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Acne Scar Treatment: From PRP to Laser Therapy and Beyond

The right acne scar treatment depends on scar type: fractional laser and PRP microneedling smooth rolling and boxcar scars, TCA CROSS treats ice pick scars, and subcision and fillers lift tethered scars. Most people combine methods, and complete removal is rare.

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Acne Scar Treatment

Acne scar treatment works best when the method is matched to the scar type: fractional laser resurfacing and PRP microneedling smooth rolling and boxcar scars, TCA CROSS targets ice pick scars, subcision releases tethered rolling scars, and dermal fillers restore lost volume. A review by Connolly and colleagues at Thomas Jefferson University (2017) reports 25% to 75% improvement after one to three fractional CO2 laser sessions, and most dermatologists combine two or more methods because complete removal is rare [6].

Acne scars are more than a cosmetic concern. For many people, they carry emotional weight that lasts far longer than the breakouts that caused them. Layton and colleagues (1994) found that some degree of scarring is common among people with acne, and acne scarring is associated with reduced self-esteem, increased anxiety, and diminished quality of life [1]. Treatment options are broader than they were a decade ago, particularly as regenerative medicine approaches such as platelet-rich plasma enter the picture.

Key Takeaways

  • Atrophic (depressed) acne scars come in three shapes, ice pick, boxcar and rolling, and Jacob, Dover and Kaminer (2001) showed that each shape responds to a different treatment [2].
  • Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing produced 25% to 75% improvement after one to three sessions in studies summarized by Connolly and colleagues (2017), with 5 to 10 days of downtime [6].
  • PRP microneedling outperformed microneedling alone in split-face trials by Asif and colleagues (2016) and Ibrahim and colleagues (2018), and works best on rolling and shallow boxcar scars [4][5].
  • The FDA has authorized certain microneedling devices to improve facial acne scars in adults 22 and older, but not for delivering platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the skin, so PRP microneedling is an off-label combination.
  • A 2016 Cochrane review by Abdel Hay and colleagues found most acne scar trials small and low in quality, so no single treatment has been shown to outperform the rest [12].
  • Most acne scar procedures are cash pay because insurers treat them as cosmetic, and active acne should be controlled before scar treatment starts [13].

Acne scar treatment is not one-size-fits-all. The type of scar you have, your skin tone, your budget, and your tolerance for downtime all influence which treatments are likely to work. The sections below cover the major types of acne scars, the treatment options supported by evidence, what to realistically expect from each approach, and how to build a treatment plan that makes sense for your situation.

Understanding the Types of Acne Scars

Before choosing a treatment, it helps to understand what you are dealing with. Acne scars fall into two broad categories: atrophic (depressed) and hypertrophic (raised). Atrophic scars are far more common and are further divided into three subtypes [2].

Ice Pick Scars

These are narrow, deep, V-shaped scars that extend into the dermis or even subcutaneous tissue. They look like the skin has been punctured with a sharp instrument. Ice pick scars are the most difficult type to treat because of their depth and narrow profile.

Boxcar Scars

Boxcar scars are wider than ice pick scars with well-defined, vertical edges. They can be shallow or deep. Think of them as small, round or oval depressions with sharp borders. Shallow boxcar scars respond well to resurfacing treatments, while deeper ones may require a combination approach.

Rolling Scars

Rolling scars create a wave-like, undulating appearance on the skin surface. They are caused by fibrous bands that tether the skin to deeper structures, pulling the surface downward. These scars tend to look worse in certain lighting angles and can often be identified by stretching the skin, which temporarily improves their appearance.

Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

These raised scars result from excessive collagen production during wound healing. Hypertrophic scars stay within the boundaries of the original wound, while keloids extend beyond them. They are more common in darker skin tones and on certain body areas like the chest, shoulders, and jawline [2]. Raised scars are usually treated with corticosteroid injections, silicone gel or sheeting, and vascular lasers rather than the resurfacing methods described below.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

While not technically scars, the dark marks left behind after acne lesions heal are often lumped together with scarring. PIH is caused by excess melanin production during the inflammatory process and is especially common in darker skin tones. PIH typically fades on its own over 3 to 12 months, and topical treatments can speed the process [3]. Red or pink marks on lighter skin, called post-inflammatory erythema, also fade with time and are not true scars either.

