Acne Scar Treatments in Austin, TX

Acne scars can develop when breakouts — particularly cystic or inflammatory acne — damage the deeper layers of skin. While not every pimple leaves a mark, scarring is more likely if blemishes are picked, squeezed, or aggravated. Acne scars most commonly appear on the face, chest, and back, and they can affect both teenagers and adults.

Although acne scarring can contribute to long-term psychosocial distress, a range of evidence-based dermatologic interventions are available. These include procedural treatments and topical therapies designed to remodel collagen, reduce textural irregularities, and improve overall skin health and appearance.

Acne scars vary in appearance, and recognizing the type of scar is an important first step in developing an effective treatment plan.

• Rolling scars – broad, shallow depressions with sloping edges
• Boxcar scars – deeper, defined indentations with sharp edges
• Ice pick scars – narrow, deep pits that extend into the skin
• Raised scars – less common, but may occur when excess collagen forms during healing

Scars themselves are painless, but some may cause areas of tightness or sensitivity. Beyond physical changes, acne scars can also contribute to self-consciousness or emotional distress.

Scars form when acne inflammation disrupts the skin’s natural healing process.

• Collagen loss leads to depressed scars.
• Excess collagen can cause raised scars.
• Picking or squeezing lesions significantly increases risk.

Anyone can develop scars, but they are more common in people with severe or cystic acne, a family history of scarring, or darker skin tones.

At ProDerm Skin & Surgery, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to the type and severity of scarring. Options may include:

• Topical Prescriptions – to improve discoloration and support collagen repair
• Microneedling – stimulates collagen production to soften indented scars
• Laser Treatments (Fraxel®, CO2, ResurFX, Laser Genesis) – resurface skin, smooth texture, and target pigmentation
• Chemical Peels – exfoliate the outer layer of skin for more even tone and texture
• Combination Therapy – often, the most effective results come from layering treatments over time

We frequently treat patients seeking improvement for:

• Depressed acne scars (rolling, boxcar, ice pick)
• Raised or thickened scars
• Red or brown discoloration following acne lesions
• Uneven skin texture from past breakouts