Concern 01

Acne &
Acne Scars.

Active breakouts, post-inflammatory marks, and atrophic scarring are treated as distinct clinical problems at IVI. Our doctors address active inflammation first, then remodel scarred skin with a combination protocol selected for your specific scar pattern.

Clinical overview

Why acne and acne scarring are treated separately.

Acne is an inflammatory condition of the pilosebaceous unit — the hair follicle and sebaceous gland — driven by a combination of sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinisation, C. acnes bacterial colonisation, and inflammatory response. Acne scars are the structural consequence: collagen damage, fibrosis, or pigment irregularity left behind after the inflammation resolves.

Treating scars while active acne is still present can worsen inflammation and produce uneven outcomes. Our protocol typically calms active disease first — through oral or topical medication and adjunctive in-clinic care — then addresses the residual scarring through laser and energy-based remodelling.

Each acne scar pattern (rolling, boxcar, ice-pick, hypertrophic) responds differently. Your doctor will document the scar morphology during your consultation and select the combination of treatments most likely to remodel that specific pattern.

Treatment options

Treatments most often used.

Picosecond Laser
Ultra-short laser pulses target post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and remodel mild atrophic scarring with minimal thermal effect on surrounding tissue.
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Selective RF Microneedling (Sylfirm X®)
Pulsed-wave and continuous-wave RF microneedling — targets active acne inflammation and remodels scarred tissue at the dermal level.
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Fractional RF Microneedling (Morpheus 8®)
Deeper RF microneedling for significant atrophic scar remodelling, improving skin texture and stimulating dermal collagen reorganisation.
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Polynucleotide Skin Booster (Rejuran®)
Polynucleotide injection that supports the skin's own healing response — used adjunctively for textural irregularity and post-inflammatory recovery.
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Frequently asked

Common questions about acne scar treatment.

What's the difference between active acne and acne scars?
Active acne refers to current inflammation: papules, pustules, comedones and cysts. Acne scars refer to lasting changes in skin texture or pigmentation after acne resolves: atrophic (depressed) scars, hypertrophic (raised) scars, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Different treatments apply to each, and they're often addressed in sequence — calming active acne first, then remodelling the scarring.
How many sessions are typically needed?
This varies significantly by scar type and depth. Mild post-inflammatory marks may improve over 2 to 4 sessions of picosecond laser. Deeper atrophic scars typically require 4 to 8 sessions of fractional RF microneedling spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Your doctor will set realistic expectations after assessing your specific scarring pattern in person.
Is there downtime after acne scar laser treatment?
Picosecond laser typically has minimal downtime — mild redness for a few hours. Fractional RF microneedling involves 2 to 5 days of social downtime: visible micro-channels, pinpoint redness, and skin tightness. Your doctor will explain post-procedure care and what to expect for your specific treatment plan.
Can I treat acne scars while I still have active acne?
Active inflammation should be controlled first. Treating active acne with scar treatments can worsen inflammation and produce uneven results. Your doctor will typically address active acne first — through oral or topical medication and clearance protocols — before initiating scar remodelling.
Book a consultation

Speak with
one of our doctors.

Every consultation begins with a detailed assessment of your specific acne and scarring pattern. Your doctor will explain realistic treatment options for your skin.

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