How do dermatologists grade acne scars?

Dermatologists usually grade acne scars before treatment so that progress can be measured. Common tools include the qualitative grading system published by Goodman and Baron, which sorts scarring from macular marks to severe atrophic scars, and simple scar counts by type. Standardized photographs in the same lighting at each visit make the grading useful, because rolling scars in particular look different under side lighting.

What Is the Most Effective Acne Scar Treatment?

The most effective acne scar treatment is the one matched to the scar type, and for most people that means a combination. Fractional lasers resurface broad areas of texture, TCA CROSS raises ice pick scars one by one, subcision frees tethered rolling scars, and fillers lift scars that flatten when the skin is stretched. PRP microneedling sits in the middle: lower downtime than ablative lasers, with split-face trial evidence for rolling and shallow boxcar scars [4][5].

The table below compares the main options using the downtime and per-session cost ranges quoted in the treatment sections that follow. Prices vary by region and clinician, and nearly all of these procedures are paid out of pocket.

TreatmentScar types it suitsTypical downtimeTypical cost per session
PRP microneedlingRolling and shallow boxcar scars2 to 4 days of redness and mild swelling$500 to $1,500
Ablative fractional laser (CO2, erbium:YAG)Boxcar, rolling and, with CROSS, ice pick scars5 to 10 days of redness, swelling and crusting$1,000 to $3,000
Non-ablative fractional laser (1550 nm, 1927 nm)Shallow boxcar and rolling scars, often chosen for darker skin2 to 5 days$500 to $1,500
TCA CROSS and medium-depth peelsIce pick and narrow boxcar scarsDepends on peel depthVaries by clinic and peel depth
SubcisionRolling scarsBruising for 7 to 14 days$200 to $600
Dermal fillersRolling and distensible boxcar scarsUsually short, with possible bruising$600 to $1,500

If you are still deciding whether your skin needs scar treatment or acne control first, the acne treatment guide explains how active breakouts are managed, and the acne condition overview covers causes and types.

PRP Microneedling: A Regenerative Approach

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, is one of the most studied regenerative treatments for acne scars. The concept is straightforward: microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that trigger the skin’s natural healing response, while PRP provides concentrated growth factors intended to amplify that response.

How It Works

A small amount of your blood is drawn and processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which contain growth factors like platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-B), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The PRP is then applied to the skin during or after microneedling, allowing the growth factors to penetrate through the micro-channels created by the needles [4]. Some clinicians also inject PRP directly under individual scars.

What the Evidence Shows

A split-face trial by Asif and colleagues (2016) compared PRP-assisted microneedling with microneedling plus distilled water and found that the PRP side showed greater improvement in acne scar severity, with better results in texture, depth, and overall scar appearance [4]. A second split-face study by Ibrahim and colleagues (2018) confirmed that the side treated with PRP plus microneedling improved more than the side treated with microneedling alone [5].

Microneedling on its own also has trial support. A rater-blinded, split-face randomized trial by Alam and colleagues at Northwestern University, published in JAMA Dermatology (2014), found that acne scars on the needled side improved over six months compared with the untreated side [9].

The combination is particularly suited to rolling and shallow boxcar scars. Results develop gradually over 4 to 8 weeks as new collagen forms, and protocols commonly use 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Most published PRP studies are small, so the size of the added benefit from PRP is still uncertain.

Is PRP microneedling FDA approved for acne scars?

The FDA has authorized specific microneedling devices to improve the appearance of facial acne scars in patients aged 22 or older, according to its consumer page on microneedling devices. The same page states that microneedling devices are not approved for delivering blood products such as PRP into the skin. PRP microneedling is therefore an off-label combination that a clinician chooses, and it is worth asking which device and PRP system a clinic uses.

