SCAR HEALING & ACNE SCAR TREATMENT PROCEDURES

Acne Scar Treatment San Diego

Acne Scar Treatment San Diego

Experience glowing skin fast through personalized acne scar treatments.

Acne scars often linger long after breakouts disappear, drawing unwanted attention and undermining confidence.

At the Scar Healing Institute, we provide acne scar treatment in San Diego by pairing deep clinical expertise with the latest laser, microneedling, and regenerative therapies to target every scar type. We listen to your goals, tailor a precise plan, and guide you through each stage of healing with clear direction and compassionate care.

We also offer acne scar treatments in Anaheim, Long Beach, and Riverside.

Book a consultation today and start turning uneven texture into smooth, radiant skin.

This is How 6 Months Can Change Acne-Scarred Skin

Erase Deep Pits, Raised Ridges, and Uneven Texture from Your Skin

Icepick Acne Scars

Severe acne, often cystic, can damage the deeper layers of the skin, leading to narrow, deep indentations called icepick scars. These V-shaped scars resemble tiny puncture wounds, similar to those caused by an ice pick. Due to their depth, icepick scars are more challenging to treat than other types of acne scars, but our SHI CROSS treatment has proven to be highly effective in achieving significant improvement.

Boxcar Acne Scars

Boxcar scars occur when the skin fails to produce enough collagen during the healing process of acne, resulting in shallow, crater-like depressions. While these scars are less deep than icepick scars, they have sharply defined edges. The most effective acne scar treatments for boxcar scars typically include dermabrasion and subcision, which work to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of these scars.

Rolling Acne Scars

Rolling scars are characterized by wide, wavy indentations that give the skin a subtly uneven texture. Unlike icepick or boxcar scars, rolling scars are less defined. They develop when fibrous tissue pulls the scar down to the underlying skin layers, causing the skin to sag and ripple. Subcision is the most effective acne scar treatment for rolling scars, as it releases the fibrous tethers and allows the skin to rise back to its natural, smooth texture.

These Are Our Acne Scar Treatments for a Smoother Skin in San Diego

Laser skin resurfacing triggers new cells and collagen to fade scars. The Scar Healing Institute offers CO2, Fotona 4D, Er:YAG, and Nd:YAG systems, each targeting specific scar issues. Choices span texture-remodeling ablative beams and pigment-clearing nonablative ones, ideal for flattening raised scars. We often finish acne-scar care with lasers and, in some case, multiple sessions may be needed for a smooth result.

CROSS, short for Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scarring, is an acne scar treatment that utilizes concentrated chemicals, most often phenol or TCA. These chemicals are applied at the base of each individual scar, prompting a controlled chemical reaction that promotes collagen production. CROSS is much more precise than other treatments and has a faster recovery time than full-face chemical peels.

Subcision frees tethered scars by sliding a fine needle or cannula beneath the skin to sever collagen bands, letting pits rise to surface level. Our San Diego team customizes the depth, while the SHI LIFT technique, with the patented Hazany Liberator, tackles the toughest marks. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable but  do expect swelling and two-month final results for a smooth skin.

Dermabrasion, also known as surgical skin planing, uses a rapidly rotating device to remove the top layer of skin. This abrasive procedure smooths out uneven texture from scarring and wrinkles, leaving behind fresh, healthy skin. This acne scar treatment can be tailored to your personal skin type but is best suited for boxcar acne scars. Recovery time varies on an individual basis but typically lasts around two weeks, with residual redness for several months. 

Punch excision is a targeted procedure used to treat deep acne scars. A small, round “cookie-cutter” tool is used to remove the scar tissue, and the area is then stitched together to form a flat, linear scar. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and as the skin heals, it results in a smoother, more even surface. It is often combined with other acne scar treatments for the best outcome, particularly for isolated, deep scars.

We offer targeted injectable treatments for acne scars. One of our most popular acne scar treatments in San Diego is SHI STIM, which uses poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA), better known as Sculptra, to boost collagen production.

Unlike fillers that simply add volume, Sculptra works as a biostimulant. It activates your skin’s own collagen production, steadily lifting pits and refining texture for a naturally renewed complexion.

How Much Does an Acne Scar Treatment Cost in San Diego?

