Discover personalised and effective acne scar treatments for various skin conditions. As an experienced aesthetic practitioner, Dr Boey has treated over 2000 cases since 2018, specialising in treating acne scars in Singapore for both men and women.
At Sozo Clinic, we offer you a tailored approach that caters to your individual skin types and scar conditions, utilising clinically proven, FDA and HSA-approved treatments, emphasising effectiveness and safety in our acne scar treatments.
4 of the most effective acne scar treatments include:
1. Lasers
2. Radiofrequency microneedling
3. Chemical peel
4. Subcision and Dermal Fillers
Rest assured, our treatments prioritise your comfort, employing numbing cream and anaesthetic injections to minimise pain during the procedure.
Although the treatment types we recommend usually have minimal downtime, each individuals skin type, condition and severity will have different results.
Type of Acne Scar Treatment | Most Suitable For | Not Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
Fractional CO2 Laser | Rolling, Atrophic, Ice Pick, Boxcar Scars | N/A |
Fraxel Dual | Acne Scars or Post-Acne Spots | Hypertrophic Scars or Marks |
Fractional Pico Laser | Shallow Skin Scars, Rolling & Atrophic Scars, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation | N/A |
Pulse-Dye Lasers | Acne Marks and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation | N/A |
Picosecond Gold Toning (595nm) | Post-Inflammatory Erythema | N/A |
Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling | Various Scar Types | Hypertrophic Scars |
Chemical Peel (TCA Cross) | Boxcar Scars | Hypertrophic Scars |
Subcision with Fillers | Boxcar Scars | N/A |
Corticosteroid Injection | Hypertrophic Scars | N/A |
Effective Acne Scar Treatments
1. Lasers
Laser treatment for acne scars is an effective method for treating acne scars.
Lasers use heat and high-energy light beams to break down acne scar tissues, paving the way for collagen remodelling and improve the appearance of scarred skin.
The specific mechanism and effectiveness of laser treatments for acne scars depend on the type of laser used and the scar’s characteristics. Depending on the type of laser used, downtime for the patient may vary as well.
To make informed decisions about your treatment, it’s essential to understand the various types of acne scars, which can include:
- Rolling/Atrophic Scars
- Ice Pick Scars
- Boxcar Scars
- Hypertrophic Scars
- Mild to moderate acne scar laser treatment typically ranges from $1800 to $3500.
- Severe acne scar laser treatments are generally priced between $3500 and $7000.
Fractional CO2 Laser
Fractional CO2 (carbon dioxide) lasers are advanced dermatological devices effective for treating acne scarring at the top layer of your skin, used for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation.
These lasers work by utilising a highly focused beam of light with a specific wavelength to penetrate the skin, creating a controlled and precise microthermal zones of injury within the skin.
As the laser energy creates microthermal ablation zones, also known as micro-injuries, it removes tiny columns of old or damaged skin tissue. Simultaneously, the heat from the laser stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin regeneration and tightening.
The body’s natural healing response is triggered by the micro-injuries. It starts to replace the damaged skin with new, healthy tissue. This process of collagen remodeling and new skin formation results in improved skin texture, reduced wrinkles, and a more youthful appearance.
Fractional CO2 technology is different to traditional fractional lasers because it treats only a fraction of the
skin’s surface, leaving surrounding tissue intact. This fractional approach allows for faster healing and reduced downtime.
Fractional CO2 treatment has a downtime of 2 – 5 days.
Common brands of CO2 Lasers include EdgeOne, eCO2, SmartXide, Mixto, Fraxel.
Fraxel Dual
Fraxel Dual lasers are part of the fractional laser family and thus utilises fractional technology, which means they treat only a fraction of the skin’s surface while leaving surrounding tissue intact.
The “Dual” in Fraxel Dual refers to its use of two distinct laser wavelengths: 1550 nanometers (nm) and 1927 nm.
Each wavelength targets different skin concerns. The 1550 nm wavelength penetrates deeper into the skin to address issues like wrinkles, scars, and texture, while the 1927 nm wavelength treats superficial concerns like pigmentation and sun spots.