Cost and Downtime

PRP microneedling typically costs $500 to $1,500 per session, depending on location and provider. Downtime is usually 2 to 4 days of redness and mild swelling, similar to a moderate sunburn. Most people can return to work the next day with makeup to cover the redness.

For a wider look at how platelet-rich plasma is used on the skin, see the overview of PRP for the face, or read the platelet-rich plasma treatment guide for the science behind the injections. Clinics that list PRP services are collected in the national PRP clinic directory.

Fractional Laser Therapy

Fractional lasers are among the most widely used treatments for moderate to severe acne scarring. These devices deliver laser energy in a grid pattern, an approach called fractional photothermolysis, treating a fraction of the skin surface while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This allows for faster healing and lower risk of complications compared to older fully ablative lasers [6].

Ablative Fractional Lasers

Fractional CO2 and erbium:YAG lasers vaporize columns of skin tissue, triggering significant collagen remodeling. They deliver the most dramatic results but come with the most downtime, typically 5 to 10 days of redness, swelling, and crusting.

A review by Connolly and colleagues (2017) found that fractional CO2 laser treatment produced clinically significant improvement in acne scars, with studies reporting 25% to 75% improvement after one to three sessions [6]. These lasers work well for all three types of atrophic scars but are especially effective for boxcar and rolling scars.

Non-Ablative Fractional Lasers

Non-ablative fractional lasers (like the 1550nm or 1927nm Fraxel) heat tissue without vaporizing it, stimulating collagen production with less surface damage. Downtime is shorter (2 to 5 days), but more sessions are typically needed.

A randomized split-face study by Cho and colleagues (2010) comparing a non-ablative 1550 nm erbium-glass laser with an ablative 10,600 nm CO2 fractional laser for acne scars found that ablative treatment produced greater improvement per session, while non-ablative treatment achieved comparable results over more sessions with less risk of adverse effects [7].

Important Considerations for Darker Skin

Fractional lasers carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types IV to VI). Non-ablative lasers are generally safer for these skin types, and pre-treatment with a tyrosinase inhibitor like hydroquinone or tranexamic acid can further reduce risk [3]. Working with a provider experienced in treating diverse skin tones is essential, and asking to see results on skin similar to yours is a reasonable request.

Cost

Ablative fractional laser sessions typically run $1,000 to $3,000 per session. Non-ablative sessions are usually $500 to $1,500. Most patients need 2 to 5 sessions depending on scar severity.

Fractional resurfacing lasers are different from low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and red light therapy, which use low-power light without injuring the skin. The red light therapy guide covers what those devices can and cannot do for skin.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels have been used for acne scar treatment for decades. They work by applying a chemical solution that removes the outer layers of skin, stimulating new cell growth and collagen production.

Types and Depth

Superficial peels (glycolic acid, salicylic acid at low concentrations) provide mild improvement and are best for PIH and very shallow scars. They require no downtime but also deliver minimal results for true acne scars.

Medium-depth peels (trichloroacetic acid or TCA at 20% to 35%) penetrate to the papillary dermis and can produce meaningful improvement in shallow to moderate acne scars. A study found that 35% TCA peels combined with the “CROSS” technique (Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) were effective for ice pick and narrow boxcar scars [8].

The TCA CROSS technique involves applying high-concentration TCA (70% to 100%) directly into individual scars using a toothpick or fine applicator. This focal destruction triggers collagen formation from the bottom of the scar, gradually raising depressed scars to the surface level. Lee and colleagues (2002) reported 50% to 70% improvement in ice pick scars after 3 to 6 sessions [8].

Who should be careful with deeper peels?

Medium and deep peels carry a higher risk of pigment change and scarring in darker skin, in people prone to cold sores, and in anyone with a history of keloids. TCA CROSS is often a better fit for darker skin than a full-face medium peel because the acid touches only the scar itself. A dermatologist will usually ask you to stop retinoids and exfoliants for several days before a peel.