Costs vary by treatment type and scar severity. Consult our specialists for a personalized quote and note that multiple sessions can raise the total. Do note that, unfortunately, most insurers don’t cover cosmetic acne-scar care.

Book your consultation with the Scar Healing Institute now to get a detailed rundown of pricing for your tailored acne scar treatment!

Scar Healing Pattern

Wondering What Happens After You Walk In?

At your San Diego acne-scar consult, our specialists examine scar type, depth, and severity, then review your goals, concerns, and medical history. Based on this, we suggest tailored options (lasers, microneedling, or injectables), outline expected results, side effects, and recovery, and map out a custom plan.

We also detail pricing, required sessions, and aftercare, answering every question. Finally, we preview prep steps, from pausing harsh products to applying a lightening cream, so you arrive treatment-ready.

What Should You Avoid After Your Scar Treatment?

After acne scar treatment, it’s important to follow proper aftercare to ensure optimal healing and results. This generally includes keeping the skin clean and moisturized, avoiding sun exposure, and refraining from picking or scratching the treated area. You may also be advised to avoid harsh skincare products, makeup, and strenuous activities for a period of time.

For more intensive acne scar treatments, like SHI LIFT, additional instructions will be included for suctioning, massaging, and wearing a facial compression garment. Following your provider’s specific instructions and being patient during the healing process are key to achieving the best results.

Why the Scar Healing Institute Clients Rely on Us

When you choose the Scar Healing Institute for acne scars, you gain a clinic that blends advanced expertise with truly personalized care. Our seasoned team offers the newest laser, microneedling, and injectable options, tailoring every plan to your scar type, depth, and goals.

During consultation, we review your skin, medical history, and concerns to craft the most effective approach, whether a single therapy or a strategic combination. From first visit through follow-up, we guide you with clear answers, detailed aftercare, and constant support, so you achieve smoother, more confident skin that lasts for years.

Anisha Scar Healing Institute

Unlock Custom Acne Scar Care, Reserve Your Consultation Now

At the Scar Healing Institute, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve smooth and radiant skin. Whether your scars are recent or have been with you since childhood, we have a solution designed just for you. Our team of experts constantly works on developing innovative treatments to effectively treat acne scars. Start your healing journey today by scheduling your consultation for acne scar treatment in San Diego!

Things You Might Want to Know Before You Schedule

In general, you may start to notice improvements within a few weeks, but it can take several months to see the full effects. The best results often require multiple sessions, and your skin’s response will influence the overall timeline. Full recovery and noticeable improvement typically take some time, and your specialist will provide guidance on what to expect based on your specific condition and treatment plan.

At the Scar Healing Institute, we focus on ensuring your comfort throughout the treatment process. The amount of discomfort you may experience during acne scar treatments depends on the specific procedure and your individual pain tolerance. We’ll work with you to determine the most suitable numbing option. During your recovery, any discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

While acne scar treatments can provide lasting improvements, the results may not be permanent. Although the appearance of scars can be significantly reduced, skin naturally changes over time due to factors such as aging, sun exposure, and lifestyle. To maintain optimal results, you may require occasional touch-up treatments or maintenance. Your specialist will offer advice on how to care for your skin after treatment to help preserve the results for as long as possible.

We recommend waiting until your active acne has been controlled before undergoing acne scar treatment. Treating scars while active acne is still present can potentially worsen the condition or lead to new breakouts. Your specialist will typically work with you to manage and clear up the active acne first, ensuring your skin is in the best condition before starting scar treatments.

To prevent new acne scars, it’s important to avoid picking or squeezing pimples, treat acne early, and follow a proper skincare routine using non-comedogenic products. Wearing sunscreen daily helps protect the skin from UV damage, and topical treatments with ingredients like retinoids or salicylic acid can aid in healing. Additionally, consulting a dermatologist can help manage acne and reduce the risk of scarring.

Acne scars form when the skin experiences significant inflammation due to acne. Factors such as the severity of the acne, how long the breakout lasts, and whether the acne is squeezed or picked can increase the risk of scarring. Additionally, deeper acne lesions like cysts tend to cause more damage to the skin, leading to more noticeable scars. Genetics and skin type also influence how the skin heals and whether scarring occurs.

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