Acne scars are one of the most common reasons patients visit Skinhorizon Clinic. They can persist long after active acne has cleared, affecting confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, modern dermatology offers effective solutions — and laser resurfacing remains one of the most powerful. But what exactly is it, and how does it improve acne scars?

What is Laser Resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is an advanced skin treatment that uses concentrated beams of light to remove damaged skin cells and stimulate collagen production. By carefully targeting the skin’s surface and deeper layers, it remodels scar tissue and encourages healthy new skin growth. At Skinhorizon, we use fractional CO₂ and non-ablative lasers, tailored to your skin type and scar severity.

How Laser Resurfacing Treats Acne Scars

Acne scars occur when inflammation damages the skin’s collagen during healing. Laser resurfacing addresses this in two ways:

• Resurfacing the surface – removing or smoothing the top layer of damaged skin, reducing scar depth and roughness.
• Stimulating collagen – encouraging new collagen fibres to form, plumping depressed scars and improving overall texture.

Over time, this leads to smoother, more even-toned skin.

Types of Acne Scars Laser Can Treat

Different acne scars respond differently to laser therapy:

• Boxcar scars – shallow, broad depressions that can be smoothed with fractional CO₂ laser.
• Rolling scars – wave-like depressions that improve with collagen stimulation.
• Ice pick scars – narrow, deep scars that may need combined treatments (TCA CROSS + laser).
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – dark marks that improve with non-ablative lasers and resurfacing.

Fractional CO₂ vs Non-Ablative Lasers

At Skinhorizon, we offer both ablative and non-ablative options depending on your needs:

Laser Type	How It Works	Best For	Downtime
Fractional CO2 laser	Removes columns of damaged skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact.	Moderate to severe acne scars, texture irregularities.	5–7 days of redness and peeling.
Non-ablative laser	Heats skin without removing layers, stimulating collagen.	Mild scars, pigmentation, early ageing signs.	1–2 days of mild redness.

What to Expect During Treatment

1. Consultation – Your dermatologist assesses scar type and skin tone using 3D skin analysis.
2. Preparation – Numbing cream or local anaesthesia is applied.
3. Treatment – The laser is directed to scarred areas in short pulses.
4. Recovery – Redness, swelling, and mild peeling occur as new skin regenerates.

Benefits of Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scars

• Smoother skin texture.
• Reduction in scar depth and visibility.
• Even skin tone and improved pigmentation.
• Stimulated collagen for lasting results.
• Customisable intensity depending on scar type and downtime tolerance.

Aftercare and Recovery

Proper aftercare is essential for healing and results:

• Apply gentle, hydrating skincare recommended by your clinician.
• Avoid sun exposure and use SPF 30+ daily.
• Do not pick or peel treated skin.
• Follow a tailored skincare routine provided by your dermatologist.

Results continue to improve over 3–6 months as collagen remodelling takes place.

Combining Laser with Other Treatments

For optimal results, laser resurfacing can be combined with other therapies:

• Microneedling with exosomes – enhances healing and collagen stimulation.
• Dermal fillers – lift deep rolling scars for smoother skin.
• Chemical peels – improve pigmentation and overall tone.
• TCA CROSS – for stubborn ice pick scars, combined with fractional laser.

Before & After: Patient Results

Is Laser Resurfacing Right for You?

Laser resurfacing is best for patients with persistent acne scarring who are in good overall skin health. A consultation is essential to determine the right type of laser and whether combination therapy is needed. Active acne must be controlled before beginning scar treatments.