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Understanding Your Acne Scars: It Starts with a Diagnosis
Acne scars are permanent textural changes that occur on the skin as a result of severe acne. While acne itself is a temporary condition, the scars it leaves behind can last a lifetime without professional intervention.
How Scars Form: The Role of Collagen When an acne cyst or nodule becomes inflamed, it can penetrate deep into the skin, damaging the dermis (the second layer of skin). The skin attempts to repair this damage by producing new collagen fibers.
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Depressed Scars: If the body produces too little collagen during healing, a depression or pit forms.
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Raised Scars: If the body produces too much collagen, a raised or lumpy scar forms.
Important Distinction: Acne Marks vs. Acne Scars It is common to confuse "marks" with "scars," but they require different treatments:
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Acne Marks (PIE / PIH): These are flat red or brown spots left after a breakout. They are temporary pigment changes, not permanent skin damage. While they fade over time (3-6 months), lasers like Vbeam can speed up the process significantly.
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True Acne Scars: These are actual indentations or bumps in the skin's texture. They do not disappear on their own and require medical treatments like CO2 Fractional Laser or Subcision to remodel the skin structure.
Analysing your Acne Scar Condition
Ice Pick Scar
Rolling Scar
Boxcar Scar
Keloid Scar
Atrophic Scars
Hypertrophic Scars
Types of Acne Scars
1. Ice Pick Scars (Deep Pits)
Often considered the most stubborn scar type, Ice Pick scars appear as deep, narrow punctures that extend into the lower layers of the skin (dermis), resembling small holes made by an ice pick. Because they are too deep for standard resurfacing to reach the bottom, they are best treated with TCA Cross to chemically reconstruct the scar base, followed by CO2 Fractional Laser to smooth the surface.
2. Boxcar Scars (Sharp Craters)
Boxcar scars are round or oval depressions characterized by steep, sharp vertical edges, giving the skin a "pitted" or crater-like appearance. Unlike ice pick scars, they are wider at the surface. Shallow boxcar scars respond well to Laser Resurfacing (CO2), while deeper ones may require Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling or Subcision to elevate the depressed skin.
3. Rolling Scars (Wavy Texture)
If your skin has an uneven, rolling, or wave-like texture, you likely have Rolling Scars. These are caused by fibrous bands of tissue that pull the skin surface down towards the subcutaneous layer ("tethering"). Since the problem lies beneath the surface, Subcision is the gold standard treatment to physically cut these bands, often combined with Rejuran Healer or Dermal Fillers to prevent re-adhesion and restore volume.
4. Keloid & Hypertrophic Scars (Raised Lumps)
Unlike the depressed scars above, these are raised, firm lumps caused by an overproduction of collagen during the healing process. They are common along the jawline and chest. Treatment focuses on flattening the scar using Corticosteroid Injections (Intralesional) and reducing redness/itchiness with the Vbeam Laser. Aggressive resurfacing is generally avoided to prevent worsening the condition.
5. Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)
Often mistaken for permanent scarring, PIE refers to the flat red or pink marks left behind by acne inflammation. This redness is caused by dilated blood vessels (capillaries) under the skin, not by pigment or textural damage. As a vascular condition, it responds best to the Vbeam Laser, which targets the blood vessels to clear redness significantly faster than natural healing.
How Doctors
Treat Rosacea:
A Medical Approach
How Doctors
Treat Acne Scars:
A Medical Approach
At KINS Clinic, we offer evidence-based treatment options. Your personalized plan may include one or several approaches, depending on your individual presentation.
Option
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Laser therapy is a fundamental method for addressing the visible aftermath of acne, including uneven skin texture, depressed scars, and persistent redness. At KINS Clinic, we utilize HSA-approved laser technology specifically designed for skin resurfacing and deep collagen remodeling.
Laser Treatment
Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) / Vascular Laser (VBeam)
Vbeam laser therapy is a targeted treatment used to address the vascular components of acne scarring, specifically the persistent red marks known as Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE).
How It Works
We utilize the Vbeam Prima, a Pulsed-Dye Laser designed to specifically target the hemoglobin within dilated blood vessels. By delivering precise bursts of light energy, the laser helps to reduce the visibility of the blood vessels that cause redness, without damaging the surrounding tissue. This process is intended to assist in improving overall skin tone and restoring a more even complexion.
Benefits & Downtime
The treatment is non-invasive and typically requires minimal downtime, making it a convenient option for many patients. It is particularly relevant for individuals with red acne marks, as it focuses on calming the skin and reducing vascular prominence. While multiple sessions may be needed to achieve optimal outcomes, Vbeam therapy serves as an important preparatory step to manage redness before addressing deeper textural concerns.
