Acne Scars In Needham, MA

Scar Treatment

Treating Acne Scars at WAVE

Acne scars develop when inflammation damages the surrounding skin tissue — the deeper and longer the inflammation, the more significant the scar. They come in several distinct types, each responding differently to acne scar treatment and post-acne mark treatment approaches:

Ice Pick Scars: These scars feature an indentation that is wide at the top and narrows as it gets deeper, often requiring pitted scar correction. They can commonly be found on your forehead and upper cheeks, where your skin is thinner.
Rolling Scars: These scars feature indents that have sloping edges, making skin look uneven and wavy, and are often addressed through atrophic scar improvement techniques. They can typically be found on the lower cheeks and jaw, where your skin is thicker.
Boxcar Scars: These scars have sharper edges that go down deep into the skin. These scars are common on the lower cheeks and jaw.

At WAVE, Deb Litke, NP, is a Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner certified by DNPCB and a member of the NP Society of Dermatology Nurses’ Association. Acne scar treatment requires clinical expertise — not guesswork.

Treatments For Acne Scars

Acne scar treatment at WAVE uses two complementary approaches depending on scar type and depth:

Secret™ RF Microneedling — a key option for textured skin resurfacing — delivers fractional radiofrequency energy through microneedles to remodel collagen in the deeper layers of the skin, improving texture, firmness, and the appearance of rolling and boxcar scars. Most patients require a series of 3-4 treatments.
Fraxel® Dual Laser — a leading skin scar revision treatment — uses fractional laser resurfacing to target deeper scar tissue with precision, stimulating new collagen and resurfacing the skin. Particularly effective for pitted scar correction and deeper boxcar scars.

Treatment selection is based on your scar type, skin tone, and Fitzpatrick classification. Most patients benefit from a combination of both for comprehensive atrophic scar improvement.

FAQs

How Do Acne Scars Form?

Acne scars happen after acne blemishes become inflamed. The skin’s pores swell, and its walls break down. Sometimes the contents of blemishes spill into the surrounding tissue and cause deeper scars. The skin sends out collagen into the area to repair the damage.

Scars can either be indented or raised on the surface of the skin. Indented scars happen because of tissue loss, while raised scars happen when too much collagen is sent to the area for repair. People who are prone to acne and scarring often exhibit a mix of both.

What Are the Best Options for Treating Acne Scars?

There are several options available for acne scar treatment depending on the severity and type of scars. At WAVE we offer two: Secret™ RF Microneedling, which stimulates collagen in the deeper layers, and the Fraxel® Dual Laser, which resurfaces and targets deeper scar tissue. Most patients benefit from a combination, matched to scar type and Fitzpatrick classification.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Results vary, but most patients start noticing improvements in skin texture and scarring after a few sessions of acne scar treatment. Continued treatments may be recommended for long-lasting results.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Mild redness and swelling are common immediately after treatment, but these effects typically subside within a few days. Most patients pursuing textured skin resurfacing can resume normal activities shortly after their session.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

The number of sessions required depends on the severity of the scarring and the individual’s response to post-acne mark treatment. Your clinician will create a personalized plan for acne scar treatment based on your needs.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?

The best way to determine your candidacy for acne scar treatment is to schedule a consultation.

Book Acne Scar Treatments In Needham

Acne scars are one of the most treatable skin concerns when approached correctly with the right skin scar revision treatment. Book a consultation with Deb Litke, NP, to assess your scar type and build a treatment plan. Call us at 339-777-5554 or book online.