Skin Concerns

Acne Scarring

Remodelling scar tissue and rebuilding collagen to restore smoother, more even-looking skin.

TREATMENTS FOR ACNE SCARRING

Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers that restore volume and refine facial contours.

Mesotherapy

Micro-injected vitamins and nutrients for hydrated, radiant skin.

UltraClear

Cold Fiber Laser resurfacing with less downtime and deep collagen renewal.

Chemical Skin Peels

Resurfacing peels for clearer, brighter, smoother skin.

Potenza RF Microneedling

RF microneedling to tighten, remodel and rejuvenate skin.

What is it

How acne scars form and why type matters

Acne scarring can develop when inflammatory acne damages deeper skin layers and disrupts normal tissue repair. When a lesion becomes significantly inflamed, the follicle wall can rupture and inflammatory material spreads into the surrounding skin. The body then begins a repair process involving new collagen: if it produces too little, an indentation or atrophic scar may remain; if it produces too much, a raised hypertrophic or keloid scar can develop.

Scars vary considerably in appearance.

Ice pick scars are narrow, deep depressions that can resemble enlarged pores.
Boxcar scars are wider depressions with more clearly defined edges, creating a pitted look.
Rolling scars are broad, shallow depressions that give the skin a wavy, uneven texture
Hypertrophic and keloid scars are raised areas of excess scar tissue, with keloids extending beyond the original lesion.

Acne can also leave flat areas of red, brown or darker pigmentation. These post-inflammatory marks are commonly mistaken for scarring but do not involve a permanent change to the skin’s structure, and they may require a different treatment approach.

Several scar types frequently occur together, which is why treatment often involves a combination of techniques.

At 111 Harley Street, we assess your acne scarring by type, depth, distribution, and severity before recommending a personalised plan to improve texture, tone, and overall skin quality.

FAQs

Get clarity before your consultation

Straightforward answers on scar types, acne marks and the treatments that can improve them.

What is the best treatment for acne scarring?

There is no single best treatment for all acne scars. The most appropriate option depends on whether your scars are ice pick, boxcar, rolling, hypertrophic or keloid, as well as their depth and your skin type. A combination approach is often recommended when several scar types are present.

Can acne scars be completely removed?

Acne scars cannot always be completely removed, but their appearance can often be significantly improved. Treatment aims to remodel scar tissue, stimulate collagen and improve skin texture rather than guarantee complete elimination.

What is the difference between acne scars and acne marks?

True acne scars involve a change in the structure or texture of the skin, such as an indentation or raised area. Acne marks are usually flat areas of redness or pigmentation left behind after inflammation and may gradually fade over time.

Does microneedling help acne scars?

Microneedling can improve certain types of acne scarring by creating controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen production and skin remodelling. Its suitability depends on the type and severity of scarring, and it may be combined with other treatments where appropriate.

Can laser treatment improve acne scarring?

Laser treatments can be used to improve certain acne scars by resurfacing the skin and stimulating collagen remodelling. Different laser technologies are suited to different scar types and skin tones, so an assessment is required before determining whether laser treatment is appropriate.