Acne Scar Treatment
in Bengaluru
What are acne scars?
Acne scars are marks left on the skin after acne lesions heal. They can vary widely in appearance, from depressed areas where collagen was lost during healing (atrophic scars) to raised, firm areas where excess tissue formed (hypertrophic scars). On Indian skin tones, acne breakouts also commonly leave behind post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): flat dark marks that are not true scars but are frequently mistaken for them.
True structural scars and PIH are treated differently. Understanding which type you have is the starting point for choosing the right treatment.
Who is this suitable for?
- Visible scarring from previous or resolved acne, however long ago it occurred
- Ice pick, rolling, boxcar, or hypertrophic scars
- Persistent dark marks (PIH) left behind by acne
- Active acne under control before scar treatment begins
Skin tones we treat
- All Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI
- Specialist experience with South Asian skin types IV to VI
- Protocols adjusted per skin type to minimise PIH risk
What causes acne scars?
Scars occur when the skin is damaged by acne, leading to loss of collagen or excessive tissue formation during healing. Several factors increase the likelihood of scarring.
| Cause | How It Contributes |
|---|---|
| Severity of acne | Deeper, more inflamed lesions cause more dermal damage |
| Skin type | Indian skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV to VI) are more prone to PIH following any skin inflammation |
| Delayed treatment | The longer active acne goes untreated, the greater the tissue damage |
| Picking or squeezing | Forces bacteria deeper and increases trauma to the follicle wall |
| Improper treatment | Using harsh or unsuitable products on active acne can worsen inflammation and increase scarring risk |
Finding the right treatment
for your scar type
Most patients present with more than one scar type. The table below maps each type to the treatment used at Skinmatics. Treatment plans are combination protocols, not single-procedure approaches.
| Scar Type | Appearance | Skinmatics Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Pick | Deep, narrow V-shaped channels penetrating into the dermis | TCA CROSS |
| Rolling | Broad, shallow depressions with sloping edges giving the skin a wave-like texture | Subcision |
| Boxcar | Well-defined edges, flat base, U-shaped in cross-section | Fractional CO2 Laser, MNRF |
| Hypertrophic | Raised, firm scar tissue within the original wound boundary | Intralesional corticosteroid injection, laser resurfacing |
| Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation | Flat dark marks, not true scars but often mistaken for them | Chemical peels, topical agents, gold toning laser |
What we offer at Skinmatics
Each treatment below is available across our clinics in Bengaluru and Chennai. Your dermatologist recommends one or a combination based on your scar assessment.
Subcision
A fine needle is inserted beneath the skin to release the fibrous tissue that tethers rolling scars to the underlying tissue. Once these bands are released, the overlying skin lifts naturally, improving the wave-like texture typical of rolling scars. Local anaesthesia is applied beforehand.
Minor ProcedureFractional CO2 Laser
A resurfacing treatment that promotes collagen production by creating controlled micro-wounds in the skin, stimulating the body's natural healing response. Particularly effective for boxcar and rolling scars. A numbing cream is applied beforehand, and most patients require multiple sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Laser ResurfacingMNRF (Microneedling Radiofrequency)
Combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy delivered into the dermis to stimulate deep collagen remodelling. Because the energy is delivered below the skin surface, MNRF carries a lower risk of post-treatment pigmentation than ablative lasers, making it well suited to Indian skin tones.
Microneedling RFTCA CROSS
A precise chemical technique used specifically for ice pick scars. High-concentration trichloroacetic acid is applied directly inside individual scar channels, triggering collagen production that causes the channel to fill and contract from the inside out. Each session takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Chemical TechniqueBefore, during,
and after your treatment
What happens before your treatment
- Consultation to evaluate your skin condition, scar types, and overall skin health
- Discussion of your medical history and any previous treatments
- Avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin for at least one week before certain procedures
- Limit sun exposure beforehand and discontinue retinoids or exfoliating products as advised
- A patch test may be conducted before your first session
What happens during your treatment
- All procedures use local anaesthesia or numbing cream applied beforehand
- Subcision releases fibrous bands under rolling scars using a fine needle, around 30 minutes
- CO2 laser creates micro-wounds in a controlled pattern, 30 to 60 minutes
- MNRF delivers microneedles and radiofrequency energy in passes, 30 to 90 minutes
- TCA CROSS applies precisely to individual scar channels, 15 to 30 minutes
What happens after your treatment
- Recovery varies by procedure, see the table below
- Sun protection with SPF 30 or higher is mandatory throughout the treatment course
- Avoid harsh or active skincare products until the skin has fully recovered
- Keep skin hydrated with a gentle moisturiser
- Follow-up appointment scheduled to assess progress
Recovery and session duration
by procedure
Session duration
| Treatment | Session Duration |
|---|---|
| Subcision | Approximately 30 minutes |
| Fractional CO2 Laser | 30 to 60 minutes |
| MNRF | 30 to 90 minutes |
| TCA CROSS | 15 to 30 minutes |
Recovery / downtime
| Treatment | Recovery / Downtime |
|---|---|
| Subcision | Swelling and bruising for approximately one week |
| Fractional CO2 Laser | Redness and peeling for approximately one week |
| MNRF | Mild redness for 2 to 3 days |
| TCA CROSS | Redness and peeling at treated sites for several days |
Dermatologists who know Indian skin.
Skinmatics has treated over 10,000 patients across 5 clinics in Bengaluru and Chennai. Treatment plans are customised to each patient's scar type and skin tone, with particular experience in treating Indian skin tones where the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation requires careful procedure selection and calibration.
- MBBS and MD Dermatology qualified doctor at every clinic
- Specialist experience with Fitzpatrick types IV to VI
- Treatment plans customised to your scar type and skin tone
- Personalised plans reviewed and signed off by your doctor
- Honest assessments at every consultation, no guaranteed outcome claims
Available at all five clinics
Acne scar treatment is available at all Skinmatics locations in Bengaluru and Chennai. Book at your nearest clinic or call us to confirm availability at a specific branch.
Acne Scar Treatment results.
Photographs of our own patients, treated at Skinmatics and shown with their permission. Results vary from person to person.
