Do you have acne scars and wish you could get rid of them? Maybe you have tried home remedies or over-the-counter products that aren’t working. Our dermatologist near you would be happy to help. Dr. Simone Stalling at AVIVA Dermatology offers acne scar surgery. To learn more about acne scar surgery near you, give us a call today.
What is Acne Scar Surgery?
Acne scar surgery or scar revision is a procedure that’s used to remove acne scarring. The procedure involves our dermatologist excising the deep, pitted scars in the skin. Then, the open edges are sutured back together. The sutured skin produces a smaller, less noticeable scar that can then heal on its own. Dr.Stalling also performs less invasive surgical techniques for shallow acne scars.
Other Acne Scar Treatments
Our dermatologist offers additional acne scar treatments if surgery isn’t right for you. If you want to improve the appearance of your skin without scar revision, talk to our dermatologist.
How to Prevent Acne Scarring ?
After getting acne scar revision done, you will want to avoid new acne scars as much as possible. You can do this by avoiding popping your pimples, wearing sunscreen, treating your breakouts, and keeping your skin moisturized.Â
What Are the Surgical Options for Treating Acne Scars?
There are several surgical options to reduce acne scars, depending on the type and severity of the scarring. Subcision is a common procedure where a needle is inserted under the skin to break up scar tissue, encouraging new collagen growth. The surgeon uses punch excision for deep scars, in which the scar is removed, and the skin is sutured back together. Punch grafting, which entails transferring skin grafts from another place, may be used to repair bigger scars. In certain instances, chemical peels, dermabrasion, microneedling, radio frequency microneeding or laser resurfacing can be combined with surgery to create a smoother skin surface. Your dermatologist will recommend the best approach based on your skin type and type of scarring.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Acne Scar Surgery?
Candidates for acne scar surgery have moderate to severe scarring that doesn’t respond well to less invasive treatments like topical creams or chemical peels. Ideal candidates should have realistic expectations and be in good general health. Your skin must be free from active acne before surgery, as new breakouts can interfere with healing. Patients with deep, pitted, or raised scars typically benefit most from surgical treatments. A consultation with your dermatologist can help determine if surgery is the right option for you.
How Should I Prepare for Acne Scar Surgery?
Before acne scar surgery, your dermatologist will evaluate your skin and discuss your medical history to ensure the procedure is safe. To reduce irritation, your healthcare provider may recommend discontinuing certain medications or skincare products, particularly those with retinoids or acids. It’s also important to avoid sun exposure before surgery, as sunburned skin can lead to complications during healing. On the day of the procedure, wear comfortable clothing and avoid applying makeup or skincare products to the treatment area. Your dermatologist will provide detailed instructions based on the specific procedure you’re undergoing.
Can I get rid of acne scars with topical products?
Topical skincare products may improve discoloration and skin texture, but they cannot remove deeper acne scars. Creams containing retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, or other resurfacing ingredients can support collagen production and improve the appearance of superficial marks. Regardless, depressed or tethered scars usually require in-office treatment. Acne scar surgery is designed to address structural changes beneath the skin that topical products cannot reach. Dr. Simone Stalling will evaluate the type of scarring you have and recommend the most effective combination of treatments.
How long will it take to get rid of my acne scars?
Improving acne scars is typically a gradual process rather than a one-time treatment. The number of sessions depends on the type, severity, and depth of the scars, as well as your skin’s healing response. Many patients notice improvement after their third procedure, but optimal results often require several treatments spaced weeks apart to allow new collagen to develop. Because collagen remodeling continues after each session, your skin may continue improving for several months. Dr. Stalling will discuss realistic expectations and create a treatment schedule tailored to your goals.
What type of acne scars do you treat?
Acne scar surgery can treat several forms of depressed acne scarring, including rolling scars, boxcar scars, and selected ice-pick scars. Some patients have a combination of scar types, which may require multiple treatment techniques to achieve the best cosmetic improvement. Raised scars and keloids are managed differently and may require injections or other specialized treatments. During your consultation, Dr. Stalling will carefully examine your skin, identify the types of scars present, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.
What is acne scar surgery?
Acne scar surgery refers to minor in-office procedures that release, remove, or improve scar tissue beneath the skin. One common technique is subcision, which uses a specialized instrument to break the fibrous bands that pull rolling scars downward. In some cases, individual scars may be surgically excised or elevated before additional resurfacing treatments are performed. Acne scar surgery is often combined with microneedling, laser treatments, or other collagen-stimulating procedures to enhance overall results. Dr. Stalling will recommend the techniques best suited to your scars and skin type.
Is this painful?
Most patients tolerate acne scar surgery very well because the treatment area is numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure begins. You may feel pressure or movement during treatment, but significant pain is uncommon. Mild soreness, swelling, bruising, or tenderness afterward is expected and generally improves over several days. If multiple procedures are performed during the same visit, recovery may vary slightly. You will not need prescription sedatives nor will you be put to sleep for acne surgery performed at AVIVA Dermatology. Dr. Stalling will explain what to expect before treatment and provide detailed aftercare instructions to help keep you comfortable during healing.
Does insurance cover this, or is it out of pocket?
Acne scar surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure because it is performed to improve the appearance of existing scars rather than treat an active medical condition. As a result, insurance plans do not cover the cost of treatment, and patients are responsible for the cost of treatment. During your consultation, the AVIVA Dermatology team will explain the recommended treatment plan and discuss the expected costs before treatment begins.
Is there any downtime?
Most patients experience some downtime following acne scar surgery, although recovery depends on the specific procedure performed. Temporary swelling, bruising, redness, and mild tenderness are common and usually improve over several days to one week. If additional treatments such as TCA cross, subcision or laser resurfacing are performed, recovery may be slightly longer. You may be asked to avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun exposure, and certain skincare products while your skin heals. Following Dr. Stalling’s aftercare instructions helps promote proper healing and supports the best possible cosmetic outcome.Â
What Can I Expect During Recovery After Acne Scar Surgery?
Recovery from acne scar surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed. For a few days, you could feel red, swollen, or slightly uncomfortable; these symptoms can be reduced with chilled topical emollients and over-the-counter painkillers. It’s crucial to adhere to your dermatologist’s aftercare recommendations, including cleaning the affected region, using ointments as directed, and avoiding the sun. While full recovery will depend on the extent of the performed procedure. It will be important to discuss your activity with your doctor before beginning any procedure.
Effective Solutions for Acne Scars: Restore Your Confidence
Acne scars can be tough to live with, but beautiful, clear skin is possible again.
At Aviva Dermatology, we offer advanced acne scar treatments designed to smooth, renew, and restore your skin’s natural glow. Using the latest surgical and minimally invasive techniques, we target scars with precision for real, lasting results.
You’ll see visible improvement in skin tone, texture, and overall confidence, often after just a few sessions.
Say goodbye to scars and hello to renewed confidence with acne scar surgery at Aviva Dermatology.
