Acne Scars in Singapore: Causes and Treatment Options

Introduction: Understanding Acne Scar Treatments in Singapore

Acne can sometimes leave lasting changes to the skin, even after breakouts have cleared. These changes may appear as small pits, uneven skin texture or raised scars. Some people also experience red or brown marks after acne, which can look similar to scars but are different.

The right approach to acne scar treatment depends on the type of scar, its depth, your skin condition and your treatment goals. Options may include laser treatments, radiofrequency microneedling, dermal fillers and other procedures, depending on individual suitability.

At ICON Medical Aesthetics, treatment options are considered based on an assessment of the skin and the individual's concerns. Not every treatment is suitable for every scar, and results vary from person to person.

This guide explains the differences between acne scars and acne marks, the types of scars commonly seen, and the treatment options available in Singapore.

Acne Scars vs Acne Marks: What's the Difference?

Acne scars and acne marks may look similar, but they affect the skin differently.

Acne scars involve changes to the skin's texture. They may appear as depressions, pits or raised areas following inflammation and changes to collagen during the healing process.

Acne marks are changes in skin colour that remain after a breakout. They may appear as red, pink, brown or darker patches. These marks can gradually fade over time, although the duration varies.

The distinction matters because different concerns may require different approaches.

• Indented or raised scars: May benefit from procedures that address scar tissue or uneven skin texture.

• Red or brown marks: May improve with appropriate skincare, sun protection or selected treatments, depending on the cause and skin type.

• Active acne: Should be managed alongside any discussion of scar treatment to help reduce the risk of further scarring.

  
  

If you are unsure whether you have acne scars or post-acne marks, a medical assessment can help determine the appropriate next steps.

What Causes Acne Scarring?

Acne scars can develop when inflammation damages the deeper layers of the skin. As the skin heals, collagen may be lost or produced in excess, resulting in different types of scars.

Several factors may contribute to acne scarring:

• Inflammatory acne: Deep, inflamed pimples, nodules and cysts may cause more extensive skin damage.

• Picking or squeezing pimples: This can increase inflammation and raise the risk of scarring.

• Delayed acne management: Persistent inflammatory acne may increase the likelihood of lasting scars.

• Individual healing responses: Genetics and differences in wound healing can influence whether someone develops indented, raised or thickened scars.

  
  

Managing active acne early and avoiding picking at blemishes can help reduce the risk of new scars.

Types of Acne Scars

Understanding your scar type can help guide treatment discussions. Many people have a combination of different scars, so a single treatment may not address every concern.

1. Atrophic Acne Scars

Atrophic scars are depressions in the skin caused by a loss of supporting tissue. They are commonly found on the cheeks and temples.

There are three main types:

• Boxcar scars: Round or oval depressions with clearly defined edges.

• Rolling scars: Broad, shallow depressions that create an uneven or wave-like appearance.

• Ice pick scars: Narrow, deep pits that extend into the skin.

  
  

Treatment depends on the depth and shape of the scars. Options may include radiofrequency microneedling, selected laser treatments, subcision or dermal fillers where appropriate.

2. Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

These are raised scars that develop when the body produces excess scar tissue during healing.

Hypertrophic scars generally remain within the boundaries of the original injury, while keloids may extend beyond them. They can occur on the face, chest, shoulders or back.

Raised scars require a different treatment approach from indented scars. A medical assessment is important to determine the appropriate management.

3. Mixed Acne Scars

Some people have several types of acne scars at the same time, along with red or brown marks.

In these cases, treatment may involve more than one approach. The order and combination of treatments depend on the condition of the skin and the individual's needs.

When Should You Consider Acne Scar Treatment?

If you are concerned about persistent acne scars, a consultation can help clarify which treatments may be suitable.

A few considerations are worth keeping in mind:

• Manage active acne first: New breakouts may lead to additional scars. Your doctor can advise on appropriate acne management before certain procedures are considered.

  
  

• Identify the type of concern: Pigmentation, redness and indented scars may require different treatments.

  
  

• Consider your skin type: Some procedures may increase the risk of pigmentation changes, particularly in skin that is more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

  
  

• Allow time for recovery: Different treatments have different healing periods. Consider your work, social activities and ability to follow aftercare instructions.

  
  

• Set realistic expectations: Acne scar treatments may improve skin texture, but the degree of improvement varies. Multiple sessions may be needed.

  
  

Even longstanding scars may be considered for treatment. However, suitability and potential improvement depend on the individual scar characteristics and treatment approach.

Acne Scar Treatment Options in Singapore

There is no single treatment that is suitable for every type of acne scar. Depending on the assessment, options may include radiofrequency microneedling, laser treatments, dermal fillers, or other treatments.

