Acne scar treatment has come a long way from the days of harsh scrubs and cover-up creams. Today, your skin doesn’t have to hold onto the past. Whether you’ve been living with deep pitted scars, dark spots, or uneven texture, there are modern treatments that can help reveal smoother, healthier skin—without the guesswork.
Many people spend years trying different creams, peels, and serums to treat acne scars—only to see little change. The reason? Not all acne scars respond to the same treatment. Each type of scar forms differently, and effective results depend on matching the right treatment to the right scar type. Understanding how each option works—and what it’s designed to target—can make a major difference in outcomes.
This guide breaks down the most effective options for acne scar treatment, from microneedling with PRF to advanced lasers like the CO2RE. You’ll get clear answers about what works, who it works for, and what to expect. No fluff, no empty promises—just real solutions for smoother skin.
Understanding Acne Scars: Types, Causes & What You’re Really Treating
Not all acne scars are created equal—and that’s exactly why one-size-fits-all treatments often miss the mark. To get real results, you first need to know what type of scar you’re working with. Acne scars fall into a few main categories, each with its own cause and texture. The treatment that fades dark marks won’t do much for deep pits, and vice versa.
There are two major types of acne scars: atrophic and hypertrophic. Atrophic scars are the most common and include ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars. These scars form when your skin doesn’t make enough collagen during the healing process, leaving depressions or indentations behind. Hypertrophic scars, on the other hand, are raised and result from too much collagen production.
Some people also confuse post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (those flat, dark marks) with true scarring. While hyperpigmentation can fade on its own or with targeted skincare, textured scars usually need more advanced treatments to rebuild smoothness.
That’s why the first step in any acne scar treatment plan is a proper skin analysis. You need to know exactly what you’re dealing with—because once you do, the right treatment path becomes a whole lot clearer.
Microneedling for Acne Scars: Collagen-Boosting Power That Works
Microneedling is one of the most trusted non-surgical treatments for improving acne scars—especially atrophic types like ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars. By creating hundreds of controlled micro-injuries in the skin, microneedling stimulates your body’s natural healing process. The result? Increased collagen production that helps smooth texture and soften the appearance of scars over time.
Microneedling is often combined with regenerative serums or growth factors to supercharge the results. Options like PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) or PDGF+ (Platelet-Derived Growth Factors) introduce healing proteins that accelerate skin renewal. These combinations not only improve results, but also speed up recovery and reduce inflammation after treatment.
Unlike lasers or peels that target the skin’s surface, microneedling works from the inside out. That makes it especially useful for deeper scars and areas where skin is thinner, like the cheeks or temples. While most people need a series of treatments for full results, many notice improved texture and tone within a few weeks of their first session.
Microneedling is safe for most skin types and tones, making it a go-to option for people looking to reduce acne scars without harsh chemicals or extended downtime. When done by a skilled provider, it offers steady, natural improvement with minimal risk of pigment issues or irritation.
Microneedling with PRF: Next-Level Healing with Your Own Growth Factors
Microneedling with PRF builds on traditional microneedling by adding your body’s own natural healing elements. PRF stands for Platelet-Rich Fibrin, a concentrated mix of platelets and growth factors derived from a small sample of your own blood. When applied during microneedling, PRF enhances collagen production and speeds up tissue repair—helping scars fade faster and skin look smoother.
Unlike synthetic serums, PRF uses your own biology to support healing. It contains white blood cells, fibrin matrix, and platelets, all of which work together to regenerate tissue at a cellular level. This makes PRF especially helpful for deeper, stubborn scars that haven’t responded well to other treatments.
One of the biggest benefits of microneedling with PRF is the improvement in skin quality over time. Many people notice less redness, fewer breakouts, and a more even tone within weeks. Since PRF is autologous—meaning it comes from your own body—there’s little risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
This technique is also a good choice for those who want natural-based skincare solutions. When paired with microneedling, PRF delivers visible changes with less downtime and supports long-term skin health through collagen stimulation and cellular renewal.