These controlled injuries stimulate collagen production and the body’s natural healing response. Over time, damaged skin is replaced with healthier tissue, resulting in smoother texture, reduced pigmentation, and improved tone.
Downtime is also reduced significantly when using Fraxel Dual
Pico Lasers
Pico lasers, short for picosecond lasers, harness the principle of the photomechanical effect and work by emitting ultra-short pulses of laser energy in picoseconds (trillionths of a second).
Unlike traditional lasers that primarily rely on photothermal (heat) energy to target and break down pigment particles or stimulate collagen, pico lasers deliver energy in such short bursts that they create a mechanical or shockwave effect within the skin. These rapid pulses create a photomechanical effect that breaks down pigment particles and stimulates collagen production in the skin.
This technology is used for tattoo removal, treatment of pigmentation issues, and skin rejuvenation to treat acne scars, as it can target and remove unwanted pigments and stimulate skin remodelling more efficiently than traditional lasers.
The ultra-short pulse duration minimises heat damage to surrounding tissue, reducing discomfort and downtime for patients.
Pico lasers are amongst the latest non-ablative lasers able to target acne scars with more precision and safety, hence shorter downtime. The solution is proven to be one of the safest technologies as it has the least damage to the surrounding tissues.
Pulse-dye lasers
Pulse-dye lasers (PDL) uses a principle called selective photothermolysis and work by emitting a concentrated beam of light at a specific wavelength, typically around 585 to 595 nanometers (nm), which corresponds to the absorption spectrum of hemoglobin in blood vessels.
The laser energy is delivered in very short pulses (pico or nanoseconds), which is long enough to heat and coagulate the blood vessels but short enough to minimise heat diffusion to surrounding tissues. This selective heating of the blood vessels causes them to coagulate without significantly damaging the skin’s surface.
The laser’s energy induces vasoconstriction, which means it causes the blood vessels to constrict or narrow. This reduces the visibility of vascular lesions, such as broken capillaries, spider veins, and redness associated with conditions like rosacea, or acne scar marks.
This technology causes minimal downtime.
As you can see, there are MANY types of acne scar treatments. Hence, it is best to consult with your doctor to understand which treatments give your the best results.
Laser Treatment Technology | Cost |
|---|---|
Pulse-dye laser | $250 – $400/session |
Fractional laser | $500 – $1000/session |
2. Radiofrequency microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling, also commonly known as RF microneedling or microneedle RF therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure that combines microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) energy to rejuvenate the skin and address various skin concerns, including acne scars.
Microneedling involves the use of a specialized device equipped with tiny, fine needles. These needles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin’s surface, triggering the body’s natural wound-healing response.
Simultaneously, the microneedling device delivers radiofrequency energy to the deeper layers of the skin. RF energy generates heat that serves 2 purpose:
- Collagen Stimulation: The heat from the RF energy stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. This promotes skin tightening and improved texture.
- Tissue Remodeling: RF energy helps remodel existing collagen fibers, promoting the growth of new collagen. This process contributes to smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
Since RF microneedling allows for precise control over the depth of needle penetration and the amount of RF energy delivered it enables tailored treatment, which is adjusted based on the specific skin concern and the patient’s skin type.
Patients may experience redness, swelling, and mild discomfort immediately following the procedure, but these side effects typically subside within a 2-7 days.
Radiofrequency microneedling cost in Singapore:
INFINI costs about $800 – $2000/session in Singapore. 3-5 sessions are normally recommended.
3. Chemical peels and TCA Cross
Chemical peels can be used as acne treatments for overactive sebaceous glands for treatment of different types of acne, and covers a larger surface area.
For more targeted and precise treatment areas, such as for ice pick scars, we use a specialised solution of chemical peeling called TCA CROSS. This involves using a toothpick or needle to place the TCA solution below the surface to denature the proteins at the deeper layers of the skin where scar tissue is found.
This treatment stimulates collagen synthesis, dermal thickening and improvement of your acne scar appearance.
