Acne scars form when severe or prolonged breakouts damage deeper layers of the skin, leading to permanent textural changes. These scars come in various forms – ice pick, boxcar, rolling, or hypertrophic – and can appear as pits, raised lesions, or uneven textures. Factors like genetics, skin type, and how your body heals can influence the severity of scarring.
But there’s good news: modern aesthetic treatments have made it possible to significantly reduce, and in some cases nearly eliminate, acne scars. At Lift Clinic Toronto, we offer a suite of advanced procedures to help you reclaim smooth, radiant skin – and renewed confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Acne Scars Have Solutions: From laser therapy to subcision and RF microneedling, multiple treatments can dramatically reduce the appearance of acne scars.
- Customized Approach Works Best: Different scar types (ice pick, boxcar, rolling) often require a combination of procedures for optimal results.
- Advanced Technology at Lift Clinic: Options like Forever Clear BBL®, Sylfirm X RF microneedling, subcision, dermal fillers, and chemical peels can each target specific scarring issues.
- Professional Guidance Is Essential: An expert consultation ensures the right treatment plan for your unique skin type, scar severity, and lifestyle.
- Long-Term Maintenance: Achieving smoother skin takes consistency, proper skincare and occasional follow-up treatments help maintain lasting improvements.
Understanding Different Types of Acne Scars
1. Ice Pick Scars
- Appearance: Deep, narrow pits resembling tiny punctures in the skin.
- Cause: Often formed after an inflammatory breakout or cystic acne.
- Typical Treatment: Techniques like microneedling and RF microneedling are highly effective.
2. Boxcar Scars
- Appearance: Wider depressions with well-defined edges.
- Cause: Tissue loss following severe acne lesions.
- Typical Treatment: MOXI™ Laser, microneedling or chemical peels help resurface and smooth edges.
3. Rolling Scars
- Appearance: Broad, shallow indentations giving the skin a wavy appearance.
- Cause: Fibrous bands develop between the skin and underlying tissue.
- Typical Treatment: Subcision to break these bands, often combined with fillers or microneedling.
4. Hypertrophic (Raised) Scars
- Appearance: Raised, firm scar tissue on the surface of the skin.
- Cause: Excess collagen production during the healing process.
- Typical Treatment: May respond to laser treatments, steroid injections, microneedling or other targeted therapies.
Why Seek Professional Help for Acne Scars?
- Accurate Diagnosis: Different scar types require tailored treatments.
- Advanced Technology: Medical-grade lasers and devices like Sylfirm X are only available through qualified clinics.
- Safety & Expertise: DIY solutions or unverified treatments can worsen scarring or cause new skin issues.
- Long-Term Support: Clinics can offer a skincare routine and follow-up procedures for sustained results.
Top Acne Scar Treatments at Lift Clinic Toronto
1. Forever Clear BBL® – Acne Laser Treatment
- What It Is:
Forever Clear BBL® uses BroadBand Light technology to target acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote skin healing. It’s also effective for diminishing the appearance of mild scarring. - How It Works:
- BLUE Light: Eliminates acne-causing bacteria deep within the pores.
- YELLOW Light: Reduces active inflammation and redness.
- INFRA-RED: Heats and stimulates collagen production to minimize scarring and improve skin texture.
- Why It Helps Acne Scars:
Over time, BBL® treatments boost collagen, making minor textural irregularities from acne scars appear smoother. This approach is especially beneficial for newer scars or mild textural changes. - Downtime:
Minimal. You might notice mild redness, but most patients return to normal activities immediately.
2. Sylfirm X Microneedling with Radiofrequency
- What It Is:
Sylfirm X is the only microneedling device combining pulse wave and continuous wave RF energy. It treats a wide range of conditions, like rosacea, melasma, and, importantly, acne scars, by stimulating collagen and remodeling the skin at multiple depths. - How It Works:
- Tiny, gold-plated needles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin.
- RF energy is delivered to the deeper layers, accelerating collagen and elastin production.
- Dual-wave technology targets scar tissue more effectively than conventional microneedling.
- Why It Helps Acne Scars:
By breaking up scar tissue and kickstarting robust collagen synthesis, Sylfirm X can smooth out indented scars and enhance overall skin tone. It’s especially helpful for rolling or boxcar scars. - Downtime:
Mild redness or swelling may last 1-2 days. Most patients require 3-4 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results.
