Advisory Board Our Mission Advertise Patient Reviews
Home Acne Scar Removal Treatment Find a Doctor Choosing a Doctor FAQ's
Patient Education
Find an Acne Scar
Removal Specialist
Before & After Photos
Who's Behind
Your Laser?
...it matters
[Learn Why]
The Patient’s Guide is the most respected online publication regarding acne scarring, treatments, and prevention. Written and provided by some of America’s foremost dermatologists and laser surgery experts, our mission is to provide you with unbiased, scientifically accurate information about acne scarring, scar types, underlying causes, as well as potential treatments.
>>More About the Patient's Guide

Types of Acne Scars

There are four types of acne scars which are the most common. These are:

Ice Pick Scars
  • Ice Pick Scars
  • Rolling Scars
  • Boxcar Scars
  • Hypertrophic / Keloid Scars
  • How are Acne Scars different then other scars?

    • Ice pick scars are deep, narrow scars which form pits in the skin. They are among the most common.

    Rolling Scars

    Rolling scars create a wave-like appearance on the skin's surface due to their wide and shallow depth.

    Boxcar Scars

    As one might expect from their name, boxcar scars have angular, well-defined edges usually on the temples or cheeks. Their appearance is similar to chickenpox scars.

    Hypertrophic / Keloid Scars

    Hypertrophic scars are raised scars which stay within the boundary of the original wound and can reduce in size with the passage of time. Keloid scars, on the other hand, are overgrowths of tissue which expand beyond the original wound site. The scar is rubbery and firm and may itch. Often they form to be much larger than the original wound.

    How are Acne Scars different then other scars?

    Acne scars are bound down and depressed. As with other scars, acne scars are the result of a wound in our skin healing, resulting in too much collagen in that particular spot. Unlike other scars, however, acne scars are bound down and depressed within our skin. Since the wound occurs within the dermis from the original inflammation brought on by acne, the scar is often within our skin, rather than on its surface. This makes acne scarring very difficult to improve.


    Modern science has, however, developed some highly effective technologies for treating and removing acne scars. Lasers can be very effective at improving the look and texture of acne scarring. More information can be found at:How can I remove my acne scars?

     Find an Acne Scar Removal Specialist
     
       
    Videos
    Dermatologist Eric Bernstein, MD discusses the types of acne scars.
    How Did Treatment
    ChangeYOUR
    77% Life?
    of reviews werePositive

     Laser Treatment Working so Far

    I had really bad acne when I was younger, and so I was left ...[more]
    Long Island, NY

     Not Worth It To Me

    I was already done with my first fraxel treatment when I sta...[more]
    Miami, FL

     The Only Thing That Worked

    I had really bad acne starting right when I hit puberty at 1...[more]
    Huntington Beach, CA
    Write a Review
    Ask The Doctor
    Q: What is non-ablative laser treatment?
    Non-ablative lasers leave the surface layer of skin intact... [Read More]
    Q: What is the Sebaceous Gland?
    The sebaceous glands are found within the skin, connected to... [Read More]
    Q: What is the VBeamTM Perfecta Laser?
    The VBeam Perfecta laser is made and manufactured by Candela... [Read More]
    Acne Scar Removal Specialists
    Not Your Location?
    Search for specialists near you.
    Zip Code:
    Patient Education: Home | What is Acne Scarring | Types of Acne Scars | Acne Scar Removal | Laser Acne Scar Treatment | Fractional Laser Treatment | Affirm | Fraxel | Chemical Peels | Microdermabrasion | Punch Techniques | Subcision | Creams | Injections | Cost and Pricing | Choosing a Doctor | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
    Find a Doctor: Find a Acne Scars Removal Specialist Near You | Search By City/State
    Reviews/Feedback: Write a Review | Give us Your Feedback | Terms of Use | Review GuideLines
    About Us: Patient's Guide Mission Statement | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Statement | Advertising Policies