This treatment has downtime of approximately 5-7 days, and has shown effective results for ice pick scars.
4. Subcision with dermal fillers
Acne depressions might be due to fibrous scar tissue that pull down the surface of your skin. In this situation, lasers will have limited effects, as your skin surface is “tethered down” by these scar tissue.
With subcision, a small needle is used to release the fibrous tissue beneath the scar. As the area heals, the new collagen also helps to push the base of the pimple scar up.
You’ll see visible improvements in your pimple scars after each subcision acne scar treatment.
The downside to subcision for treating acne scars is bruising after the procedure, which can last for 2 – 5 days.
As an additional step to subcision, dermal fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm and Rejuran S fillers are used to elevate shallow, broad-based indentations.
Although the fillers are temporary, they will further stimulate collagen in your skin, which improves skin conditions.
This newly-produced collagen gives permanent scar improvement results.
Bellafill is the first FDA-approved dermal filler for permanently correcting moderate to severe indentations. It’s unfortunately not available locally yet at the time of writing.
Derma fillers scar treatment cost in Singapore:
Restylane and Juvederm costs about $800 – $1000/syringe. 2 syringes are typically used per session.
How our Acne Scar Treatments are Different
Acne scar treatments are available at many clinics in Singapore.
However, what makes us different is our personalised approach to skin care. We use technologies that tailor every treatment plan according to your needs, lifestyle and budget.
We also provide comprehensive advice on acne scar prevention and management so you can prevent further damage or recurrence of scars.
Our friendly team is here to answer any questions, so feel free to drop us a call or visit our clinic today!
Specialised Acne Scar Treatments are Necessary to Remove Every Type of Scar
Your scars are unique. Your solutions ought to be too.
Dr Justin Boey treats each scar using a customised combination of treatments for more effective and visible results. This approach combines treatments that target your unique skin condition and the variance of your scars.
We also understand the importance of minimal downtime for busy individuals, so we select treatments accordingly to reduce recovery time.
At our clinic, we value giving you the best possible result with as little disruption to your life. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of acne scar removal treatments to help you achieve smoother and clearer skin in no time! If you want an acne scar treatment that works for you, contact us today.
Sozo 360º Acne Scar Treatments – Precise & Personalised
I believe in Precise and Personalised treatment for your skin condition. With a full suite of more than eight treatments, I use a customised combination of the latest technology to ensure optimal results. I commonly combine up to 3 types of treatments in 1 session for faster and more effective results. 1. Time-consuming process requires a meticulous doctor The 360° Approach to Acne Scar is time-consuming – from consultation all the way to treatment and recovery. Consult Detailed consultation to understand your goals, lifestyle and preferences. Scar Assessment Scars need to be felt instead of just seen. Scar assessments requires manual palpation of the scars to determine how deep the scars are. Treatment Lasers are also faster to perform than subsicion – except 1. I take more than 3x longer for subcision as compared to a Fractional CO2/Erbium Laser. INFINI Fractional Micro-Needling is the only other energy based device that takes as long as subcision – this is because multiple passes at different depths are needed. The regenerative healing compunds like Rejuran S are also injected in micro-droplets by hand.2. Heavy Investment in acne scar lasers/technology Most clinics only have 1-2 types of lasers. An Acne Scar clinic has to be well-equipped with the latest acne scar lasrs, peels and fillers. Such technology is expensive and most clinics won’t have the full range unless they specialise in treating acne scars. Begin Your Acne Scar Treatment Journey with the following photos for Self-Assessment of your Skin!
What is an Acne Scar?
Acne scars are permanent indentations or textural changes that occur on the skin due to acne. They can occur on the face, chest, shoulders, upper back, and anywhere else acne appears on the body.
Acne scars result from inflammation within the dermis brought on by acne vulgaris. The damage caused by this inflammation can take many forms.
The most common form of acne scars is ice pick scars, Boxcar scars, and Rolling scars.
But Dr Justin, if this 360º approach is so effective, why isn’t it more widely practised?
