Acne scar treatment
for every skin tone.
Icepick, boxcar and rolling scars form when acne destroys collagen as the skin heals. Resurfacing and collagen-stimulating treatments rebuild skin texture over time — with protocols calibrated for melanin-rich skin.
Every scar type
needs a different approach.
Acne scarring is not one condition. The type, depth and spread of your scars decide which treatment — or combination — will work.
Raised (hypertrophic or keloid) scars are a different problem — too much collagen rather than too little — and are more common in Fitzpatrick IV–VI. They need their own protocol.
Why deeper skin tones
need a different approach.
Acne and its scars are especially common in melanin-rich skin — and so is post-inflammatory darkening. Ablative lasers, aggressive peels and unmodified protocols built for lighter skin can leave new dark or light patches. Deeper skin tones can absolutely be treated; the standard of care just has to be higher.
- ✦Sublative RF works beneath the surface and is not absorbed by melanin — safe across all Fitzpatrick types
- ✦Microneedling is mechanical, not light-based, so its risk of darkening is far lower than laser or IPL
- ✦Conservative energy settings and longer intervals between sessions
- ✦Your skin's pigment response is checked at every visit
Your treatment options.
Your personalized plan.
Every plan is customized at your consultation — often a combination of in-clinic treatments and home care, matched to your skin type and goals.
From consultation
to lasting results.
Acne Scarring FAQ.
Can acne scars be completely removed?
For most people, complete removal is not a realistic outcome. Treatment produces significant, measurable improvement in scar depth, texture and pigmentation — the goal is meaningful, lasting improvement, and your provider sets clear expectations at your consultation.
What is the best acne scar treatment for dark skin?
Treatments that work beneath the surface or do not rely on light absorption carry the lowest risk of darkening. Sublative RF and microneedling are both safe across all Fitzpatrick types, while ablative lasers carry higher risk on deeper skin tones. Your provider matches the treatment to your scar type and skin.
How many sessions will I need?
A typical Sublative RF series is 3–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Microneedling and laser plans vary with the type and depth of your scars. Your provider gives you a realistic plan at your consultation.
Is there downtime?
After Sublative RF, expect pinkness and mild swelling for 24–48 hours and about 2–3 days of social downtime. Microneedling causes temporary redness and mild swelling. The Hydro Body & Skin treatment has zero downtime.
Are dark marks after acne the same as scars?
No. Flat dark marks are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — a pigment response, not a change in skin texture. They fade with pigment protocols and sun protection. Indented or raised marks are true scars.
Can I treat scars while I still have breakouts?
Active acne is treated first. Microneedling is not done over active breakouts, and ongoing inflammation keeps creating new marks. Once breakouts are under control, scar treatment can begin.
right diagnosis.
Book a consultation at our South Loop clinic, or take the 5-minute Skin Assessment and our clinical team will build your personalized skin summary.