Acne scars
Acne scar treatment at Chamak Clinic, Chennai
A combined plan for your scar types, once active acne is controlled.
Acne scars form when deep pimples damage the collagen underneath. The skin heals with a dent, a pit or, less often, a raised scar.
What causes acne scars?
- Deep, inflamed pimples and cysts
- Squeezing or picking pimples
- Delay in treating moderate or severe acne
- A family tendency to scar
Signs to look for
- Pits or dents that stay after the pimples have gone
- An uneven, wavy surface in side light
- Raised, firm scars
- Make-up settling into dips
Scars come in types and each responds to a different tool, so most people need a combination of treatments over several months. Active acne is treated first, because new pimples mean new scars.
Dark or red marks after pimples are not true scars. They usually fade with creams, sunscreen and peels.
Types of acne scars
- Ice-pick scarsNarrow, deep pits, like a large pore.
- Boxcar scarsWider, box-shaped dents with sharp edges.
- Rolling scarsWavy dips caused by bands pulling the skin down.
- Raised scarsThick, raised scars, more common on the jaw, chest and back.
How the doctor treats it
- Active acne is controlled first.
- Subcision releases the bands under rolling scars.
- Fractional CO2 laser or microneedling resurfaces boxcar and shallow scars.
- Spot peels for ice-pick scars; injections for raised scars.
- Sessions are spaced four to six weeks apart, and the plan is reviewed as the scars change.
The doctor decides what is right for you after examining you. A prescription is written only when one is appropriate.
Your treatment journey
- Consultation
The doctor examines your skin or scalp, asks about your history and medicines, and orders tests only if they are needed.
- Preparation
Prescribed creams, sun care or a test spot first, so the skin is ready and the risk of irritation stays low.
- Treatment
In-clinic sessions, spaced over weeks, alongside a home routine that does most of the daily work.
- Aftercare
Review visits, home care and a maintenance plan, so the improvement lasts.
Treatments for acne scars at Chamak Clinic
- Subcision for acne scarsReleases the bands that pull depressed acne scars down.
- MicroneedlingFine needles for acne scars, open pores and texture; with PRP where advised.
- Fractional CO2 laserLaser resurfacing for pitted acne scars, chickenpox scars and rough texture.
- Radiofrequency skin tighteningRadiofrequency heat for loose skin, fine lines and scars on the face and body.
- Chemical peelMedical-grade peels for acne, marks, uneven tone and dull skin.
Home care that helps
- Sunscreen every day: it stops marks around scars from darkening.
- A prescribed retinoid at night, if the doctor advises one.
- Do not pick pimples or scabs.
- Keep to the session schedule; scars improve gradually.
When to see a doctor
- New scars are still forming from active acne
- Scars that are raised, itchy or growing
- Scars that bother you enough to consider a procedure
Also on Chamak
- Scars & stretch marks: the home care the doctor builds on
- Online consultation for acne scars, if you cannot come to Kandigai
Your doctor
Dr Rohini K
Acne Scar Treatment: questions
How long does acne scar treatment take?
Usually a course over four to eight months, with sessions a month or more apart. Improvement is gradual.
Do scar creams work?
They help redness and dark marks, not pitted scars. Pits need a procedure.
Can acne scars be removed completely?
Most scars can be softened and made less visible. Complete removal is uncommon, and the doctor tells you what is realistic for your scars.
Can I treat scars while I still get pimples?
Pimples are controlled first. Some gentle treatments can start alongside, and the doctor decides when.
Is it safe for darker skin?
Yes, with settings chosen for Indian skin, preparation with creams where advised and strict sun care.
Do I need a consultation before a treatment?
Yes. Every treatment starts with a consultation. The doctor examines you and advises a procedure only if it suits you; many can be done the same day.
How much does a treatment cost?
The consultation is ₹500. Treatment prices depend on the area, what is used and the number of sessions, so the doctor gives you the exact price after examining your skin — before anything is done.
Not sure where to start with acne scars?
A consultation comes first: Dr Rohini K examines you, explains the options that suit you, and tells you the plan and the price before anything is done.
Far from Chennai? Consult a skin doctor online: photos and a chat, and a prescription when one is right.