Acne may stop being noticed, but its reminders can show up as scars that persist for years. An acne scar results from abnormal healing of severe, inflammatory acne. There are two kinds: atrophic (pitted) acne scars and hypertrophic (raised) acne scars, depending on the level of collagen present when the acne heals.
If you develop persistent skin indentations or depressions after an acne breakout, they are known as pitted acne scars. Depending on their shape and location, they have the following subtypes: Ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars. However, there is no such fixed, best treatment for all forms of acne scars. Dermatologist-guided treatment is highly recommended for the best management of pitted acne scars.
Here you can learn the most dermatologist-recommended, effective treatments for pitted acne scar reduction in Bangalore and then make a well-informed decision. Explore the options and see which works best for you.
What Are Pitted Acne Scars and How Do They Form?
Pitted acne scars are permanent, depressed acne marks that result from collagen damage caused by inflammatory acne. During acne's natural healing process, when collagen production isn't enough to fully restore damaged skin, depressed or pitted scars develop.
There are three types of pitted acne scars:
- Ice pick scars: These are narrow, deep acne scars shaped like an ice pick. Usually, they form in areas with thin skin, like the forehead and cheeks.
- Rolling scars: These are broad, shallow skin indentations with sloping edges that make the skin surface wavy and uneven. Often, they form in areas with thicker skin, like the lower cheeks and jaw.
- Boxcar scars: These are wider skin depressions with well-defined edges that go deep into the skin. They usually appear on the lower cheeks and jaw.
Best Treatments for Pitted Acne Scars
A dermatologist-created treatment plan for pitted acne scars may include any one or more of the following procedures:
- MNRF (Microneedling Radiofrequency)
It is a powerful collagen-induction therapy in which micro-punctures are created in scarred skin using fine, insulated needles that also deliver radiofrequency energy at controlled skin depths.
Recommended for: Rolling scars, shallow boxcar scars, uneven skin texture, and enlarged pores
- Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing
This ablative laser treatment creates controlled, microthermal zones in scarred skin using focused light to boost natural collagen remodeling and resurfacing.
Recommended for: Rolling and boxcar scars, uneven skin texture, and more visible surface irregularities
- TCA Cross
It involves applying a highly concentrated trichloroacetic acid peeling solution to the scars to cause a controlled chemical injury and further natural collagen remodeling within the scars.
Recommended for: Ice pick scars and narrow/deep boxcar scars
- Punch Excision
It involves surgically removing selected scars that are very deep and narrow and fail to respond to skin resurfacing treatments, using a punch tool.
Recommended for: Deep ice pick scars and very deep boxcar scars
- Subcision
A procedure in which a specialized needle or cannula releases fibrous bands tethered to deeper tissues and gradually lifts depressed scars.
Recommended for: Rolling scars
- Dermal Fillers
These are soft-tissue filler injections containing hyaluronic acid or a collagen-boosting, gel-like substance. They add volume beneath selected pitted acne scars.
Recommended for: Rolling scars and wider, depressed scars
- PR-P or GFC therapy
Platelet-rich plasma or growth factor concentrate is an autologous preparation that helps regenerate the skin. When combined with microneedling, it can help support the natural healing of the scarred skin.
Recommended for: Deep pitted scars (only in combination with other procedures).
A dermatologist provides a personalized, combination treatment for pitted acne scars after examining the scars and evaluating individual factors.
Conclusion
There is no single best treatment for pitted acne scars. A timely consultation with an expert, experienced dermatologist is necessary if you want significant improvement in your acne scar depth, skin texture, and overall skin appearance while preventing further scarring or the need for extensive acne scar correction.
A dermatologist can determine the most appropriate treatment for your acne scar. Most likely one or more of the following procedures: Fractional CO2 laser, MNRF, TCA CROSS, punch excision, subcision, and dermal fillers.
If you are looking for the best, affordable treatment for pitted acne scars, consider consulting Best Skin Doctor in Bangalore, Dr. Rasya Dixit at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic today. She has helped many patients with the best acne scar treatments. Visit for details.