3. MOXI™ laser
- What It Is:
MOXI™ is a versatile fractional laser treatment designed to tackle a variety of skin concerns, including acne scarring. By gently resurfacing the skin, MOXI™ works to improve texture, tone, and clarity with minimal downtime. - How It Works:
Fractional Laser Energy: Delivers controlled micro-injuries to the skin’s surface.
Collagen Stimulation: The body’s natural healing response kicks in, boosting collagen production and cell turnover.
Gradual Renewal: Over time, new collagen helps fill in and smooth out acne scars, reducing their
visibility. - Why It Helps Acne Scars:
MOXI™ effectively resurfaces the skin, targeting irregularities in texture and pigmentation. As collagen is rebuilt, acne scars become less pronounced, leading to a smoother, more refined complexion. It’s especially beneficial for mild to moderate scarring and for patients seeking a gentle treatment option. - Downtime:
Mild redness or swelling, similar to a light sunburn, may last a few days. Most people can resume daily activities immediately. Multiple sessions are often recommended for optimal results.
4. Acne Scar Subcision
- What It Is:
Subcision is a minimally invasive technique specifically designed to treat depressed acne scars by releasing fibrotic strands that tether the scar to deeper tissues. - How It Works:
- A tiny needle is inserted under the scar to break up these fibrous bands.
- Once released, the scar lifts, and the body’s natural healing process forms new collagen in the space.
- Combining subcision with fillers or microneedling can further improve results.
- Why It Helps Acne Scars:
Especially effective for rolling scars, subcision addresses the root cause of scar depression, the tug-of-war between surface skin and deep scar tissue. - Downtime:
Mild bruising and swelling are common. Most patients see significant results within weeks, with potential follow-up treatments for more severe scars.
5. Dermal Fillers
- What They Are:
Dermal fillers usually contain hyaluronic acid to instantly restore volume. While commonly used for lips or cheeks, fillers can also elevate depressed acne scars. - How They Work:
- HA (Hyaluronic Acid) attracts and retains moisture.
- Injecting filler beneath an indented scar can provide immediate lift, smoothing out the skin’s surface.
- Why They Help Acne Scars:
Fillers offer near-instant correction for certain types of rolling or boxcar scars, improving the skin’s overall texture. - Downtime:
Minimal. Mild swelling or bruising can occur for a day or two. Results typically last 6-12 months, after which repeat treatments might be necessary.
6. Chemical Peels
- What They Are:
Chemical peels involve applying a specialized solution – like alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA)-to exfoliate the top layers of skin, triggering cell turnover and collagen production. - How They Work:
- The peel solution removes damaged outer layers.
- New, healthier skin emerges, reducing the appearance of shallow scars.
- Collagen production is stimulated, leading to gradual improvement.
- Why They Help Acne Scars:
Peels are excellent for superficial scarring, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin texture enhancement. - Downtime:
Light peels have little downtime, while medium or deep peels can involve a few days of redness and peeling.
Combining Treatments for Optimal Results
Many patients benefit from a multi-modal approach, such as:
- Subcision + RF Microneedling: Break fibrotic bands, then stimulate deeper collagen to remodel skin.
- Laser (Forever Clear BBL®) + Chemical Peel: Reduce active acne, fade hyperpigmentation, and resurface mild scars.
- Filler + Subcision: Lift depressed scars immediately with filler and promote longer-term collagen growth via subcision.
During your personalized consultation at Lift Clinic Toronto, our experts may recommend a combination of procedures to best address your specific acne scar types and severity.
Ready to Transform Your Skin?
Don’t let acne scars define you. At Lift Clinic Toronto, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve a clearer, smoother complexion. Whether you choose Forever Clear BBL®, Sylfirm X, subcision, fillers, or a combination approach, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
- Email: info@liftclinictoronto.com
- Phone: 647-835-5438
- Address: 66 Portland St Suite 101, Toronto, ON M5V 2M6 – Google Maps Link
- or fill out our Contact Inquiry Form for personalized recommendation
Embrace the confidence that comes with radiant, scar-free skin, start your acne scar treatment journey today!