For many people, the acne itself was hard enough. The scars it leaves behind can feel even more frustrating, because they do not go away on their own. The good news is that acne scars can be improved significantly with the right treatment. The important word is right: different scars need different treatments, and many patients spend money on procedures that were never suited to their type of scarring.
This guide explains how to tell marks from scars, the main types of acne scars, the treatments that work for each, and what to realistically expect.
Marks or Scars? The First Question
Not every spot left after a pimple is a scar.
- Acne marks are flat. They change the colour of the skin but not its texture. Brown marks are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is very common in Indian skin. Red or pink marks are post-inflammatory erythema. Marks usually fade over months, faster with sunscreen and proper treatment.
- Acne scars change the texture of the skin. They leave depressions (pits) or raised areas. Scars do not fade on their own and usually need procedures.
A simple check: run your fingertip over the area, or look at your skin in side lighting. If you can see or feel a dip or bump, it is a scar. If it is only a change in colour, it is a mark. Our pigmentation treatment is usually the right starting point for marks.
The Types of Acne Scars
- Icepick scars: Narrow, deep pits, as if the skin was pierced with a sharp tool. Common on the cheeks.
- Boxcar scars: Broader depressions with sharp, well-defined edges, usually on the cheeks and temples.
- Rolling scars: Wide, shallow depressions with sloping edges that give the skin a wavy, uneven appearance. They are caused by fibrous bands pulling the skin down from below.
- Hypertrophic scars and keloids: Raised, firm scars, more common on the jawline, chest, shoulders and back.
Most people have a mix of scar types. That is why a single treatment rarely gives the best result, and why a proper assessment matters.
Treatment Options, and Which Scars They Suit
1. Microneedling. Fine needles create controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the skin to produce new collagen, gradually filling shallow scars and improving texture. It suits rolling and shallow boxcar scars, and is often combined with PRP. See our face microneedling page.
2. Subcision. A fine needle is used under the skin to release the fibrous bands that pull rolling scars downwards. It is one of the most effective treatments for rolling scars and is often combined with microneedling or laser.
3. TCA CROSS. A high-strength acid is precisely applied inside individual icepick or narrow boxcar scars to stimulate collagen from the base of the scar. It is a targeted treatment for deep, narrow scars.
4. Fractional laser resurfacing. Fractional lasers treat tiny columns of skin at a time, stimulating collagen and resurfacing the top layer while leaving surrounding skin intact to speed healing. They work for boxcar and rolling scars and overall texture. Settings must be chosen carefully for Indian skin to avoid pigmentation. See our skin resurfacing page.
5. PRP. Growth factors from your own blood, applied during microneedling or after laser, can support healing and collagen production. Learn more about face PRP.
6. Treatment for raised scars. Hypertrophic scars and keloids are treated differently, usually with injections into the scar and other targeted methods. Resurfacing treatments meant for depressed scars are not suitable for them.
At Healthfusion, most patients receive a combination plan based on their scar types. Our scar treatment page explains how we plan this.
How Many Sessions, and What Results to Expect
Most acne scar plans involve three to six sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart. The exact number depends on the type and depth of scarring and the treatments used.
We believe in setting honest expectations:
- Most patients see a significant improvement, often around half or more, with a well-planned course.
- Complete removal is rarely realistic. Be cautious of clinics that promise "100% scar removal".
- Results build gradually. Collagen continues to remodel for several months after the last session.
- Downtime ranges from a day or two of redness after microneedling to about a week after stronger resurfacing.
Clear the Acne First
Treating scars while new pimples are still forming is like repainting a wall while it is still leaking. Active acne should usually be controlled before scar treatment, or at least treated alongside it, so that new scars stop forming. If you are taking or have recently taken oral acne medicine, your dermatologist will time procedures carefully around it.
For hormonal acne in particular, a combined approach often works best. Read our article on Ayurvedic vs modern dermatology for hormonal acne, and see our acne treatment and fusion acne and acne marks pages.
What Affects the Cost of Acne Scar Treatment in Pune
Acne scar treatment is priced according to your plan rather than a fixed package. The main factors are:
- The types and depth of your scars
- The area being treated
- The treatments needed, whether single or combined
- The number of sessions
At Healthfusion, the consultation is ₹500, and treatment sessions start at ₹1,500 per session, depending on the procedure. You receive a written plan with the expected number of sessions before you commit. EMI is available for comprehensive protocols.
Protecting Your Results
- Use sunscreen daily. New collagen and freshly treated skin are sensitive to the sun.
- Follow aftercare instructions exactly, especially after resurfacing.
- Do not pick or squeeze pimples. This is the single most important step to prevent new scars.
- Keep up with your acne maintenance routine.
Book an Acne Scar Consultation in Kharadi
Visit us at City Vista, 3rd Floor, Building A, Kharadi, Pune. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm, and Sunday 10am to 2pm.
FAQs
Can acne scars be removed completely?
Most acne scars can be improved significantly, often by around half or more with a well-planned course of treatment, but complete removal is rarely realistic. The aim is to make scars much less noticeable.
What is the difference between acne marks and acne scars?
Acne marks are flat red or brown spots that change skin colour but not texture. They usually fade over months with the right care. Acne scars change the skin's texture, leaving depressions or raised areas, and generally need procedures to improve.
How many sessions are needed for acne scar treatment?
Most patients need three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, depending on the type and depth of scarring and the treatments used. Improvement continues for a few months after the last session as collagen rebuilds.
Can I treat acne scars while I still have active acne?
Active acne should usually be controlled first. Treating scars while new pimples are still forming leads to new scars and can make some procedures unsafe. Your dermatologist will plan both together.