Acne Scars — resurfaced by dermatologists, not concealed
Acne may be gone, but the scars remain. DermaVue's dermatologists use fractional lasers, microneedling, and subcision to rebuild your skin from the inside out — across 7 clinics in Kerala & Tamil Nadu.
7 clinics · Kerala & Tamil Nadu · ₹300 consultation
Understanding Acne Scars
Acne scars form when severe breakouts damage the deeper layers of skin, destroying collagen and leaving behind depressions or raised marks. In Indian skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI), scarring is frequently accompanied by persistent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), making the damage doubly visible. The type of scar — ice pick, boxcar, or rolling — determines which treatment works best. DermaVue dermatologists use a combination of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, radiofrequency microneedling, PRP therapy, and subcision to stimulate collagen regeneration and rebuild scar tissue from within.
Acne scarring results from aberrant wound healing following inflammatory acne lesions, characterised by dysregulated collagen remodelling within the dermis. Atrophic scars — classified as ice pick (narrow, deep, V-shaped), boxcar (broad, sharply demarcated), and rolling (broad, undulating) — arise from excessive matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and collagen III-to-I ratio imbalance during the proliferative phase of repair.[1] Hypertrophic and keloid variants reflect excessive collagen deposition with elevated TGF-beta signalling. Indian Fitzpatrick IV–VI phototypes present a dual challenge: concurrent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from melanocyte hyperactivity alongside structural dermal loss, requiring treatment protocols that balance aggressive collagen induction with melanocyte-safe parameters to avoid paradoxical hyperpigmentation.
What does Acne Scars look like?
Symptoms range widely in severity. Identifying which type you have determines the right treatment.
Ice Pick Scars
Boxcar Scars
Rolling Scars
Hypertrophic Scars
Keloid Scars
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Post-Inflammatory Erythema
Scar-Bound Skin Tethering
What actually causes Acne Scars?
Multiple factors act together — understanding them helps prevent recurrence after treatment.
Delayed or Inadequate Acne Treatment
Picking, Squeezing & Popping Lesions
Genetic Predisposition
Severe Inflammatory Acne (Grade III–IV)
Topical Steroid Misuse
Recurrent Acne Flares
Abnormal Wound Healing Response
- 95% of acne patients develop some degree of scarring — ranging from subtle textural irregularities to deep pitted scars
- Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin (majority of Indian population) faces dual burden of atrophic scars plus persistent PIH lasting 6–24 months
- Males more likely to develop severe nodulocystic acne and consequently deeper scarring, while females more prone to PIH
- Delayed treatment is the #1 modifiable risk factor — average Indian acne patient waits 14 months before consulting a dermatologist
- Kerala's humid climate increases acne severity through elevated sebum production, indirectly raising scarring risk in untreated patients
What happens at your DermaVue consultation?
A structured clinical assessment — not a quick glance and a prescription pad. Here's exactly what to expect.
Scar Type Classification
Scar Severity Grading
Active Acne Assessment
Fitzpatrick Phototype & PIH Evaluation
Personalised Multi-Modal Treatment Plan
Acne Scars treatments we offer
All procedures by board-certified MD DVL dermatologists. US-FDA approved equipment. No technician-only protocols — ever.
CO2 Fractional Laser
Radiofrequency Microneedling
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
Subcision
Dermal Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid)
Chemical Peels (Medium-Depth)
Chemical Peels + Depigmenting
Your Acne Scars treatment timeline
Results are gradual, progressive, and lasting with the right protocol.
Watch: Acne Scars treatment at DermaVue
Our dermatologists explain diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect.
Acne Scar Subcision — Advanced Scar Treatment
Fractional CO2 Laser for Acne Scars
Frequently asked questions about Acne Scars
Untreated atrophic acne scars (ice pick, boxcar, rolling) are permanent — they do not fade or fill in on their own because the collagen matrix has been structurally destroyed. However, modern treatments like fractional CO2 laser, RF microneedling, and subcision can achieve 50–75% scar depth improvement over a course of 3–8 sessions. Flat dark marks (PIH) are not true scars and do fade, though in Indian skin this can take 6–24 months without treatment.
There is no single best treatment — the optimal approach depends on scar type. Ice pick scars respond best to TCA CROSS chemical reconstruction. Boxcar scars improve most with fractional CO2 laser. Rolling scars require subcision to release tethering bands, often followed by PRP or filler. Most patients need a combination of 2–3 techniques. A dermatologist assessment is essential to match treatment to your specific scar pattern and skin type.
DermaVue consultation fee is ₹300 at most branches. Fractional CO2 laser sessions range ₹5,000–12,000 per session depending on area treated. RF microneedling starts at ₹4,000 per session. PRP sessions ₹3,500–6,000. A full course of 4–6 sessions with combination treatment is discussed transparently at your first consultation — no hidden charges or pressure for packages.
Yes, but treatment parameters must be carefully adjusted for Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin. Higher melanin content increases risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation if aggressive settings are used. DermaVue dermatologists use melanocyte-safe fractional laser settings, RF microneedling (which bypasses the epidermis), and pre-treatment depigmenting protocols to ensure safe, effective scar reduction in darker skin tones.
Most patients require 3–8 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, depending on scar severity and type. Mild textural scars may show satisfactory improvement in 3–4 sessions. Moderate-to-severe ice pick and boxcar scars typically need 5–8 sessions of combination therapy. Collagen remodelling continues for 6–12 months after the last session, so final results are assessed at the 12-month mark.
Downtime varies by procedure. Fractional CO2 laser causes 5–7 days of redness and mild peeling. RF microneedling has 2–3 days of redness. Subcision may cause mild bruising for 5–7 days. Chemical peels have 1–3 days of mild flaking. Most patients return to work within 3–5 days after laser sessions. DermaVue schedules procedures to minimise social downtime based on your preference.
Stop managing Acne Scars.
Start clearing it.
Board-certified MD DVL dermatologists across 7 clinics in Kerala & Tamil Nadu. WhatsApp for instant appointment. Consultation ₹300.
₹300 consultation · No hidden charges · 7 locations