First trial: $288
CO2 Fractional Laser
The CO2 Fractional Laser is a widely established method for skin resurfacing, specifically addressing depressed acne scars such as boxcar and rolling scars. It is designed to remodel the skin structure to improve uneven texture.
How It Works
This technology works by creating thousands of microscopic channels (thermal zones) deep into the dermis, while leaving small bridges of untreated skin in between. This controlled process triggers the body’s natural wound-healing response, stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin fibers. As the skin heals, the fresh tissue helps to fill in the depressed areas and smooth out the skin surface.
Benefits & Downtime
The primary aim is to gradually reduce the depth of scars and refine skin texture. Patients typically experience a recovery period of 3 to 5 days, during which redness and micro-scabs (tiny crusts) may appear as part of the healing process. This treatment is often recommended for those seeking visible improvements in skin smoothness over a series of sessions.
First trial: $288
Option
Biostimulator treatment focuses on improving the overall quality and resilience of scarred or compromised skin by supporting its natural barrier function and healing capacity. At KINS Clinic, we use a PN-based biostimulator formulation designed to encourage deep skin repair and restore balance — offering a scientifically backed complement to medical acne scar management.
Biostimulator Treatment
PN-based Biostimulator Injection
Polynucleotide (PN) treatments, such as Rejuran, are injectable therapies derived from salmon DNA. They are used to improve the physiological environment of the skin, focusing on hydration and repair at the cellular level.
How It Works
Unlike fillers that simply add volume, PN treatments work by delivering biological building blocks to the dermis. This helps to repair damaged DNA and reduce inflammation. When used in combination with laser treatments, PN supports the skin’s natural regenerative capacity, thickening the dermis and improving elasticity from within.
Benefits & Downtime
Incorporating PN healers is intended to enhance overall skin quality and support faster recovery following laser procedures. It acts as a synergistic treatment to optimize the outcome of scar revision. The downtime is minimal, usually consisting of small bumps or needle marks that subside within 1 to 2 days.
First trial: $750
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Option
Microbiome skincare for Acne Scars
The KINS Microbiome Program
The KINS Microbiome Program takes a holistic approach to acne management by focusing on the skin’s resident flora (bacteria). This program is designed to address the underlying factors that contribute to acne and inflammation.
How It Works
We assess the balance of your skin microbiome to identify potential causes of chronic inflammation. Based on this assessment, we provide specialized care and advice aimed at restoring a healthy bacterial balance and strengthening the skin barrier. This approach targets the root environment of the skin rather than just the surface symptoms.
Benefits & Downtime
The goal is to support long-term skin resilience and manage the risk of future breakouts, which is crucial for preventing new scarring. This is a non-invasive management program with no downtime, allowing patients to integrate it easily into their daily routine.
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First trial: $46
Why Choose Us
Expert Diagnosis and Treatment
At KINS Clinic, our doctors personally examine each patient and provide customized treatment plans based on individual skin types and conditions.
Science-Based Treatments
We utilize scientifically proven methods, including laser treatments, injections, prescription medications, and microbiome therapies.
Safety and Effectiveness
Our treatments adhere to strict safety standards, minimizing side effects while ensuring high efficacy.
Comprehensive Care
We offer holistic care, addressing not just acne but also acne scars and other skin concerns.
Extensive Experience
With over 30 years of experience, we provide treatments specifically tailored for Asian skin.
KINS Clinic DOCTOR'S PROFILE
Dermatologist and Chief Medical Advisor
Fellows of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS) / Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP) / Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS)
Prior to joining KINS Clinic, Dr. Henry Loh was a co- founding partner of Dermatology Associates, one of the largest private dermatology clinic groups in Singapore. He has also been instrumental in promoting the use of the latest treatments.
Medical Director and Consultant
Post-graduate Diploma in Practical Dermatology (PgDip) / Doctor of Medicine (MD) / Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMed) / Bachelor of Science in Medicine (BSc (Med))
Dr Silver Chua specialises in the medical care of acne, rosacea, and other common skin concerns, complemented by a strong background in aesthetic treatments. She leads the fully integrated care pathway at KINS Clinic—ensuring patients receive cohesive, evidence-based care that bridges both medical and aesthetic needs. Her approach is grounded in safety, with a strong emphasis on achieving naturally balanced, lasting results.
Dr Silver is fluent in both English and Mandarin
FAQ
This page has been medically reviewed by Dr Henry Loh
