Acne scarring can occur when inflammation damages the deeper structure of the skin. It is more likely after painful cysts, nodules, severe inflammation, delayed acne control, picking or squeezing spots, or a tendency to scar.

No. Red marks and brown pigmentation after acne are often flat colour changes. True acne scars usually involve a change in skin texture, such as pitting, dents, tethering or raised scar tissue.

Common acne scar types include ice-pick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars, tethered scars, hypertrophic scars and keloid scars. Many people have a mixture of scar types.

Complete removal is rarely realistic. Treatment aims to improve the appearance, soften scar edges, improve texture and reduce visibility. The degree of improvement varies from person to person.

Treatment may include active acne control, microneedling, RF microneedling, chemical peels, laser, pigment management, TCA CROSS, subcision referral, regenerative support or combination treatment depending on scar type and skin suitability.

Microneedling may help selected textural acne scars by stimulating repair and collagen remodelling. It is usually course-based and may not be enough for very deep ice-pick or tethered scars.

Laser may be useful for selected acne scars and post-acne marks, but it is not suitable for everyone. Skin tone, pigmentation risk, active acne, medication history and scar type must be assessed first.

TCA CROSS is a focused chemical technique sometimes used for narrow ice-pick scars. It should only be considered after assessment, as it carries risks including pigmentation change and irritation.

Subcision is a specialist procedure used for selected tethered or rolling scars. It releases fibrous bands beneath the scar. Some patients may need referral to a clinician who performs this procedure regularly.

Usually, yes. If acne is still inflamed or flaring, controlling it first helps reduce the risk of new scarring and makes later scar treatment more predictable.

This depends on the scar type, treatment method and response. Many acne scar treatments require a course of sessions and several months to judge improvement.

Many treatments can be used safely with careful planning, but pigmentation risk must be considered. Treatment choice, settings, preparation, aftercare and sun protection are especially important.

The featured starting price for an acne scar consultation is from £150. Further treatment costs depend on whether you need acne control, peels, microneedling, RF microneedling, laser, TCA CROSS, subcision referral or combination treatment. Please check the full pricing page for detailed and updated pricing.

Existing scars do not usually “come back” in the same way, but new scars can form if active acne returns or remains uncontrolled. Maintenance acne care may be part of the plan.