You finally cleared your acne. You did the work—the prescription creams, the antibiotics, maybe even isotretinoin. You look in the mirror expecting smooth skin.
Instead, you see dents. Pits. Rolling waves of texture. Or raised, firm bumps that itch.
Here is what no one told you: Acne scars do not go away on their own. And most “scar creams” you see on Instagram are a complete waste of money.
But here is also what you need to hear: You can improve your scars by 50-80%.You just need the right treatment for your specific scar type.
Here is the good news: You can improve your scars by 50-80%.
You just need the right treatment for YOUR scar type.
I am a board-certified aesthetic physician at Hatsu in Penang. Let me explain what works.
The 3 Types of Post-Acne Marks
Type 1: PIE (Post-Inflammatory Erythema) – Red Marks
| What it looks like | Flat, pink, red, or purple mark |
|---|---|
| What causes it | Broken capillaries from inflammation |
| How long it lasts | Weeks to months (fades on its own) |
| Does it need treatment? | No, but you can speed it up |
| Best treatments | Time, sunscreen, pulsed dye laser, PRP, Salmon DNA (if stubborn) |
Type 2: PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) – Brown Marks
| What it looks like | Flat, brown, gray, or black mark |
|---|---|
| What causes it | Excess melanin from inflammation |
| How long it lasts | Months to 2 years |
| Does it need treatment? | No, but sun protection is essential |
| Best treatments | Sunscreen (SPF 50), hydroquinone, retinoids, azelaic acid, laser |
Type 3: True Acne Scars – Textural Changes
| What it looks like | Dents, pits, rolling waves, or raised bumps |
|---|---|
| What causes it | Collagen loss or overgrowth during healing |
| How long it lasts | Permanent without treatment |
| Does it need treatment? | Yes (if you want improvement) |
| Best treatments | In-office procedures only (laser, microneedling, subcision, TCA CROSS, fillers, steroid injections) |
Quick Treatment Guide
| Scar Type | Best Treatment at Hatsu | Sessions | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice pick | TCA CROSS | 2-4 | 50-80% |
| Boxcar (shallow) | Microneedling/ Fractional laser | 3-6 | 40-60% |
| Boxcar (deep) | Fractional CO2 laser/ Fractional RF microneedling | 3-6 | 50-80% |
| Rolling | Subcision + filler | 3-6 | 60-80% |
| Hypertrophic / Keloid | Steroid injections | 3-6 | 60-70% flattening |
| Red marks (PIE) | Pulsed dye laser / PRP / Salmon DNA | 2-4 | 60-80% |
| Brown marks (PIH) | Azelaic acid/ Retinoid acid/ Q-switched laser/ Pico Laser | if laser will need 3-6 | 70-90% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I treat my scars at home with creams?
No. True scars are in the deep layer of your skin. Creams cannot reach there. Save your money.
Q: How long after Accutane can I get scar treatment?
Wait 6 months for laser. Microneedling may be done after 3-6 months.
Q: Will my scars go away completely?
Complete removal is rare. But 50-80% improvement is realistic. Most patients are very happy.
Q: Can dark skin be treated safely?
Yes. At Hatsu Penang, we use special settings for darker skin. RF microneedling and subcision are very safe.
Q: Do treatments hurt?
Mild discomfort only. We use numbing cream or local anesthesia.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
Most patients need 4-6 sessions, spaced 4-8 weeks apart.
Q: Can I treat active acne and scars together?
No. We treat active acne first. Then we treat scars. One at a time.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Please consult with a qualified physician for your specific skin concerns.
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