Acne scars
What are they?
1 · Why acne leaves permanent marks
When a breakout is shallow, the top layer of skin repairs almost invisibly. But an inflamed lesion that burrows deeper destroys organised collagen in the dermis. The healing response can leave a hollow where tissue is missing (the familiar ice-pick, boxcar or rolling pit) or, less commonly, a firm ridge when too much collagen is laid down. A 2023 survey found that almost half of all adults who once had acne now live with at least one of these scars. Because they sit in the centre of the face, even subtle irregularities may dent self-confidence.
Here's a useful site describing acne scars
How are they managed?
We can help with acne scars in a range of ways.
A recently-published review of acne scar management (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology May 2025) listed over a dozen different treatments employed to deal with acne scars ... all bar two of which we offer, or have offered, here at Peach. The plan we decide upon (together) depends mostly on the type and extent of the scarring, how long the scars have been present, and personal preference of the patient.
That said, the same article opined "Given its benefits, Radiofrequency Microneedling (RFMN) should be considered the new standard for treating acne scarring", and that is our opinion as well.
When it comes to atrophic acne scarring, RFMN deposits collagen-stimulating energy exactly where it is required, with little-to-zero impact on the superficial epidermis. That is why downtime is minimal and pigment risk is minimal for the degree of energy involved.
These days we often employ Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) as well. and because we draw a generous 50ml of blood with each PRP treatment, we can get a lot done. PRP palaces growth-factor-releasing platelets exactly where they are needed to regrow the collagen that fills in an atrophic scar.
Combining RFMN with PRP leads to better results than we see with either treatment alone
Subcision is a technically easy and safe procedure that should be offered to patients more often. When a little "string" of connective tissue or scar collagen is tethering the scar down (like the buttons on a Chesterfield lounge), then we can release that tethering in a procedure called "subcision". This helps the scar less deep and to flatten.
TCA-CROSS treatments are yet another way to stimulate thickening in individual atrophic scars, applying tiny dots of trichloroacetic acid ("TCA") into the depth of each scar. The base of the scar then gets inflamed and thereafter thickens
Microdermabrasion is helpful for those with quite mild scarring.
Keloid scars are a bit trickier than atrophic scars to treat, and the plan would usually start with injections.
Scars that are red, or have little "broken capillaries" in them, generally respond to laser or IPL treatments.
Every face is different.
Every face requires an individualised plan and approach.