Targeting overactive sebaceous glands, reducing inflammation, and resurfacing the skin to improve acne and acne scars.
Acne scars, simply put:
- Acne can leave permanent dents or raised bumps. Treating acne early helps prevent new scars.
- Dark marks after pimples aren’t true scars—they usually fade over time.
Why scars happen
Inflammation upsets normal healing, so the skin makes too little or too much collagen (the skin’s support fiber).
Types (know what you’re seeing)
- Atrophic (dented) – most common
• Ice pick: tiny, <2 mm, very deep.
• Rolling: wider, ~4–5 mm, shallow, “wavy” from tethering bands.
• Boxcar: round/oval, sharp edges; shallow <0.5 mm or deep >0.5 mm. - Hypertrophic/Keloid (raised) – extra collagen; keloids grow past the original spot.
- Redness can make any scar look worse.
Before you treat
- Expect improvement, not perfection. Most people need several sessions and some downtime.
- Treat active acne first so new scars don’t form.
Darker skin tones have higher risk of post-treatment darkening; choose gentler options.
A simple, step-by-step game plan:
Step 1 — Calm redness & fix the stubborn few
- Redness: pulsed-dye laser (PDL). Typical plan: 3–4+ sessions, about 1 month apart.
- Stubborn dents:
• CROSS (100% TCA) for ice pick/small boxcar.
• Subcision for rolling (releases tethering; may need multiple).
• Punch excision/elevation for ice pick/boxcar (often <3–3.5 mm).
Step 2 — Remodel collagen (the core fix for dents)
- Ablative lasers (CO₂ or Er:YAG): biggest single-session impact; downtime ~3–14 days; results can keep improving for months.
- Non-ablative fractional lasers (NAFR 1550/1540 nm): less downtime (~1–3 days), but need 4–6 monthly sessions.
- Others: medium/deep chemical peels, dermabrasion (expert-dependent), microneedling (~3 sessions, 2–3 daysrecovery, low risk of darkening).
Step 3 — Touch-ups at ~6 months
- Extra fractional laser sessions or fillers for soft, broad rolling scars (instant lift; usually temporary, repeat as needed).
Raised scars (hypertrophic/keloid)
- First choice: steroid injections into the scar every 4–6 weeks (stop if no response after ~4).
Helpful add-ons: PDL courses; silicone gel sheets worn ~12 hours/day for about 2 months.
What to expect
- Noticeable smoothing is realistic; perfectly flat skin isn’t.
- Bigger results often mean more downtime; gentler options need more sessions.
- Common side effects: temporary redness, swelling, color changes; rare scarring or infection.
If you tell me your scar types, skin tone, downtime tolerance (0–10), and budget, I’ll map a simple, personalized plan with session counts. MCNYC Medspa offers advanced laser treatments using state-of-the-art Fotona technology, including the StarWalker® and SP Dynamis systems.
The Fotona StarWalker® laser is a highly versatile system that treats acne scars, pigmentation, and vascular issues and is also one of the most effective tattoo removal lasers available. It combines four different laser wavelengths and 15 treatment modes, allowing for personalized care that adapts to each patient’s skin. Its groundbreaking ASP (Adaptive Structured Pulse) technology adjusts the laser energy for optimal precision and safety, while the MaQX pulse feature delivers powerful bursts of energy that break apart unwanted pigment without harming surrounding skin. This results in faster, gentler, and more effective treatments with minimal downtime.
The StarWalker® comes in two models—the high-performance StarWalker® QX and the more advanced StarWalker® MaQX—for a wide range of aesthetic needs. MCNYC Medspa also features the Fotona SP Dynamis laser, a comprehensive platform that performs both aesthetic and medical treatments. It combines two complementary laser wavelengths: Nd:YAG for deeper skin rejuvenation, hair removal, and acne therapy, and Er:YAG for precise surface resurfacing that smooths skin texture and tone. This dual-laser system can address everything from skin tightening and scar reduction to surgical and gynecological procedures, offering non-invasive, comfortable treatments with quick recovery times.
With customizable settings, advanced technology, and exceptional versatility, Fotona lasers at MCNYC Medspa provide powerful, precise, and safe solutions for a wide range of cosmetic and medical skin concerns.