Acne Scar Treatmentin Calgary

Most acne scars are depressed (atrophic) scars, caused by loss of tissue as the skin heals:

• Ice pick scars: narrow, deep pits
• Boxcar scars: wider depressions with defined edges
• Rolling scars: broad, shallow depressions that give the skin a wavy texture

Less commonly, acne leaves raised (hypertrophic or keloid) scars. Red or brown marks left after a breakout are not true scars, but they can take months to fade and can also be treated.

At your consultation, Dr. Guo examines the type and depth of your scars, your skin type and tone, any previous treatments and what you hope to achieve.

Active acne is usually brought under control first, so that new breakouts do not create new scars while existing ones are being treated.

• CO₂ laser resurfacing, performed by Dr. Guo, removes thin layers of damaged skin and stimulates new collagen to smooth depressed scars.
• UltraClear laser, a cold fibre laser, resurfaces acne scars with a lower risk of pigmentation and redness, particularly in skin of colour.
• Microneedling stimulates collagen with fine needles and is suitable for most skin tones.
• PicoWay laser can improve acne scars and the pigmented marks acne leaves behind.
• Chemical peels can improve discoloration and skin texture.
• Vbeam laser can reduce redness in scars and marks.
• Dermal fillers may be used to lift selected depressed scars.
• Steroid injections can flatten raised scars.

Acne scar treatment usually involves a series of sessions, and many plans combine more than one treatment. Recovery depends on the treatment: CO₂ laser resurfacing typically needs about 4 to 7 days of healing, while microneedling usually causes a few days of redness.

Sun protection is important throughout, both to protect healing skin and to reduce the risk of pigmentation changes. You will receive aftercare instructions specific to your treatment.

• Rolling and boxcar scars often respond to treatments that rebuild collagen, such as CO₂ laser resurfacing and microneedling.
• Red or brown marks may be treated with Vbeam, PicoWay or chemical peels.
• Raised scars are usually treated with steroid injections rather than resurfacing.
• Darker skin tones carry a higher risk of pigmentation changes with some lasers, so options such as UltraClear, a cold fibre laser, and microneedling are often preferred.

Most people have more than one type of scar, which is why a combination plan is common. You can read more about scars in general on our scars page.

You are likely to be a good candidate if your acne is under control, you are in good general health and you have realistic expectations about what treatment can achieve.

Tell Dr. Guo if you have taken isotretinoin recently, are prone to keloid scarring, get cold sores, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, as these can affect which treatments are suitable and when.

What results can I expect?

The goal of treatment is to make scars less noticeable; no treatment erases them completely. Improvement is gradual, because new collagen forms over several months after each session.

Risks and side effects

Redness, swelling and temporary sensitivity are common after treatment. Less common risks include changes in skin pigmentation, infection and, rarely, new scarring. Dr. Guo will review the risks of each option with you before treatment.

Further reading: Acne Scar Treatment Options: Lasers, Microneedling and More · UltraClear vs. CO₂ Laser Resurfacing: How Do They Compare? · How microneedling improves your skin · Everything you need to know about acne

Visit our brand new state-of-the-art facility with top-of-the-line and cutting-edge technologies and equipment, and a full spectrum of medical, surgical, cosmetic, and laser dermatology.

You can count on short wait times, knowledgeable staff, and easy parking. Our facility is one of the largest Mohs Surgical Suites in Canada.