CO2 Laser for Acne Scars: Deep Resurfacing for Dramatic Results
CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most effective treatments available for deeper acne scars. It works by using a fractional carbon dioxide laser to remove damaged layers of skin while stimulating new collagen growth in the underlying tissue. This dual-action approach smooths out scar texture, softens sharp edges, and improves overall skin tone.
The CO2RE laser, a modern version of the traditional CO2 laser, allows for precise targeting of problem areas while minimizing damage to surrounding skin. This makes it especially useful for treating boxcar and rolling scars on the cheeks, temples, and jawline. It’s also one of the few treatments that can significantly reduce both texture and pigmentation issues in the same session.
Because CO2 laser resurfacing penetrates deeply into the skin, it does come with a longer recovery period—usually about 7 to 10 days of downtime. But the trade-off is that most people see noticeable improvement after just one treatment, with continued collagen remodeling over the next several months.
This treatment isn’t right for everyone. It’s typically reserved for fair to medium skin tones, since deeper skin tones carry a higher risk of post-treatment pigmentation. A thorough consultation and pre-treatment skin prep are essential to minimize risk and ensure good results. For those who are good candidates, CO2 laser resurfacing offers a powerful solution for long-standing, difficult-to-treat scars.
Other Treatments That Can Support Acne Scar Recovery
Not every scar needs a high-powered laser or deep collagen induction to improve. Sometimes, complementary treatments play a critical role in speeding up recovery, evening out tone, and boosting the effects of microneedling or laser sessions. These options aren’t necessarily standalone solutions for acne scars, but they work well as part of a larger treatment plan.
Chemical peels are one such option. While light peels won’t do much for deep texture, medium-depth peels can help improve discoloration and surface irregularities. They’re often used between laser or microneedling appointments to refresh the skin and keep pores clear.
Medical-grade facials are another supportive choice. Regular facials customized with enzymes, exfoliants, or brightening agents help maintain skin health and improve overall tone. For people dealing with post-acne inflammation or hyperpigmentation, these treatments can ease redness and support smoother healing.
Dermaplaning also has a role in supporting smoother skin. By removing dead skin and peach fuzz, it creates a clean surface for skincare products to absorb better—and for treatments like PRF or peels to work more effectively. It won’t rebuild collagen, but it improves skin texture and brightness over time when combined with more targeted treatments.
How to Choose the Right Acne Scar Treatment for Your Skin
Choosing the right acne scar treatment isn’t about picking the most advanced technology or the trendiest procedure. It’s about matching the treatment to your skin type, scar type, and healing goals. What works wonders for one person may barely make a difference for someone else. That’s why a personalized approach always gets the best results.
If your scars are shallow and mostly related to discoloration, treatments that focus on exfoliation and pigment control—like light chemical peels or microneedling—can offer significant improvement. For deeper texture issues, such as boxcar or rolling scars, more aggressive options like CO2 laser resurfacing or microneedling with PRF are usually more effective.
Skin tone also plays a role in treatment choice. People with darker skin may be better suited to microneedling or PRF-based treatments, which carry a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Lasers like CO2, while powerful, are generally safer for lighter skin tones due to how they interact with melanin.
Ultimately, the best plan comes from evaluating your skin in person and understanding the pros and cons of each treatment. Look for a provider who takes the time to assess your history, your goals, and how your skin reacts to healing. The most effective treatment isn’t always the most aggressive—it’s the one that works with your skin, not against it.
Realistic Expectations: What Results Look Like and How Long They Take
Acne scar treatment is a process, not a one-time fix. It takes time for your skin to rebuild collagen, fade discoloration, and renew itself from deeper layers upward. The key to lasting results is consistency—and patience.
Most people need a series of treatments spaced out over several months to see full improvement. Microneedling, for example, often requires three to six sessions for visible changes in texture. CO2 laser resurfacing can deliver more dramatic results in a single session, but collagen remodeling continues for three to six months afterward.