Morpheus8 RF Microneedling for Acne Scars

Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy.

Microneedles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, while radiofrequency energy generates heat in the targeted tissue. This process is intended to stimulate the skin's repair response and collagen remodelling.

Depending on the individual's assessment, radiofrequency microneedling may be considered for certain types of indented acne scars and uneven skin texture.

What should you know before treatment?

• Treatment settings and needle depth depend on the area being treated and individual suitability.

• More than one session may be recommended.

• Redness, swelling, tenderness and small scabs may occur after treatment.

• Pigmentation changes, infection, burns and scarring are possible complications.

• The skin may take time to recover, and improvements, if any, develop gradually.

  
  

People with active acne, certain skin conditions or a tendency to develop abnormal scars may require further assessment before treatment.

PDRN Skin Boosters for Acne Scars and Acne-Prone Skin

PDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide, a substance used in some injectable skin treatments that has been studied for its potential role in tissue repair and skin regeneration.

PDRN skin boosters are designed to support the skin's natural repair processes. By potentially supporting cellular activity and tissue recovery, they may help improve overall skin quality and the appearance of certain textural irregularities over time.

How May PDRN Skin Boosters Help?

• Support skin repair: PDRN has been studied for its potential role in tissue repair, which may be relevant to skin recovering from inflammation and damage.

  
  

• Improve the appearance of skin texture: By supporting the skin's repair processes, PDRN may help improve the appearance of mild textural irregularities.

  
  

• Support skin hydration and suppleness: Depending on the formulation, some skin booster products may help improve skin hydration and suppleness.

  
  

• Complement an acne scar treatment plan: For selected patients, PDRN skin boosters may be considered alongside other treatments that target depressed scars or uneven skin texture. They are not a replacement for treatments specifically designed to release tethered scars or restore lost volume.

PDRN skin boosters may be one option to discuss when addressing skin quality and certain post-acne textural concerns. A personalised assessment is important to determine whether the treatment is suitable and what benefits can reasonably be expected.

Dermal Fillers for Depressed Acne Scars

Dermal fillers are injectable materials used to restore or add volume in selected areas.

Certain hyaluronic acid fillers may be considered for some depressed acne scars, particularly where volume loss contributes to the uneven appearance of the skin. They are not suitable for every scar type, and the choice of filler and injection technique requires careful assessment.

In some cases, a doctor may consider subcision alongside fillers. Subcision releases fibrous bands beneath selected scars, while filler may provide additional support beneath the treated area.

What should you know before treatment?

• Any improvement depends on the scar type, the product used and the treatment technique.

• Results are not permanent, and the duration varies by product and individual.

  
  

How Do You Choose the Right Acne Scar Treatment?

The appropriate treatment depends on the type of scarring, its depth, your skin condition and your expectations.

Acne scar concern	Treatments that may be considered
Rolling scars	Subcision, dermal fillers or Morpheus8 RF microneedling, depending on scar depth and suitability
Boxcar scars	Morpheus8 RF microneedling or selected fractional laser treatments
Ice pick scars	Selected fractional laser treatments or other targeted procedures, depending on scar depth and skin suitability
Raised scars	Selected laser treatments or other scar management procedures, depending on scar type and severity
Red or brown acne marks	Pico laser treatments or other suitable options for pigmentation and redness, depending on the underlying cause and skin type

During a consultation, your doctor can discuss:

• The type and severity of your acne scars

• Whether active acne needs to be managed first

• Available treatment options and alternatives

• Expected recovery time and possible side effects

• The estimated number of sessions and overall costs

• The limitations of treatment and realistic goals

  
  

How to Help Prevent New Acne Scars

Managing active acne is an important part of reducing the risk of further scarring.

• Avoid picking or squeezing pimples. This can increase inflammation and the risk of scarring.

  
  

• Manage active acne early. Seek medical advice if breakouts are persistent, painful or deep.

  
  

• Use sunscreen regularly. Sun protection helps reduce the risk of post-acne marks becoming darker.

  
  

• Maintain a suitable skincare routine. Gentle cleansing and moisturizing can help support the skin barrier.

  
  

• Follow professional advice after procedures. Allow the skin to recover and avoid introducing irritating products too soon.

  
  

Preventing new scars while addressing existing ones can help support longer-term skin management.

Acne Scar Treatment at ICON Medical Aesthetics

Acne scars can differ in appearance, depth and severity. Understanding the type of scarring is an important first step in considering suitable treatment options.

If you are considering acne scar treatment in Singapore, book a consultation with us to discuss your skin concerns and the options available to you.