Acne Scarring Treatment in London by Skin Experts – Consultant Dermatologist
Atrophic acne scars (boxcar, rolling, ice‑pick) and colour change after breakouts can be improved with a plan matched to your scar type, skin tone and lifestyle. We use digital skin analysis and dermoscopy to classify scars precisely, then combine microneedling ± exosomes, fractional CO₂ laser, subcision & fillers, chemical peels and LED adjuncts, supported by simple daily skincare and realistic timelines.
Introduction
Acne scars are not all the same. Some are shallow and respond quickly; others are deep and tethered; some are mostly colour change (PIH/PIE) that need pigment‑safe strategies. The best outcomes come from matching the technique to the scar subtype — and sequencing treatments so your skin can repair between sessions. At Skinhorizon Clinic, we create consultant‑led plans that balance speed, downtime and safety for your skin type (including skin of colour).
Ready for a personalised plan to smooth acne scars with clear timelines and aftercare?
What Are Acne Scars?
Acne can leave permanent changes in both skin texture and colour. Texture scars include: ice‑pick (narrow, deep), boxcar (wider with sharp edges), and rolling (broad, shallow with tethering). Colour changes include post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — brown marks more common in skin of colour — and post‑inflammatory erythema (PIE) — pink/red marks in lighter tones. Hypertrophic/keloid scars are thicker, raised and need a different approach.
Because different scars need different tools, combination therapy over a few months often gives the most natural improvement.
Diagnosis & Assessment at Skinhorizon
- Digital skin analysis (cross‑polarised/UV & topography): maps brown vs red components and helps visualise surface texture, guiding the sequence (e.g., treat PIH before/alongside texture).
- Dermoscopy: close‑up patterning of scars and pores to distinguish ice‑pick vs boxcar vs enlarged pores.
- Scar typing & grading: assess depth, tethering and distribution (cheeks, temples, jawline; body sites if relevant).
- Skin type & PIH risk: protocols tailored for skin of colour to minimise pigment change; conservative energy settings and spacing.
- Active acne control: if breakouts persist, we stabilise acne first so new scars don’t form while we’re treating old ones.
- Medical history & safety: recent isotretinoin, keloid tendency, photosensitivity, pregnancies and timetable around events.
Personalised Treatment Options We Offer
Digital Skin Analysis & Scar Classification
We start with digital skin analysis and dermoscopy to capture baseline images and classify scar patterns. This helps us decide whether to prioritise tether release (subcision), collagen induction (microneedling/CO₂), surface smoothing (peels/laser), or pigment/erythema control (topicals/LED). These images also make progress measurable beyond lighting or makeup differences.
Topical & Prescription Support
While procedures drive most texture change, topical plans support healing and tackle colour. Depending on your skin type we may use a retinoid‑based night step, azelaic‑based brightening for PIH/PIE, and strict daily SPF. We give exact “pause rules” around procedure days to protect your barrier.
Microneedling & Exosome Therapy (Adjunct)
Medical microneedling creates controlled micro‑channels that stimulate collagen and help soften shallow rolling/boxcar scars. Sessions are spaced every 4–6 weeks. We can pair this with exosome serums (e.g., DP MG‑EXO‑skin serum) as an adjunct to support the skin’s environment. Downtime is usually 24–72 hours of redness with simple aftercare. Learn more on our Microneedling page.
Fractional CO₂ Laser (Texture Resurfacing)
Fractional CO₂ laser delivers columns of energy to remodel collagen and smooth texture. It is especially effective for boxcar and some rolling scars, often after subcision has released the deepest tethers. We use conservative parameters in skin of colour and clear downtime guidance (1–7 days depending on strength). See our CO₂ Laser service.
Subcision & Fillers (for Tethered Scars)
Subcision uses a fine instrument to release fibrous bands pulling scars down, improving shadows and contour. For selected cases, a small amount of filler can support the released area while new collagen forms. This pairs well with later resurfacing (microneedling/CO₂) for a one‑two effect.
Chemical Peels (Epidermal Smoothing & PIH)
Superficial acid peels can smooth fine texture and help blend PIH. Protocols are adjusted for skin of colour to minimise pigment change; we avoid harsh depths and give a clear pre‑/post‑peel routine.
LED Phototherapy (Comfort & Recovery)
Medical‑grade LED helps calm post‑procedure redness and supports skin recovery with excellent tolerability. We time sessions around your treatment dates for comfort. Learn more on our LED Phototherapy page.
Skincare Product Support (Clinic‑Stocked)
We keep routines simple and barrier‑friendly, using products we stock in clinic:
- Cleanse: CB Acne‑prone Skin Cleansing Bar (daily) • CB Calendula Cleansing Bar (gentle days)
- Brighten/soothe: CF Azela Corrector • CF Azela Soothing • CF brightening serum
- Texture support (clinic‑directed): DP RETINAL ACTIVE (strength and frequency personalised)
- Hydrate (lightweight): DP Exo‑Skin Moisturiser 30 ml
- SPF (daily): CF SPF Clear • CF SPF Gold • CF SPF Bronze (tinted)
- Scar optimisation (post‑procedure, once epithelialised): Improscar Patch • Improscar Stick 50
Your Care Journey at Skinhorizon
- Baseline & planning: digital analysis + dermoscopy; classify scars and set realistic goals (e.g., softer shadows, smoother makeup wear).
- Stabilise acne if needed: there’s no point fixing scars while new breakouts form — we’ll adjust your acne plan first if necessary.
