LASER TREATMENT OF ACNE SCARS

Laser treatment for acne scars may improve post-acne redness and uneven skin texture when selected appropriately and performed at the correct stage of skin healing.

Acne scars are a common and natural result of inflammatory acne. Effective treatment requires a careful, stepwise approach that addresses both vascular redness and surface texture, while prioritizing skin health, safety, and realistic expectations.

At International Vein & Skin Institute (IVSI), acne scar treatment is individualized and personally performed by Jozef Tryzno, MD, because no two patients, scars, or skin types are the same.

UNDERSTANDING ACNE SCARS: COLOR VS. TEXTURE

COLOR (REDNESS)

Post-acne redness is often the most visible concern, particularly in teens and young adults. In many patients, reducing vascular redness alone results in a meaningful cosmetic improvement, even before surface texture is addressed.

Persistent post-acne redness reflects dilated superficial blood vessels associated with previous inflammation.

TEXTURE (SURFACE IRREGULARITY)

Textural acne scarring reflects changes in the deeper support structure of the skin. These changes may appear as shallow or deep depressions, uneven skin surface, or pitted scars.

Ablative resurfacing should be avoided when active acne is present, as it may worsen inflammation and aggravate breakouts. Skin stability and acne control always come first.

COMMON TYPES OF ACNE SCARS

Different scar patterns respond differently to treatment. Common acne scar types include:

Ice pick scars – narrow, deep scars that extend into the dermis
Boxcar scars – wider, well-defined depressions with sharp edges
Rolling scars – broad, shallow depressions that create an uneven skin surface

Scar type, depth, distribution, skin thickness, and overall skin condition influence which laser or combination of treatments may be appropriate.

STEPWISE APPROACH TO ACNE SCAR TREATMENT

1. CONTROL ACTIVE ACNE

Before treating scars, active acne must be appropriately managed. Depending on individual needs, treatment may include:

Topical treatment
Oral medication
Micro I&D of selected cystic lesions
Photodynamic therapy
Light-based treatment in selected patients
Combination treatment plans

Treatment planning begins with a medical evaluation.

2. REDUCE REDNESS

For many patients, redness reduction is a socially meaningful first step and may significantly improve appearance without resurfacing.

3. IMPROVE SKIN TEXTURE

Once acne is controlled and inflammation has stabilized, texture-focused laser treatments may be introduced.

AVAILABLE LASER TREATMENTS

At International Vein & Skin Institute (IVSI), cosmetic laser procedures are performed using Class IV medical laser technologies selected according to the condition being treated, treatment depth, skin characteristics, and clinical response.

All laser treatments are personally performed by Jozef Tryzno, MD and are not delegated to technicians.

REDNESS TREATMENT

When persistent vascular redness associated with acne scarring is the primary concern, Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) may be used to target superficial blood vessels responsible for persistent post-inflammatory redness.

595-nm Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)

Targets superficial blood vessels contributing to persistent post-acne redness
Treatment parameters are selected according to the vascular pattern, treatment area, skin characteristics, and desired treatment response
Can be used over hair-bearing areas without the unwanted hair reduction associated with some other laser and light-based technologies

Typical Response

Temporary redness and mild swelling may occur after treatment
Depending on treatment parameters, purpura (purple discoloration or bruising) may develop
Recovery time varies according to the degree of post-treatment purpura and treatment intensity

For many patients, reducing persistent redness can produce a meaningful cosmetic improvement before treatment of textural scarring is undertaken.

TEXTURE TREATMENT OPTIONS

NON-ABLATIVE SCAR REMODELING

Historically, deeper acne scars were treated primarily with chemical peels and ablative laser resurfacing. Newer laser technologies provide options for non-ablative scar remodeling with minimal interruption to daily activities.

PicoSure Focus™ Laser

Delivers ultra-short picosecond laser pulses into deeper skin layers
Stimulates collagen and elastin remodeling through the skin’s natural repair response
Preserves the skin surface while targeting textural irregularities and selected acne scars

Typical Response

Redness and tenderness usually resolve within 1–3 hours
In patients with sensitive skin, redness may persist up to 24 hours
Improvement develops gradually as remodeling occurs
A series of approximately 3–5 treatments is commonly used

Topical Anesthetic

Not routinely required
May be applied in-office approximately 1 hour before treatment for patient comfort

Most patients return to normal activities the same day.

Non-ablative skin remodeling using PicoSure Focus™ is discussed in greater detail on our PicoSure Focus™ Laser Skin Remodeling page.

INTERMEDIATE-DEPTH FRACTIONAL SKIN RESURFACING

This option is well suited for patients seeking greater improvement in acne-scar texture without the intensity and recovery associated with deeper CO₂ resurfacing.

Erbium 2940 nm with Pixel Stamping Technology

Creates microscopic treatment zones that stimulate collagen remodeling while preserving surrounding tissue
Treatment depth and intensity are adjusted according to the scar pattern, skin characteristics, and treatment response
Treatment intensity may be progressively increased during subsequent sessions as healing and skin response are assessed
Provides fractional ablative resurfacing for acne-scar texture and surface irregularities

Typical Response (varies based on treatment settings)

Immediate post-treatment redness with a honeycomb pattern
Mild to moderate redness and a sunburn-like sensation lasting approximately 2–3 days
Mild peeling may occur over the following several days

Topical Anesthetic

Not routinely required

ADVANCED SKIN RESURFACING OPTIONS

For certain scar patterns—such as deep boxcar scars, ice pick scars, or extensive textural irregularities—deeper resurfacing may be considered after active acne and inflammation are fully controlled.

Fractional CO₂ Laser Resurfacing (iPixel UltraPulse)

Delivers fractional ablative laser energy to address deeper structural changes associated with acne scarring
Creates controlled treatment zones that stimulate collagen remodeling at greater depths
Treatment depth and intensity are selected according to the scar pattern, skin characteristics, and treatment goals
Requires more recovery than non-ablative or intermediate-depth fractional treatments

Typical Response

Recovery varies considerably according to treatment depth and intensity. Redness, swelling, crusting, peeling, and a longer period of visible healing may occur following deeper fractional CO₂ resurfacing.

Treatment intensity, healing expectations, and recovery are discussed in advance so that the procedure can be selected according to both the degree of scarring and the patient's tolerance for downtime.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Laser treatments are not “magic erasers” and typically require multiple sessions
Lasers do not treat the underlying causes of acne or inflammatory skin conditions
Redness, flushing, and pigmentation may have multiple medical causes
Accurate diagnosis is essential before initiating laser treatment

Some inflammatory skin conditions may resemble acne but require different treatment approaches.

PHYSICIAN-PERFORMED LASER TREATMENTS

All laser treatments at IVSI are personally performed by Jozef Tryzno, MD, following medical evaluation and with more than 25 years of hands-on experience using laser and light-based technologies.

Treatment selection and laser parameters are individualized according to the scar pattern, skin characteristics, degree of active inflammation, previous treatment response, and treatment goals.

This treatment is one of several Cosmetic Laser Treatments available at IVSI.

Schedule a Cosmetic Laser Consultation

A consultation can help determine which acne scar treatment options are appropriate and when treatment should be initiated.

📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to schedule a cosmetic laser consultation with Dr Jozef Tryzno, MD

Medical Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations and outcomes depend on clinical findings, individual skin characteristics, treatment response, and patient-specific factors. Multiple treatments may be needed to achieve treatment goals, and periodic maintenance treatments may be recommended to help maintain results. Cosmetic results vary between patients, and no specific cosmetic result can be guaranteed.

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