Subcision

Subcision, short for subcutaneous incisionless surgery, is a minor procedure specifically designed for rolling scars. A needle or small blade is inserted under the scar to break the fibrous bands that tether the skin to deeper tissues [14]. Once these bands are released, the skin can spring back to a more normal surface level.

Evidence and Technique

Orentreich and Orentreich described subcision for depressed scars in Dermatologic Surgery (1995), reporting improvement that continued over several months as new connective tissue filled the space created by the released bands [14]. Subcision is often combined with other treatments, particularly filler injection or PRP, to prevent the bands from reforming and to provide additional volume.

The combination of subcision with hyaluronic acid filler is a common pairing. The filler acts as a spacer that discourages reattachment of the fibrous bands while providing immediate volume correction.

Cost and Downtime

Subcision costs $200 to $600 per session. Bruising is common and can last 7 to 14 days. Some practitioners use a cannula instead of a needle, which tends to produce less bruising.

Dermal Fillers

Injectable fillers can provide immediate improvement for depressed acne scars by physically adding volume beneath the scar. The two main approaches are temporary fillers and semi-permanent options. Fillers work best on scars that soften when the skin is stretched, called distensible scars, and do little for narrow ice pick scars.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like Restylane and Juvederm are the most commonly used temporary fillers for acne scars. They provide immediate results, are reversible (the enzyme hyaluronidase can dissolve them if needed), and typically last 6 to 18 months depending on the product and location [10].

Halachmi and colleagues (2013) described an injection approach in which HA filler improved the appearance of distensible acne scars, those that improve when the skin is stretched [10]. Using HA filler for acne scars is generally off label, so the injector’s experience matters.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra)

Sculptra works differently from HA fillers. Rather than providing immediate volume, poly-L-lactic acid stimulates your body’s own collagen production over 2 to 6 months. Results can last two years or more. It is used for large areas of volume loss and widespread rolling scars, and its use for acne scars is off label.

Bellafill

Bellafill was the first dermal filler to receive FDA approval for correcting acne scars. It contains polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres suspended in collagen, providing both immediate correction and long-term structural support. A double-blind, randomized multicenter trial by Karnik and colleagues (2014) found that PMMA-collagen filler improved atrophic acne scars more than a saline control [11]. Because it contains bovine collagen, a skin test is done before treatment.

Cost

Filler treatments for acne scars typically cost $600 to $1,500 per session, depending on the amount of product needed and the type of filler used.

Regenerative and Emerging Options: Exosomes, Stem Cells and RF Microneedling

Several newer treatments are marketed for acne scars, and the evidence behind them is thinner than for lasers, peels, subcision and fillers. Knowing their regulatory status helps you weigh what a clinic is offering.

Exosomes and stem cell products

Exosomes are tiny vesicles released by cells, and some clinics apply exosome products after microneedling as an alternative to PRP. The FDA has not approved any exosome product or stem cell product for acne scars, and its consumer information on regenerative medicine therapies warns patients about unapproved products. The exosome therapy guide and the comparison of exosome therapy vs PRP explain where the research stands.

Radiofrequency microneedling

Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling adds heat through insulated or uninsulated needles to stimulate collagen in the dermis. It is offered for acne scars, including in darker skin, and in October 2025 the FDA issued a safety communication on RF microneedling citing reports of burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement and nerve damage after aesthetic skin procedures. Ask which device is used and whether it is authorized for the area being treated.