- Sequence: subcision (if tethered) → microneedling/CO₂ resurfacing → blend PIH/PIE as needed; LED for recovery.
- Aftercare: simple cleanse, moisturise, SPF; pause rules for actives; red‑flag checklist provided.
- Review & maintain: repeat images, adjust intensity, build a maintenance routine to protect gains.
Special Situations We Consider
- Skin of colour: higher PIH risk → conservative energy, longer spacing, pigment‑safe routines and strict SPF.
- Recent isotretinoin: timing for procedures discussed individually based on dose/interval and skin status.
- Hypertrophic/keloid tendency: alternative strategies and close follow‑up; silicone support early in healing.
- Active eczema/dermatitis: barrier‑first approach; calm skin before resurfacing.
- Event timing: plan around travel, weddings and exams to avoid downtime conflicts.
Aftercare & Maintenance
Expect temporary redness, warmth and tightness after microneedling/laser; micro‑crusting can occur with CO₂. Keep skincare gentle, avoid hot saunas and hard workouts for 48–72 hours, and wear SPF daily. We’ll tell you exactly when to restart actives and how to handle any dryness or flaking.
- Cleanse: CB Baby or CB Calendula Cleansing Bar (lukewarm water; pat dry).
- Moisturise: DP Exo‑Skin Moisturiser 30 ml (thin, frequent layers for comfort).
- Sun: CF SPF Clear / CF SPF Gold / CF SPF Bronze every morning; reapply outdoors.
- Scar support (after epithelialisation): Improscar Patch or Improscar Stick 50 on focal areas if advised.
Daily Skin Routine (Scar‑ & Pigment‑Safe)
A steady routine protects progress and reduces new marks. We’ll adjust strength/frequency to your skin type and calendar (e.g., space actives around procedure days).
Morning (AM)
- Cleanse: CB Acne‑prone Skin Cleansing Bar (or CB Calendula on calmer days)
- Brighten/soothe: CF Azela Corrector or CF brightening serum (thin layer)
- Hydrate: DP Exo‑Skin Moisturiser 30 ml (lightweight)
- Protect: CF SPF Clear / CF SPF Gold / CF SPF Bronze (daily, all year)
Evening (PM)
- Cleanse: CB Acne‑prone or CB Calendula (lukewarm)
- Night step (clinic‑directed): DP RETINAL ACTIVE (strength/frequency personalised; pause around procedures as instructed)
- Comfort nights: CF Azela Soothing when taking a break from actives
Safety & Potential Risks
We use medical‑grade devices and conservative settings tailored to your skin. Short‑term redness, swelling and flaking are expected; temporary pigment change can occur, especially in skin of colour — strict SPF and our staged approach minimise this. Infection and scarring are rare with correct technique and aftercare; you’ll have clear red‑flag advice.
Expected Outcomes
Most patients notice softer shadows and smoother makeup application within a few weeks of starting treatment, with progressive improvement over 3–6 months as collagen remodelling continues. Deep, long‑standing scars typically need a short series of sessions and combination therapy; our aim is realistic, natural refinement rather than “poreless” perfection.
Patient Experience
“The plan made sense — subcision first, then two microneedling sessions and a light CO₂. Makeup sits better and the cheek dents look softer.”
— Verified Skinhorizon acne‑scar patient
Why Choose Skinhorizon for Acne Scars?
- Consultant‑led diagnosis: digital skin analysis + dermoscopy to classify scars and set sequencing.
- Complete toolkit: subcision, microneedling ± exosomes, CO₂ laser, peels and LED.
- Skin‑type aware: PIH‑conscious protocols for skin of colour; conservative energy where needed.
- Clear writing: procedure spacing, pause rules and red‑flag list provided in plain English.
- Regulated setting: CQC‑regulated processes and medical‑grade equipment.
Book Your Consultation
Get a precise scar map, a realistic plan and easy aftercare steps to follow at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective treatment for acne scars in London?
At Skinhorizon Clinic we personalise care using digital skin analysis and may combine microneedling (Dermapen), fractional CO₂ laser and exosome therapy for optimal results.
Can acne scars be completely removed?
Improvements target depth, texture and colour. See what we treat on our acne scarring condition page and how we approach it on the acne scars treatment page.
How many sessions will I need for acne scar treatment?
The plan depends on scar type and response to microneedling or CO₂ laser resurfacing, guided by a digital skin assessment.
Is acne scar treatment painful or does it involve downtime?
Numbing is used routinely. Redness or peeling typically settles within days; fractional CO₂ laser can involve a longer recovery but achieves deeper resurfacing.
What types of acne scars can you treat?
Rolling scars often benefit from deeper resurfacing such as CO₂ laser, while shallow or mixed scars respond well to microneedling. For colour changes, see our guidance on hyperpigmentation.
Is acne scar treatment safe for darker skin tones?
We favour collagen‑stimulating options like microneedling and adjuncts such as exosome therapy, planned after a digital skin analysis.
How much does acne scarring treatment cost in London?
For typical ranges and packages, see our acne scars treatment page; options commonly include microneedling and fractional CO₂ laser.
This page was reviewed by Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist, last updated August 2025.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results vary, and all medical and aesthetic procedures carry risks and potential complications which will be fully discussed during your consultation. Suitability for treatment can only be determined following an in-person assessment with a qualified healthcare professional at Skinhorizon Clinic.
