when inflamed blemishes penetrate deep into the skin, damaging collagen and healthy tissue. While some scars fade over time, others leave lasting marks that affect skin texture and appearance. The type of acne scar that forms depends on factors such as the severity of the breakout, skin type, and individual healing response.
Acne scars generally fall into two main categories: atrophic scars and hypertrophic scars. Atrophic scars, including boxcar scars, rolling scars, and ice-pick scars, appear as depressions in the skin due to a loss of tissue. Hypertrophic scars, including keloid scars, form when excess collagen production leads to raised, thickened scars.
Each type of acne scar has distinct characteristics and requires specific treatments. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the most effective approach for achieving smoother skin.
Atrophic scars aka rolling scars are the most common type of acne scars, appearing as indentations or depressions in the skin due to a lack of collagen during the healing process. Atrophic scars aka Rolling scars have soft, sloping edges and create an uneven, wavy appearance on the skin. They form due to fibrous bands of tissue pulling the skin downward. Treatment requires a combination of lasers, RF microneedling, subcision and collagen biostimulators.
Boxcar scars are broad, U-shaped depressions with well-defined edges, giving the skin a pitted or cratered appearance. They commonly appear on the cheeks and temples, where the skin is thicker. Similar to the treatment of atrophic rolling scars, the treatment of boxcar scars requires a combination of lasers, RF microneedling, subcision and collagen biostimulators
Ice pick scars are deep, narrow, V-shaped indentations that extend into the dermis, resembling small punctures in the skin. These scars are typically the most difficult to treat due to their depth.
TCA CROSS (Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) is an effective treatment for ice-pick scars but comes with a high risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin types. Our preferred method for treating ice pick scars is punch excision (surgical removal of full-thickness scar tissue) or subcision of acne scars.
Hypertrophic scars develop when excess collagen is produced during the healing process, leading to raised, thickened areas of skin. Unlike atrophic scars, these scars protrude above the skin’s surface and can appear red, pink, or purple. They are most commonly found on the chest, back, shoulders, and jawline—areas where the skin experiences more tension.
Treatments for hypertrophic scars include corticosteroid injections, silicone sheets, laser scar resurfacing, and surgical scar revision.
Keloid scars are an aggressive type of hypertrophic scar that extends beyond the original wound site. They often become larger over time and can be itchy, painful, or even tender to the touch. Keloids are more common in people with darker skin tones and frequently appear on the earlobes, chest, back, and shoulders. As with hypertrophic scars, keloid scars are treated with steroid injections, laser resurfacing and surgical scar revision.
Acne scars can be persistent, but with appropriate treatment, achieving smoother skin is possible. In Singapore, combination treatment is commonly performed, including laser resurfacing, RF microneedling, subcision, and collagen biostimulator injections such as Radiesse. Acne scar removal treatment programs are tailored to the patient, with the treatment plan taking into account the type and severity of scars, skin type and patient factors.
Let’s explore some of the available options for acne scar removal.
PicoSure & CO2 Laser.
Laser resurfacing is a tried and tested method to treat atrophic acne scars such as boxcar scars, rolling scars, and ice pick scars. By utilising focused beams of intense laser energy, lasers break down scar tissue while promoting collagen production, resurfacing and smoothening over the texture of the skin and supporting long-term skin renewal.
Since laser treatments work over time, results continue improving even after the last session.
Deep, narrow scars—such as ice pick scars—extend deep into the dermis and require surgical options such as punch excision and subcision
Punch Excision: using a 1mm skin biopsy punch, ice pick scars are surgically removed and the wound is closed with sutures. This converts a deep and obvious scar into a small and barely visible linear scar
Subcision of acne scars for deep rolling, box car and ice pick scars with significant tethering, subcision is required to release the skin from the anchoring scar tissue. A specialised needle known as a cannula is inserted into the skin to break up the fibrous scar tissue that tethers the skin down. After the subcision procedure, new collagen is formed and the skin texture improves.
2. Collagen Biostimulatory injections
With deeper atrophic acne scars, there is a loss of dermal collagen and subcutaneous fat due to the scarring process. For best results, it is recommended to inject collagen biostimulators after subcision has been performed to release the tethering scar tissue
For acne scar treatment, we recommend Radiesse (Calcium Hydroxyapatite- MERZ Aesthetics), which has a long and established track record as well as several publications supporting its effectiveness and safety in the treatment of acne scars. Depending on the extent of acne scars, 1 or 2 syringes of Radiesse (1.5cc per syringe) are required for treatment, with results lasting up to 2 years.
RF microneedling utilises fine, gold-tipped needles that emit RF energy- the needles break up acne scars while the RF energy stimulates collagen production and scar remodelling. It’s especially effective for:
At Bay Aesthetics Clinic, SecretDUO is utilised. The SecretDUO device builds upon the established legacy of the SecretRF microneedling system by adding a fractional non-ablative Erbium Glass laser- this two 1 treatment is able to treat acne scars and rejuvenate skin with minimal pain and no downtime.
Since laser treatments work over time, results continue improving even after the last session.
For hypertrophic and keloid scars, treatments focus on reducing excess collagen production in the scar tissue.
Before starting treatment, it’s important to have your active acne under control. If you’re still experiencing breakouts, you might need:
Once your acne is stable, you can safely proceed with scar removal treatments for the best results.
Since most people have a mix of different acne scars, a personalised approach is key to achieving smooth, even skin. Whether you have rolling scars, ice-pick scars, or hypertrophic scars, there are effective treatments available in Singapore to help.
Consulting with a qualified doctor will help determine the best acne scar removal plan for your unique skin type. With today’s options like laser resurfacing, RF microneedling, and collagen stimulators, achieving clear, confident skin is more possible than ever!
Chinese female in late 20s, severe acne scars- mix of deep rolling and boxcar
Treatment plan:
Medical Director’s note:
Initial treatment with subcision and collagen biostimulator injections to break up the deeper scar tissue causing tethering and “lift up” the areas of depression. 2 sessions are required due to the extent of the scarring. Thereafter, treatments with laser and RF microneedling resurfaced the superficial acne scars and rejuvenated the skin.
Ready to take first step toward smoother, clearer skin? Contact Bay Aesthetics Clinic today at +65 8428 7811 or email us at bayclinicsg@gmail.com to book your personalised assessment and discover the optimal treatment options tailored to your skin’s needs.
Reclaim your confidence and achieve the radiant skin you deserve!
Acne scars develop as a result from active acne- During an acne breakout, inflammation causes trauma to skin tissue — resulting in scarring
This depends on several factors- skin color, type of acne scars, ability to tolerate downtime and personal preference. The treatment plan needs to be personalised.
Yes, acne scar removal treatments involve the use of high powered medical grade lasers and energy based devices- which carry the risk of burns, blisters, skin infection, hyperpigmentation, herpes virus reactivation
Typically 2-3 sessions will be required before visible results are seen, results may vary
Yes! Different treatments target different depths of the skin- hence are able to work in synergy for better results. A good combination would be laser resurfacing (targets the epidermis) and Radiofrequency Microneedling (targets the dermis)
Yes, acne scar treatments give long term results, provided acne is controlled and no new scarring develops
This would depend on the treatment and intensity- typically after a laser or RF microneedling treatment the skin would be red and sensitive for a few days
Certain skincare products cause irritation and need to be stopped for 5-7 days- such as vitamin C, retinols, acids.
Don’t put on thick makeup on the day of treatment, avoid intense sun exposure for a week prior to treatment