4 Types of Acne Scars
Rolling Scars
Rolling scars are a type of atrophic acne scar that manifests as broad, shallow depressions or undulations on the skin’s surface.
They are called “rolling” scars because they give the skin a wavy or rolling appearance, similar to the texture of orange peel or the ripples on the surface of water.
These scars typically result from damage to the deeper layers of the skin, including the collagen and subcutaneous fat, caused by severe and persistent acne.
Rolling scars tend to cover a larger surface area and do not have well-defined edges or borders, which can make them challenging to treat effectively.
The recommended treatments for rolling scars are:
The recommended treatments for rolling scars are:
- INFINI RF
- Fractional Pico
- Fractional CO2
Ice Pick Scars
An ice pick scar is a type of atrophic acne scar, which is characterised by a loss of tissue or depressions in the skin’s surface. These scars are named “ice pick” because they’re narrow and deep scars that resemble punctures on the skin, typically less than 2mm wide.
They can be quite noticeable due to their depth and irregular shape. These scars develop as a result of severe acne, particularly when inflamed acne lesions penetrate deep into the skin, damaging the collagen and elastin fibers that support the skin’s structure. When the acne lesion heals, it leaves behind this type of scar.
Ice pick scars are challenging to treat because of their depth and narrowness.
The recommended treatments for ice pick scars are:
- Subcision with dermal fillers
- TCA Cross
- Fractional CO2
Boxcar Scars
Boxcar scars are a type of atrophic acne scar that appears as well-defined, angular depressions in the skin’s surface.
They are characterised by their box-like or rectangular shape with sharp edges, and they are often wider at the surface compared to ice pick scars but not as shallow as rolling scars.
These scars are typically the result of inflammatory acne that damages collagen in the skin, leaving behind these depressions when the skin heals.
Boxcar scars often have a flat or relatively smooth bottom, which differentiates them from ice pick scars that have a narrower and pointed base.
They can be wider at the skin’s surface, making them more noticeable and easier to distinguish from other types of acne scars.
The recommended treatments for boxcar scars are:
The recommended treatments for boxcar scars are:
- Subcision with dermal fillers
- TCA Cross
- Fractional CO2
Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars are distinct from atrophic acne scars because they are characterised by their elevated, thickened and hard to the touch appearance compared to the surrounding skin.
These scars form at the site of a wound or injury, including surgical incisions, burns, and traumatic injuries to the skin.
Hypertrophic scars often develop within weeks after the initial injury and result from an overproduction of collagen during the healing process.
These scars can be red or pink initially, may improve naturally over years to become less raised or noticeable. In some cases, they may persist without significant improvement.
Hypertrophic scars typically stay confined to the boundaries of the original wound or injury site and do not extend beyond the edges of the injured area.
The recommended treatment for hypertrophic scars are:
- Corticosteroid Injection
What causes Acne Scars?
Many factors cause acne scars. One of the most common causes is squeezing or picking at pimples. This can tear the skin, causing damage and inflammation and scarring. Other contributing factors include hormonal changes, sun exposure, poor diet, smoking, certain medications, and genetic predisposition.
Hormonal changes: Women are especially prone to acne scarring during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause due to the fluctuations of hormones.
Sun exposure: Those who spend much time in the sun can also be more likely to develop acne scars as they age. UVB radiation can damage collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, leading to scarring.
Poor diet: A diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats can lead to inflammation, contributing to scarring.
Smoking: Smoking damages the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, which leads to deeper wrinkles and an increased risk of acne scarring.
Certain medications: Some medications such as corticosteroids, lithium or phenytoin used for treating chronic conditions may promote acne formation, leading to scarring.
Genetic predisposition: Certain genetic markers increase the chances of developing acne scars due to family history and other unknown factors.
What's the cost of acne scar removal in Singapore?
The price of acne scar removal treatment in Singapore are as follows:
- Mild to moderate treatment costs: $1800 – $3500
- Severe treatment costs: $3500 – $7000
How much improvement can I expect after treatment?
The amount of improvement also depends on:
- the type of acne scar you have
- your skin type and skin response.