Combining Treatments for Best Results

The most effective approach to acne scar treatment is almost always a combination strategy tailored to the specific types of scars present. A reasonable framework looks like this:

Ice pick scars: TCA CROSS followed by fractional laser resurfacing
Boxcar scars (shallow): Fractional laser, chemical peels, or PRP microneedling
Boxcar scars (deep): Punch excision or subcision followed by fractional laser
Rolling scars: Subcision with filler or PRP, followed by fractional laser or microneedling
PIH: Topical treatments (vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, retinoids) with or without superficial peels

Combination plans are standard practice because each method targets a different part of the scar: the tethering bands, the depressed floor, or the surface texture. A Cochrane review by Abdel Hay and colleagues (2016) found that acne scar trials were mostly small and of low quality, so it could not rank treatments or combinations against each other [12]. Clinicians build combinations on mechanism and experience, and that is worth knowing when a clinic presents a package.

How are combined treatments sequenced?

Treatments that work below the surface usually come first. A typical sequence is subcision or punch techniques, then a few weeks of healing, then resurfacing with fractional laser, peels or microneedling. Fillers are often placed after resurfacing has settled, so the clinician can judge how much volume is still missing.

Can You Treat Acne Scars at Home?

Home care can fade dark marks and slightly soften shallow texture, but it does not raise deep atrophic scars. Topical retinoids such as tretinoin and adapalene speed cell turnover, help PIH fade, and support collagen over months. A randomized, vehicle-controlled split-face trial by Dréno and colleagues (2018) found that adapalene 0.3% with benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel reduced atrophic acne scar counts in people with moderate to severe acne [15].

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen keeps marks from darkening. Vitamin C, niacinamide and azelaic acid can help with uneven tone. At-home dermarollers reach only shallow depths, carry an infection risk if not cleaned properly, and are not a substitute for the clinic devices the FDA has reviewed for acne scars.

Expected Timeline and Setting Realistic Expectations

Acne scar treatment is a process, not a single event. Here is a realistic timeline:

  • Month 1 to 2: Initial consultation, skin preparation (retinoids, sun protection), first treatment session
  • Month 2 to 6: Ongoing treatment sessions (most protocols require 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart)
  • Month 6 to 12: Continued collagen remodeling and gradual improvement
  • Month 12 and beyond: Maintenance treatments as needed

Studies summarized by Connolly and colleagues (2017) suggest that 40% to 70% improvement is a reasonable expectation with a well-designed treatment plan. Complete elimination of scars is rarely achievable, but significant improvement in texture, depth, and overall appearance is realistic for the majority of patients [6].

Total cost for a full treatment course typically ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the severity of scarring and the treatments selected.

How Much Does Acne Scar Treatment Cost?

Acne scar treatment in the US typically costs $200 to $3,000 per session, depending on the method, and a full course typically runs $2,000 to $10,000. Subcision sits at the low end at $200 to $600 per session, PRP microneedling and non-ablative lasers fall around $500 to $1,500, fillers run $600 to $1,500, and ablative fractional lasers cost $1,000 to $3,000 per session.

Health insurance rarely covers acne scar revision because insurers classify it as cosmetic, so most patients pay cash. Treatment of active acne, such as prescription retinoids or isotretinoin, is more often covered. Ask for a written estimate that lists each procedure, the expected number of sessions, and what follow-up visits cost.

Prevention: Stopping New Scars Before They Form

While treating existing scars, it is equally important to prevent new ones from forming. Active acne should be treated promptly, and Tan, Kang and Leyden (2017) linked more severe acne and delays in effective treatment with a higher risk of scarring [13].

Key prevention strategies include:

  • Do not pick, squeeze, or pop acne lesions
  • Treat inflammatory acne promptly with appropriate medications
  • Use retinoids, which can reduce scarring risk even after lesions develop
  • Protect healing skin from UV exposure, which can worsen PIH

Deep, painful nodules and cysts leave scars most often, and severe acne is usually treated with oral medications such as isotretinoin. The overviews of severe acne treatment and hormonal acne treatment cover the options that keep new scars from forming.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a dermatologist or qualified aesthetics provider if:

  • Over-the-counter treatments have not improved your acne scars after 6 months
  • You have deep or widespread scarring affecting your quality of life
  • Your acne is still active (treating scars while acne is ongoing is less effective)
  • You have a history of keloid scarring (some treatments can worsen keloids)
  • You have darker skin and are considering laser treatment (specialized expertise is important to avoid complications)

A board-certified dermatologist or a provider with specific training in scar revision can assess your scars, identify the subtypes present, and develop a treatment plan that addresses each one appropriately.