Results also depend on your skin’s natural healing ability, your age, your scar type, and how well you follow aftercare instructions. Some people see progress quickly, while others notice more gradual changes. It’s normal to experience redness, flaking, or mild swelling as part of the healing phase, especially after deeper treatments.
Tracking your progress with photos can be helpful, since changes often happen slowly and subtly. And while no treatment can erase every scar, the right combination of therapies can dramatically improve smoothness, tone, and confidence in your skin over time.
Acne Scar Treatment FAQs
Still have questions about how to treat acne scars effectively? Here are the answers to the most common questions to help guide your next steps toward smoother, more confident skin.
What is the most effective treatment for acne scars?
The most effective acne scar treatment depends on the type of scars you have. For deep atrophic scars like boxcar or rolling scars, CO2 laser resurfacing or microneedling with PRF offers the best results. For pigmentation or mild texture, treatments like chemical peels or microneedling alone may be sufficient.
How many sessions of microneedling are needed for acne scars?
Most clients need 3–6 microneedling sessions spaced about 4–6 weeks apart to see significant improvement in acne scars. However, noticeable changes in skin texture can start after just one or two treatments, especially when combined with PRF or growth factors.
What’s the difference between microneedling and microneedling with PRF?
Microneedling with PRF enhances traditional microneedling by incorporating your body’s own platelet-rich fibrin. This boosts healing, increases collagen production, and improves results for deep or stubborn scars. It’s ideal for people seeking a natural, regenerative treatment for acne scars.
Is CO2 laser resurfacing safe for all skin types?
CO2 laser treatments like the CO2RE are most effective for fair to medium skin tones. For deeper skin tones, microneedling or PRF microneedling is often a safer choice due to a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Can microneedling treat all types of acne scars?
Microneedling is best for atrophic scars—like ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars—because it rebuilds collagen from within. While it won’t erase every scar, it softens texture, evens tone, and improves overall skin quality when done consistently.
Does acne scar treatment work for older scars?
Yes! Even older acne scars can respond well to treatment. While it may take more sessions to see results, collagen stimulation therapies like microneedling, PRF, and laser resurfacing can still significantly improve texture and appearance over time.
What is the downtime after acne scar treatment?
Downtime varies by treatment. Microneedling typically involves 24–48 hours of redness and mild flaking. PRF microneedling has a similar or slightly shorter recovery time. CO2 laser resurfacing may require 7–10 days of healing, with redness and peeling during that period.
Can I combine acne scar treatments for better results?
Absolutely. Many of our clients see the best results from a personalized treatment plan that includes a combination of therapies, like microneedling with PRF, followed by CO2 laser or a chemical peel. Supporting treatments like facials or dermaplaning can also enhance results and maintain healthy skin.
Do acne scar treatments help with hyperpigmentation?
Yes, especially treatments like microneedling, CO2 laser resurfacing, and chemical peels. These treatments can improve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), even out tone, and reduce the dark spots left behind by acne.
Where can I get professional acne scar treatment near me?
Arsenault Aesthetics offers advanced acne scar treatments in Lakewood Ranch and Venice, FL. We proudly serve clients from Sarasota, Bradenton, North Port, and nearby areas. Every treatment plan starts with a personalized consultation to ensure the best path forward for your skin.
Smoother Skin Starts With the Right Plan
There’s no universal fix for acne scars, but there are proven treatments that work—especially when they’re chosen with your specific skin and scar type in mind. Whether you’re leaning toward microneedling, microneedling with PRF, or laser resurfacing, the path to smoother skin is about pairing the right tools with expert guidance and realistic expectations.
If you’re in Lakewood Ranch, Venice, Sarasota, or Bradenton, access to professional-grade acne scar treatment is closer than you think. A personalized approach can make all the difference—one that considers your skin tone, scar pattern, and long-term skin goals.
Acne scars may be part of your history, but they don’t have to define your future. With the right plan, smoother, clearer skin is possible—and well within reach.
Ready to take the first step? Book an appointment in Lakewood Ranch or Venice today and explore the treatments that are right for your skin.
