Acne scar treatment at Dr Elif Clinic is a consultant dermatologist-led programme on Harley Street that uses laser resurfacing, radiofrequency microneedling and, where needed, subcision and skin boosters to smooth ice-pick, boxcar, rolling and raised acne scars. Treatments are planned around your scar type and skin tone, with minimal downtime, and our team has performed over a thousand acne scar sessions this year alone with our own laser protocol, Acne Scar Clear.
Book an acne scar consultation on Harley Street or call / WhatsApp +44 7979 725302.
What is acne scar treatment?
Acne scars are the marks or indentations left behind once an inflamed spot has healed. They form because the skin’s tissue is damaged during healing, often by inflammation or by picking at the spot. Acne scar treatment is any procedure that rebuilds that damaged tissue: lasers and radiofrequency microneedling stimulate new collagen so the skin surface levels out, subcision releases the fibrous bands that pull a scar downwards, and skin boosters or fillers lift a depressed scar to the level of the surrounding skin.
Laser acne scar treatment is the core of our approach. By targeting the damaged skin and stimulating collagen production, the laser helps rejuvenate the skin, reduce the visibility of scars and give a more even complexion. Sessions are quick, downtime is minimal, and whether you are dealing with raised or depressed scars, a course of treatment can make a noticeable difference.
Types of acne scars we treat
The right treatment depends on the type of scar, so the first step at your consultation is to identify what you have. Most people have a mixture.
| Scar type | What it looks like | How we usually treat it |
|---|---|---|
| Ice-pick scars (atrophic) | Deep, narrow pits | Fractional / CO2 laser, RF microneedling |
| Boxcar scars (atrophic) | Wider, rectangular indentations with defined edges | Laser resurfacing, subcision, skin booster or filler |
| Rolling scars (atrophic) | Wavy depressions that give the skin a rolling texture | Subcision, RF microneedling, laser |
| Hypertrophic scars | Raised bumps caused by excess collagen during healing | Laser, RF microneedling |
| Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) | Flat, discoloured marks, more common in darker skin tones; not a true scar | Laser and light therapies, medical skincare |
Acne scar treatment options at Dr Elif Clinic
Laser resurfacing
Our patented laser protocol, Acne Scar Clear, uses fractional laser and CO2 laser resurfacing to remove damaged surface tissue and trigger collagen remodelling underneath. It is our first choice for ice-pick and boxcar scarring and for overall skin texture.
Radiofrequency microneedling (Morpheus 8 and AI-RF)
Morpheus 8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to reach deeper layers of the skin than traditional microneedling or RF alone, which makes it well suited to rolling scars, uneven texture and skin laxity. Our AI-assisted RF microneedling offers the same principle with device-guided depth control.
Subcision
Subcision is a minor procedure in which a fine needle is passed under the scar to break up the fibrous tissue tethering it down, allowing the skin to lift and new collagen to fill the space. It is often combined with laser or RF microneedling for rolling and boxcar scars.
Skin boosters and dermal fillers
For individual depressed scars, a polynucleotide skin booster or a small amount of dermal filler can raise the scar to the level of the surrounding skin and improve overall skin quality between laser sessions.
Medical skincare
An effective daily skincare programme supports every in-clinic treatment: it keeps active acne under control so new scars do not form, and it helps fade post-inflammatory marks. Your plan is set at consultation and reviewed as your skin changes.
Acne scar treatment before and after
Results from acne scar laser treatment at Dr Elif Clinic. Individual results vary with scar type, skin tone and the number of sessions.
Why patients choose Dr Elif Clinic for acne scars
- Dermatologist-led: every plan is set and reviewed by a consultant dermatologist, not a technician.
- Experience: over a thousand acne scar sessions performed this year alone at our Harley Street clinic.
- Smoother skin: lasers and RF microneedling reduce the depth and visibility of scars and even out skin texture.
- Collagen, not cover-up: treatments stimulate your skin’s own collagen for natural repair rather than masking the scar.
- Minimally invasive, minimal downtime: no surgery; most people return to daily activities quickly with only minor redness or swelling.
- Customised: laser settings, depth and combination treatments are tailored to your scar type and skin tone.
What to expect
Consultation. Your dermatologist examines the scars, identifies the types present, checks your skin tone and any active acne, and agrees a combination and number of sessions with you.
Treatment. Sessions are quick. Numbing cream is applied where needed; laser or RF microneedling is then delivered over the scarred areas, with subcision or skin booster added on the same visit when it is part of your plan.
Aftercare. Expect minor redness or swelling for a short period. You will be given simple aftercare instructions, including sun protection, and a review is booked to plan the next session.
Acne scar treatment pricing is listed on our price list. If you also have active breakouts, read about our acne treatments first, as clearing active acne comes before scar work.
Acne scar treatment FAQs
There is no single best treatment: it depends on the scar type. Ice-pick and boxcar scars respond best to fractional or CO2 laser resurfacing, rolling scars to subcision combined with RF microneedling, and post-inflammatory marks to laser and light therapies with medical skincare. Most patients have a mixture, so we usually combine treatments.
Numbing cream is applied before laser or RF microneedling, so most people describe a warm, prickling sensation rather than pain. Minor redness or swelling afterwards is normal and settles quickly.
It depends on the depth and type of scarring. A course of several sessions is usual, and your dermatologist will agree the number with you at consultation and review progress after each visit.
Downtime is minimal. Expect minor redness or swelling for a short period after laser or RF microneedling; most people return to their daily activities quickly. Sun protection is essential during healing.
Yes. Darker skin tones are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so your dermatologist selects the laser type, settings and depth accordingly and builds in medical skincare to protect the skin. This is one reason acne scar treatment should be dermatologist-led.
Active acne is brought under control first, otherwise new scars keep forming while old ones are treated. We assess both at the same consultation and plan the order of treatment.
Laser resurfacing works on the skin surface and the layer just beneath it, which suits ice-pick and boxcar scars and overall texture. Morpheus 8 delivers radiofrequency through microneedles into deeper layers, which suits rolling scars, laxity and thicker skin. Many plans use both.
At Dr Elif Clinic, 54 Harley Street, London W1G 9PZ. Treatments are dermatologist-led; book online or call / WhatsApp +44 7979 725302.
Book an acne scar consultation on Harley Street or call / WhatsApp +44 7979 725302.