Who treats acne scars?

Acne scars are treated by board-certified dermatologists, dermatologic surgeons, and facial plastic surgeons, who perform lasers, subcision, punch excision and deep peels. Physician assistants, nurse practitioners and registered nurses often perform microneedling, fillers and lighter peels under physician oversight, and licensed aestheticians handle superficial peels. Scope of practice rules come from each state’s medical and nursing boards, so ask who will perform each step and who supervises.

How to Find an Acne Scar Treatment Provider

A good first visit includes a scar assessment by type, photographs, a discussion of your skin tone and history of keloids or cold sores, and a written plan that names each procedure. Ask how many acne scar cases the clinician treats, whether they treat skin like yours, and which devices are FDA authorized for the use proposed.

You can compare clinics that list acne care in the Regenerated.com acne treatment clinic directory, with state lists for California, New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Listing order on Regenerated.com is not paid ranking, Featured slots are labeled and capped, and Verified means the clinic completed credential checks, not that it spent more. The directory is free for patients, and inclusion is not an endorsement. The guide to Featured, Verified and organic listings explains each label.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most effective treatment for acne scars?

The most effective acne scar treatment depends on scar type, and most people do best with a combination. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing produced 25% to 75% improvement after one to three sessions in studies reviewed by Connolly and colleagues (2017). TCA CROSS suits ice pick scars, subcision suits tethered rolling scars, and PRP microneedling suits rolling and shallow boxcar scars. A dermatologist who grades your scars by type can match each one to a method.

Can acne scars be removed permanently?

Acne scars can be improved a great deal but are rarely erased completely. Reviews of laser, peel and microneedling studies describe 40% to 70% improvement as a realistic goal with a well-planned course, and the new collagen that forms is long lasting. Temporary fillers wear off over 6 to 18 months, while collagen built by resurfacing persists. Keeping active acne under control prevents new scars from undoing progress.

Is PRP microneedling better than laser for acne scars?

PRP microneedling is not clearly better than fractional laser, but it has less downtime and lower pigment risk in darker skin. Split-face trials by Asif (2016) and Ibrahim (2018) found PRP plus microneedling beat microneedling alone. Ablative fractional lasers generally produce larger gains per session for boxcar and rolling scars, with 5 to 10 days of recovery. The FDA has not approved microneedling devices for delivering PRP, so the combination is off label.

Does insurance cover acne scar treatment?

Insurance rarely covers acne scar treatment because insurers classify scar revision as cosmetic, so lasers, PRP microneedling, subcision and fillers are usually paid out of pocket. Per-session prices typically range from $200 for subcision to $3,000 for ablative laser, and a full course often totals $2,000 to $10,000. Prescription treatment for active acne is more often covered, and some clinics offer payment plans for scar work.

How soon after acne clears can I start scar treatment?

Scar treatment usually starts once active acne is under control, because new breakouts create new scars and inflame treated skin. If you have taken isotretinoin, tell your dermatologist: clinicians traditionally waited months before lasers or deep peels, though a 2017 consensus from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery found insufficient evidence to support delaying many procedures. Dark marks (PIH) can be treated with topicals and sunscreen at any time.

Are acne scar treatments safe for dark skin?

Acne scar treatments can be used on darker skin (Fitzpatrick types IV to VI) when the method and settings are chosen carefully. Non-ablative fractional lasers, microneedling, TCA CROSS and subcision carry a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation than ablative lasers or full-face medium peels. Pre-treatment with hydroquinone or tranexamic acid and strict sun protection lower the risk further. Choose a clinician who regularly treats skin like yours.

