Do Laser Treatments Work for Acne Scars?

Acne may leave, but the scars can linger, on your skin and your confidence. From dents and pitted marks to stubborn dark spots, acne scarring can be frustrating. If you’ve tried every cream and serum under the sun with little to no change, you’re not alone.

Here’s the real deal: laser treatments can work wonders for acne scars, but only when used the right way.

At Dr Tanja Phillips Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we don’t believe in hype. We believe in results you can see and feel good about.

Why Do Acne Scars Stick Around So Long?

Acne scars aren’t just surface-level. When breakouts become inflamed or cystic, they damage the skin’s deeper layers, destroying collagen and leaving behind uneven texture and discolouration.

For some, these scars naturally fade. But for many, they settle in for the long haul—unless you treat them at the source. That’s where the laser comes in.

The Science Behind Laser for Acne Scars

Laser technology works by targeting the damaged skin tissue, stimulating the body’s natural healing process. Think of it like waking your skin up from a long nap, pushing it to create fresh collagen, shed old cells, and rebuild a smoother texture from within.

It’s not a magic wand. But for the right skin and scar types, it’s pretty close.

Types of Scars That Laser Can Help With

Before booking a session, it’s essential to understand what type of scarring you have. This isn’t just a technical detail,it’s the first step to choosing the right treatment and seeing real, visible results. Laser therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and different scars respond in different ways.

Let’s explore the most common acne scar types and how laser can help:

• Ice Pick Scars

These scars are small but deep, creating narrow holes that look like the skin has been “punctured” with a sharp object—hence the name. They often form after severe cystic acne, where the inflammation reaches deep into the skin.

Why they’re tricky: Ice pick scars sit well below the surface, which makes them harder to treat than shallower scars. Topical treatments rarely touch them.

How laser helps: Laser treatments work by stimulating collagen production beneath the skin. While they may not completely erase very deep ice pick scars, they can significantly soften their appearance over time, making them less visible and improving skin texture. Some patients may benefit from combining laser with other techniques for best results.

• Rolling Scars

Rolling scars appear as broad, wave-like depressions in the skin. They tend to create an uneven, bumpy surface and are most common on the cheeks and jawline. These scars are caused by fibrous bands pulling the skin downward, creating that rolling effect.

Why they form: Rolling scars often develop after long-term, moderate to severe acne. The skin may look uneven even when you’re acne-free.

How laser helps: Laser treatments help break down the fibrous tissue beneath the surface, releasing the tension that causes the rolling effect. At the same time, laser boosts the skin’s natural collagen production, leading to a smoother, more level surface over time. With the right plan, skin can appear noticeably more even after several sessions.

• Boxcar Scars

Boxcar scars are defined by their sharp edges and oval or round shape. They tend to be wider than ice pick scars but not as deep. These scars often show up on the temples, cheeks, and lower face.

What makes them noticeable: Their clear borders and flat bottoms often catch the light in a way that draws attention to them, especially under makeup or bright lighting.

How laser helps: Laser resurfacing can help refine the sharp edges, reduce the depth, and promote fresh skin regeneration. Over time, boxcar scars become shallower, and the surrounding skin blends more evenly. This makes the skin appear smoother and healthier, even close-up.

• Pigmented or Red Scars

These aren’t technically “scars” in the classic sense but are some of the most common post-acne concerns. They include:

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) –  flat brown or dark spots left behind after acne clears

• Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) –  pink or red patches caused by lingering inflammation

Why they happen: When your skin heals from acne, it can sometimes overproduce melanin or hold onto inflammation, especially if the breakout was severe or picked at.

How laser helps: Laser treatments can target pigment or redness directly, breaking it down so your body can naturally flush it away. This helps fade those unwanted marks faster than they’d disappear on their own. With consistency, laser helps restore a more even, balanced tone so your skin looks clearer and more uniform.

What Can Laser Treatments Do for Acne Scars?

Laser treatments use focused light energy to gently remove damaged skin cells and encourage new skin to grow. Think of it as a controlled way to help your skin renew itself from the inside out.

Here’s how it helps with acne scarring:

• Smooths the texture of indented or uneven scars
• Reduces discolouration like red or brown marks
• Stimulates collagen to improve skin firmness and repair
• Evens out overall tone and clarity

It’s not instant, but with consistency, it works.

What to Expect During Laser Treatment

If you’re new to lasers, the idea can feel a little intimidating—but the process is quite straightforward.

Here’s what typically happens:

• Before: Your skin will be cleansed and a numbing cream may be applied for comfort.
• During: The treatment lasts about 30–45 minutes. You might feel a warm or prickly sensation.
• After: You may have mild redness or tightness for a day or two, like a light sunburn.

Most people resume normal activities within a day, although we’ll recommend avoiding intense workouts, heat, or direct sun exposure for a short time.

How Many Laser Treatments Will I Need?

Laser is a gradual process, your skin needs time to heal and rebuild. Most people need a series of 3 to 6 sessions, spaced a few weeks apart. You’ll likely start to see subtle changes after the first or second visit, with more noticeable improvements as the sessions progress.

We’ll discuss your goals and give you a plan that fits both your skin’s needs and your expectations.

Can You Combine Lasers with Other Treatments?

Absolutely. In some cases, we may suggest combining lasers with other techniques like skin resurfacing treatments, exfoliating peels, or hydration boosters. These combinations can help address multiple concerns at once—such as scarring, dullness, and uneven tone.

We’ll talk through what makes the most sense for you, based on your skin and goals.

Are Results Long-Lasting?

Laser treatments don’t just cover up scars, they support your skin’s own repair process. The improvements you see can last for months or longer, especially with the right skincare routine and occasional follow-ups if needed.

It’s not about perfect skin, it’s about better skin, and giving your confidence a well-earned boost.

Is Laser Suitable for All Skin Tones?

Yes. The key is choosing the right settings and approach. At Dr Tanja Phillips Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we assess your skin type during your consultation and adjust the treatment accordingly to keep things safe and effective.

Is Laser the Right Choice for You?

If you’ve been living with acne scars that just won’t budge, laser might be the reset your skin needs. It’s not just about changing your appearance, it’s about restoring confidence and helping you feel good in your skin again.

At Dr Tanja Phillips Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we’ll sit down with you, understand your skin’s story, and guide you toward the treatment that’s right for you.

No pressure. Just honest advice, personalised care, and support every step of the way.

Ready to talk about your skin?
Book a consultation and let’s see how laser treatment could help you move forward, scar by scar, step by step.