Acne Scars: Best Treatment Options by Scar Type

Acne scars vary in depth and structure, which is why treatment must be scar-specific. This guide explains icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars, why they form, and which treatments are most effective based on scar type and skin condition.

February 3, 2026

Acne scars affect skin structure long after breakouts are gone. While skincare can support overall skin health, scarred tissue requires targeted treatment to improve texture and stimulate collagen.

At Rejuva Center at The Williams Center in Albany, acne scar treatment plans are built around scar type, skin condition, and long-term skin health. This approach avoids one-size-fits-all solutions and focuses on measurable improvement over time.

Why Acne Scars Form

Acne scars develop when inflammation disrupts collagen during the healing process. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that deeper or prolonged inflammation increases the likelihood of permanent scarring.

Once collagen is damaged, the skin heals unevenly. This leads to textural changes that topical products alone cannot correct.

The Three Main Types of Acne Scars

Most acne scars fall into three categories. Many patients have more than one type, which is why careful assessment is essential.

Icepick Scars

Icepick scars are narrow, deep depressions that extend into the dermis.

Why they are difficult to treat

  • They penetrate deep into the skin
  • Surface treatments cannot fully reach the base
  • Improvement is gradual rather than immediate

At Rejuva Center at The Williams Center, icepick scars are evaluated carefully to determine whether microneedling or RF microneedling can improve surrounding texture as part of a broader treatment plan.

Boxcar Scars

Boxcar scars are wider depressions with defined edges, often found on the cheeks or temples.

Why they respond well to treatment

  • Their broader surface area allows for collagen remodeling
  • Texture changes improve with consistent stimulation

Microneedling and RF microneedling are commonly used at Rejuva Center at The Williams Center to soften the edges of boxcar scars and improve overall skin smoothness over time.

Rolling Scars

Rolling scars create a wave-like appearance due to fibrous bands pulling the skin downward.

Why they benefit from deeper treatments

  • Tethering occurs below the surface
  • Collagen stimulation helps release and soften the texture

RF microneedling is often recommended at Rejuva Center at The Williams Center for rolling scars because it targets deeper layers where tethering occurs, supporting collagen remodeling over a series of sessions.

Why Treatment Must Be Scar-Specific

There is no single best acne scar treatment for everyone. Different scar types respond to different methods.

At Rejuva Center at The Williams Center, treatment planning considers:

  • Scar type and depth
  • Skin thickness and tone
  • Healing response
  • Long-term collagen support

This structured approach helps avoid unnecessary treatments and focuses on steady improvement rather than short-term fixes.

Microneedling for Acne Scars

Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that trigger the skin’s natural repair process.

Best for:

  • Mild to moderate boxcar scars
  • Rolling scars
  • Overall texture improvement

Microneedling is frequently used at Rejuva Center at The Williams Center for patients who want visible improvement with minimal downtime.

RF Microneedling for Deeper Scarring

RF microneedling adds heat to the microneedling process, allowing energy to reach deeper layers of the skin.

Benefits:

  • Deeper collagen stimulation
  • Improved skin firmness
  • Better response for moderate scarring

This treatment is often recommended when standard microneedling alone is not sufficient.

What Results to Expect

Acne scar treatments improve texture and skin quality. They do not completely eliminate scars.

Most patients treated at Rejuva Center at The Williams Center experience:

  • Smoother skin texture
  • Reduced scar depth
  • More even skin appearance
  • Continued improvement over time

Results depend on scar type, consistency of treatment, and individual healing.

Why a Consultation Matters

For patients in Albany, in-person scar assessment is especially important because acne scars often involve multiple scar types that require different treatment depths.

A consultation at Rejuva Center at The Williams Center allows providers to:

  • Identify scar patterns accurately
  • Recommend appropriate treatments
  • Set realistic expectations
  • Create a personalized treatment plan

The Bottom Line

The best acne scar treatment depends on the type of scars present.

  • Icepick scars require a deeper, targeted approach
  • Boxcar scars respond well to collagen stimulation
  • Rolling scars improve with treatments that address deeper tethering

Microneedling and RF microneedling play an important role in many acne scar treatment plans when used appropriately.

Considering acne scar treatment?

A consultation at Rejuva Center at The Williams Center can help determine which options are best suited to your skin and goals.

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