The Bottom Line

Acne scar treatment has come a long way. Regenerative approaches like PRP microneedling use the body’s own growth factors as a healing tool, while fractional lasers, chemical peels, subcision, and fillers each address different aspects of scarring. The strongest results come from a personalized combination approach that matches treatments to scar types: TCA CROSS for ice pick scars, subcision and fillers for rolling scars, and fractional laser or PRP microneedling for texture.

Patience is essential. Collagen remodeling takes months, and multiple sessions are almost always necessary. With a well-designed treatment plan and realistic expectations, meaningful improvement is achievable for most people dealing with acne scars. When you are ready to compare options, the PRP clinic listings and the overview of acne treatment options are useful next stops.

Sources

  1. Layton AM, Henderson CA, Cunliffe WJ. A clinical evaluation of acne scarring and its incidence. Clin Exp Dermatol. 1994;19(4):303-308. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.1994.tb01200.x ↩
  2. Jacob CI, Dover JS, Kaminer MS. Acne scarring: a classification system and review of treatment options. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;45(1):109-117. doi:10.1067/mjd.2001.113451 ↩
  3. Callender VD, St. Surin-Lord S, Davis EC, Maclin M. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: etiologic and therapeutic considerations. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2011;12(2):87-99. doi:10.2165/11536930-000000000-00000 ↩
  4. Asif M, Kanodia S, Singh K. Combined autologous platelet-rich plasma with microneedling verses microneedling with distilled water in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: a concurrent split-face study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016;15(4):434-443. doi:10.1111/jocd.12207 ↩
  5. Ibrahim MK, Ibrahim SM, Salem AM. Skin microneedling plus platelet-rich plasma versus skin microneedling alone in the treatment of atrophic post acne scars: a split face comparative study. J Dermatolog Treat. 2018;29(3):281-286. doi:10.1080/09546634.2017.1365111 ↩
  6. Connolly D, Vu HL, Mariwalla K, Saedi N. Acne scarring-pathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment options. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(9):12-23. PMID:29344322 ↩
  7. Cho SB, Lee SJ, Cho S, et al. Non-ablative 1550-nm erbium-glass and ablative 10,600-nm carbon dioxide fractional lasers for acne scars: a randomized split-face study with blinded response evaluation. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2010;24(8):921-925. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03551.x ↩
  8. Lee JB, Chung WG, Kwahck H, Lee KH. Focal treatment of acne scars with trichloroacetic acid: chemical reconstruction of skin scars method. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(11):1017-1021. doi:10.1046/j.1524-4725.2002.02095.x ↩
  9. Alam M, Han S, Pongprutthipan M, et al. Efficacy of a needling device for the treatment of acne scars: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2014;150(8):844-849. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.8687 ↩
  10. Halachmi S, Ben Amitai D, Lapidoth M. Treatment of acne scars with hyaluronic acid: an improved approach. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013;12(7):e121-e123. PMID:23884501 ↩
  11. Karnik J, Baumann L, Brody HJ, et al. A double-blind, randomized, multicenter, controlled trial of suspended polymethylmethacrylate microspheres for the correction of atrophic facial acne scars. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(1):77-83. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2014.02.034 ↩
  12. Abdel Hay R, Shalaby K, Zaher H, et al. Interventions for acne scars. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4(4):CD011946. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011946.pub2 ↩
  13. Tan J, Kang S, Leyden J. Prevalence and risk factors of acne scarring among patients consulting dermatologists in the USA. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(2):97-102. PMID:28291559 ↩
  14. Orentreich DS, Orentreich N. Subcutaneous incisionless (subcision) surgery for the correction of depressed scars and wrinkles. Dermatol Surg. 1995;21(6):543-549. ↩
  15. Dréno B, et al. Prevention and reduction of atrophic acne scars with adapalene 0.3%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel in subjects with moderate or severe facial acne: results of a 6-month randomized, vehicle-controlled trial using intra-individual comparison. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018;19(2):275-286. doi:10.1007/s40257-018-0352-y ↩

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