Acne scars at a glance
- The concern: atrophic scars – indentations and uneven skin texture that remain after deeper, inflammatory acne
- Why they form: the inflammation reached the dermis and damaged the collagen architecture; in healing, the body produced tissue of weaker quality
- Treatments at ESTERA: microneedling (Dermapen), chemical peels, PRP, laser protocols – usually in combination and as a course
- Important: improving texture is a gradual process; no single session removes anything permanently, but a course of controlled stimulations visibly smooths the skin
- Price: view our price list
How do acne scars form?
When acne was inflammatory and deep, the damage reached the dermis – the middle layer of the skin where collagen lives. During healing, the body „patched“ that damage with tissue of a different architecture, leaving microscopic „craters“ and irregularities on the surface that we see with the naked eye as indented scars.
That is why acne scars are not a surface problem: to be smoothed, the skin needs repeated, controlled stimulation to replace part of that scar tissue with better-quality collagen.
Why are not all scars the same?
Indented (atrophic) scars are classified by shape and depth – shallower, „box-shaped“ indentations (rolling and boxcar) respond better to treatments than deep, narrow scars (icepick). Some patients also have red or brown marks left after acne – these are not true scars but post-inflammatory changes that fade more quickly, with proper care and sun protection.
Imagine the skin as a fabric on which a permanent crease formed after the threads were damaged: you cannot erase it with a single stroke, but you can gradually even it out with careful work on its structure.
Which treatments help?
- Microneedling (Dermapen) – controlled micro-injuries stimulate collagen renewal at exactly the depth where the scar formed; the needle depth is chosen according to the type of scar and the area;
- Chemical peels – for evening out surface texture and tone, often combined with microneedling (combined protocols are also in the price list);
- PRP treatment – your own growth factors to support regeneration, on its own or alongside microneedling;
- Laser protocols – for smoothing texture and stimulating skin renewal, according to the doctor’s assessment.
What does a treatment plan look like?
A realistic result requires a course: usually several treatments a few weeks apart, with combinations of methods tailored to the type of scar and the type of skin. Progress is tracked with photographs at check-ups. With active acne, the condition itself is stabilised first – scar treatment begins once the skin is calm.
Frequently asked questions about acne scars
Can acne scars disappear completely?
Complete removal of deep scars is not a realistic promise – but their visibility can be significantly reduced with a course of treatments. The skin looks smoother and more even, and the result builds gradually.
How many microneedling treatments do I need?
It depends on the depth and age of the scars; a course of several treatments a few weeks apart is usually planned. The needle depth and protocol are chosen according to the type of scar – see the article on needle depths by indication.
Can scars be treated while I still have acne?
It is not recommended: the acne is brought under control first, and scar treatment begins once the skin is in a calm phase, so that new inflammation – and new scars – is not provoked.
Can a home peel replace professional treatment?
No. Home preparations act on the surface and can help texture and tone, but they cannot reach the depth at which a scar exists – that requires controlled professional treatments.
Book an examination at the ESTERA Clinic in Vračar and get a plan for smoother skin, step by step.
Book a consultation: +381 66 378 372
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