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Scar Revision · Advanced Acne Scar Reconstruction

Acne scar reconstruction,
matched to every scar type.

Most people have more than one type of acne scar, so a single treatment rarely delivers the result they want. Our Advanced Acne Scar Reconstruction program matches each scar type to the treatments that work best for it, all planned for your skin tone.

Book a Consultation →Take Skin Assessment
I–VI
Fitzpatrick types treated
6
treatment options combined
By scar type
every plan is mapped
In Short

Acne scars are dents or raised areas left after severe or long-lasting acne. Rolling, boxcar and icepick scars respond to different treatments, so PSRx uses a multimodal program that combines subcision, fractional CO2 or Erbium resurfacing, Sublative RF, microneedling and regenerative options by scar type. Most patients need a series of sessions and see gradual improvement.

Know What You Have

Different scars,
different solutions.

Scar type decides which treatments will work. We map every scar at your consultation before building a plan.

Rolling scars
Wide, wavy dips with soft edges. Bands of tissue under the skin pull it down from below, so these scars need those bands released before remodeling.
Boxcar scars
Broad dents with sharp edges, like small craters on the skin. Resurfacing and remodeling help soften those edges and lift the base of each scar over a series.
Icepick scars
Narrow, deep pits that look like small holes in the skin. They need targeted treatment of each individual scar before resurfacing evens out the surrounding skin.
Raised scars
Firm, raised scars from extra collagen, which are more common in darker skin. They're treated at PSRx with a separate, careful approach for raised scars and keloids.
About raised scars →
Dark marks
Flat brown or dark marks aren't true scars. They're pigment left behind by inflammation, and they fade with pigment treatment rather than resurfacing or remodeling.
About dark marks →

Most people have a mix of scar types, which is why we combine treatments instead of relying on one.

Is It Right For You?

Who it's for —
and who it isn’t.

A good fit if you…
✓You have rolling, boxcar or icepick scars
✓Your active acne is under control
✓You want a plan that combines treatments for better results
✓You have darker skin and want resurfacing done safely
Not the right fit if you…
—You have active, inflamed acne (we treat that first)
—You've taken isotretinoin (Accutane) recently (we'll time your plan around it)
—You expect scars to disappear completely

Your provider confirms what's right for you at your consultation.

Screening First

We look closely
before we treat.

Scar treatment starts by making sure your skin is ready and the plan is safe for you.

What we check
✦Scar types and depth
✦Active acne and how it's being managed
✦Isotretinoin (Accutane) use and when it ended
✦History of keloids or raised scarring
✦Your skin type and past reactions to treatment
When we refer you to a physician
→Severe active acne that needs medical treatment
→Signs of infection in the treatment area
Melanin-Safe Protocols

Resurfacing darker skin
takes real expertise.

Fractional CO2 and Erbium lasers can significantly improve acne scars, and they carry more risk of dark patches on melanin-rich skin without the right training. That expertise is exactly what PSRx is known for, and what we teach other providers through Precise Institute.

  • ✦Every combination is planned around your Fitzpatrick type, not a standard template.
  • ✦Resurfacing is paced so your skin fully recovers between sessions.
  • ✦Prep and aftercare include steps that lower the risk of dark patches.
  • ✦We train and certify other providers in laser care for Fitzpatrick I–VI.
How We Treat It

Six tools,
combined for your scars.

Each treatment does a different job. Your plan combines them based on your scar types and your skin.

Subcision
Releases the bands of tissue that pull rolling scars down, letting the skin lift. It's often the first step for rolling scars and pairs well with treatments that rebuild collagen afterward.
Fractional CO2 laser
Resurfaces the skin and stimulates new collagen to soften scar edges and improve texture. One of the strongest options for boxcar and deeper scars, used with expert care on darker skin.
Erbium laser
Resurfaces with precise control and typically less heat than CO2, which can make it a good fit for some darker skin types. It helps smooth texture and soften scar edges.
Sublative RF (eMatrix)
Delivers radiofrequency energy beneath the surface to remodel collagen with less disruption to the top layer of skin. Often chosen for darker skin because it spares surface pigment while improving texture.
Microneedling
Creates controlled micro-injuries that trigger collagen remodeling. It can be combined with PRP or exosomes and works well as part of a series for rolling and shallow scars on every skin type.
PRP and exosomes
Regenerative add-ons used with microneedling or after other treatments to support healing, recovery and collagen. They're used in our protocols to complement remodeling treatments, not as a standalone fix for deeper scars.
What To Expect

From consultation
to lasting results.

01
Scar mapping
We map each scar type, review your acne and treatment history, check your skin type and talk honestly about what's realistic.
02
Your combination plan
You get a written plan that pairs each scar type with the right treatments, in the right order, for your skin.
03
Staged sessions
Treatments are paced over a series of sessions so your skin fully recovers in between, and we review your progress at each visit before the next step.
04
Protect your results
Sun protection and a simple home routine protect new collagen and lower the risk of dark marks while your skin keeps improving.
Common Questions

Advanced Acne Scar Reconstruction FAQ.

What is the best treatment for acne scars on dark skin?

There isn't one best treatment, because each scar type responds to different methods. On darker skin, treatments that spare surface pigment, like Sublative RF and microneedling, are often part of the plan, and stronger resurfacing like CO2 or Erbium is used with expert care. Combining them usually works better than any single treatment.

Can acne scars be completely removed?

Most acne scars can't be completely removed, but they can be significantly improved. Many patients see smoother texture and shallower scars after a full series of treatments. We set realistic expectations at consultation based on your scar types, depth and skin.

Is CO2 laser safe for Black skin?

Fractional CO2 can be used on Black skin, but it carries a higher risk of dark patches and needs a provider trained for darker skin. At PSRx, we decide whether CO2, Erbium or a lower-risk option like Sublative RF fits your skin, and we plan prep and aftercare to protect your pigment.

How many sessions will I need for acne scars?

Most people need a series of treatments, and the number depends on your scar types, how deep they are and which treatments make sense for your skin. Your provider will talk through an estimated plan with you at consultation and adjust it as your skin responds.

What is subcision?

Subcision is a procedure that releases the fibrous bands under rolling scars that pull the skin down. Once those bands are released, the skin can lift and look smoother. It's often combined with remodeling treatments like microneedling or Sublative RF for a better overall result.

Can I treat acne scars if I still get breakouts?

Active acne should be under control before most scar treatments, because inflammation can cause new scars and dark marks. We help you get breakouts managed first, then start scar work. Some gentler treatments may begin sooner, depending on your skin.

Can I get scar treatment after Accutane?

Yes, but most resurfacing and laser treatments wait for a period after isotretinoin (Accutane) ends, because skin heals differently while you're on it. Tell your provider about any Accutane use, and we'll confirm the right timing for you at consultation before booking any resurfacing.

Keep Reading
Scar Revision→Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation→Keloid & Hypertrophic Scars→Skin of Color Laser Treatments→
Start with the
right diagnosis.

Book a consultation at our South Loop clinic, or take the free 60-second Skin Assessment and our clinical team will build your personalized skin summary.

Book Consultation →Take Skin Assessment