Sozo’s Acne Scar Treatment Price List
Treatment | Mechanism | Scar Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
360° Acne Scar Treatment Program | Combination of the most suitable treatments | All | Ask Now |
Pico Laser | Non-ablative Laser | Brown Scars, Shallow Rolling Scars | From $150 |
INFINI Fractional RF | Microneedling Radiofrequency | Deep Rolling Scars | From $850 |
EndyMed Nano-Fractional Radiofrequency | Nanofractional Radiofrequency | Shallow Rolling scars | From $500 |
EdgeOne Fractional CO2 | Fractional Ablative Laser | Box-car, Rolling Scars | From $450 |
Subcision | Mechanical Breakdown of scars | All Scars | From $400 |
TCA Cross | Chemical Breakdown of Scars | Ice Pick Scar | From $300 |
Enerjet 2.0 | Jet Pressure Subcision | All Scars | From $800 |
Rejuran S | Injectable Collagen Stimulator | All Scars | From $500 |
Price list | |
|---|---|
360° Acne Scar Treatment Program | |
Pico Laser | Mechanism Non-Ablative Laser
Scar Type Brown Scars, Shallow Rolling Scars Price From $150 |
Fractional CO2 | Mechanism Fractional Ablative Laser
Scar Type Shallow Rolling, Boxcar scars Price From $450 |
Subcision | Mechanism Mechanical Breakdown of scars
Scar Type All Scars Price From $400 |
Rejuran S | Mechanism Injectable Collagen Stimulator
Scar Type All Scars Price From $500 |
* Individual results may vary. Final treatment prices depend on severity of condition. Please see a doctor for formal face-to-face medical consult.
Our Certified Acne Scar Doctor
Dr. Justin Boey
Dr Justin Boey is a dedicated medical practitioner trained in the latest acne scar treatments and technologies. He is interested in skin conditions and aims to help you achieve clear, healthy skin with minimal downtime. Call us today to book an appointment for your acne scar treatment!
FAQ
Are acne scars permanent?
The scars one has doesn’t have to define them. Whether the scarring is permanent depends on the kind of scarring one has left behind after pimples. For teens, some new acne scarring fade away on their own over time. Deep scars may require micro-needling treatment. Consult with a dermatology or skin doctor to find out the best treatment method with least side effects for you.
How can I remove acne scars?
It depends on the kind of acne marks. There are spot treatments and oral medications that can minimize the appearance of some mild acne scars over time. Severe acne scars can be fully treated with subcision and medical treatments.
What is the best acne scar removal treatment?
There are different kinds of acne scar treatments that can help remove or reduce the appearance of acne scarring, such as punch excision, Chemical peels, subcision, and Laser Treatments.
How much does it cost?
Cost for Acne Scar removal treatments ranges from $300 to $850, The price depends on the type of problem, your condition, and the treatment you wish to avail. Consult with our expert for a customized approach to give you the best acne removal results.
How is the Sozoclinic's Acne Scar Treatments different from other Clinics?
Sozo Clinic’s acne scar treatments are specifically tailored for each individual. Our treatments combine the latest technologies to deliver optimal results and minimal downtime. We also work with you to determine what works best for your skin condition, lifestyle and budget.
What kind of acne scars are most suitable for the treatments?
Acne scar treatments vary with the type of scars you have. Rolling, boxcar and ice pick scars are most suitable for treatment. Hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory erythema can also be improved with our treatments.
Is it painful?
The treatments may cause some discomfort, especially with the ablative laser. However, it is very manageable, and most patients do not require any sedation or anaesthesia. We will ensure you are comfortable during your treatment session.
Is there any downtime?
Yes, there may be some downtime depending on the treatment used. Most patients return to work after a day or two of rest. However, you should avoid strenuous activities for at least a week after your session.
How many treatments do I need, and how long will it take to see visible results?
It depends on the severity of the scarring. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal results. Results may start to appear after the first few sessions, but it will take some time before you can see the outcome.
How long is each session?
Each session usually lasts between 30 to 45 minutes.
