Acne Scar Treatment in Calicut

How acne, surgical and injury scars form, the different types of scars, and the treatments that can make them less noticeable.

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Affects: Face, back, chest; any site of injury or surgery
Who: Anyone after acne, injury, burns or surgery
Course: Permanent, but can be improved
Contagious?: No

What is acne scars and other scars?

A scar is the skin's way of repairing a deep injury. When the deeper layer of the skin (the dermis) is damaged, by inflamed acne, a cut, a burn or surgery, the body lays down new collagen fibres to close the wound. This repair tissue is never exactly the same as the original skin.

If too little collagen is made, the scar sits below the surface as a depression. This is the most common outcome after acne. If too much collagen is made, the scar becomes raised and firm (a hypertrophic scar) or grows beyond the original wound (a keloid). Scars can also be darker, lighter or redder than the surrounding skin.

Scars are permanent, but their appearance can be improved significantly. The right treatment depends on the type, depth and location of the scar and on your skin type. Most people benefit from a combination of treatments over several months.

Diagram comparing ice-pick, boxcar, rolling, hypertrophic and keloid scars — Common acne scar shapes: ice-pick, boxcar and rolling scars sit below the skin surface; hypertrophic scars and keloids are raised.

Signs and symptoms of acne scars and other scars

Early signs

Red or purple marks after a wound or pimple heals
Firm, slightly raised healing skin

Common symptoms

Small, deep pits (ice-pick scars)
Wider depressions with sharp edges (boxcar scars)
Wavy, uneven skin texture (rolling scars)
Dark or red discolouration around scars

Advanced or severe signs

Thick, raised scars that itch or feel tender
Keloids that keep growing beyond the original wound

Areas commonly affected

Cheeks, temples and forehead (acne scars)
Jawline, chest, shoulders and earlobes (keloids)
Abdomen and other sites after surgery

Warning signs that need prompt medical attention

A scar that keeps growing
A scar that becomes painful, ulcerated or bleeds
A changing lesion within an old scar

Causes and risk factors

Inflammatory acne: Deep nodules and cysts damage the dermis; picking increases the risk.
Delay in treating acne: The longer severe acne lasts, the more scarring it can cause.
Surgery and injury: Caesarean section, other operations, cuts, burns and accidents.
Infections: Chickenpox and skin infections can leave pitted scars.
Genetics and skin type: A family history of keloids and darker skin types increase the risk of raised scars.
Wound tension and site: Scars on the chest, shoulders and jawline are more likely to become thick.

Types of acne scars and other scars

Ice-pick scars

Narrow, deep pits that look like large open pores.

Boxcar scars

Round or oval depressions with sharp edges.

Rolling scars

Wide, shallow depressions that give the skin a wavy look, caused by bands of scar tissue pulling the skin down.

Hypertrophic scars

Raised scars that stay within the boundary of the original wound and may flatten over time.

Keloids

Firm, raised scars that grow beyond the original wound and may itch; common on the earlobes, chest and shoulders.

Post-inflammatory marks

Red or brown flat marks after acne; these are not true scars and usually fade.

How is acne scars and other scars diagnosed?

Clinical examinationThe doctor examines scars under good light, often from different angles, to identify each scar type and depth.
Medical historyQuestions about active acne, previous treatments, keloid tendency and healing problems help plan safe treatment.
Assessment of active acneActive acne is controlled before most scar procedures, so new scars do not form.
PhotographsBaseline photos help track improvement over the course of treatment.

Not every patient needs every test. Your dermatologist will recommend only the investigations that are relevant to you.

Treatment options for acne scars and other scars

The right treatment depends on your diagnosis, the type and severity of the condition, your skin type, your general health and your preferences. Your dermatologist will explain which options suit you after a medical evaluation. Prescription medicines should only be used under medical supervision.

Available at Dr. Lasi'sYour dermatologist may advise or refer

Microneedling with radiofrequency (MNRF) Available at Dr. Lasi's

What is it?: Fine needles deliver radiofrequency energy into the dermis.
How does it work?: The controlled heat and micro-injuries stimulate new collagen and remodel scar tissue.
Who may benefit?: Rolling and boxcar acne scars, and enlarged pores.
How is it done?: Numbing cream is applied, then the device is passed over the treatment area.
Expected benefits: Smoother texture with relatively short downtime.
Side effects and risks: Redness and swelling for a few days, small marks; rarely, darkening.
Sessions needed: Usually 3 to 6 sessions about 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Aftercare: Gentle skincare, sunscreen, no makeup for a day or as advised.
Limitations: Gradual improvement; deep ice-pick scars may need other methods.

Fractional CO2 laser Available at Dr. Lasi's

What is it?: A laser that creates tiny columns of controlled injury in the skin.
How does it work?: The skin heals by forming new collagen, improving texture and scar depth.
Who may benefit?: Moderate to severe acne scars, surgical and some injury scars.
How is it done?: Performed after numbing; the laser is passed over the scars.
Expected benefits: Noticeable improvement in scar texture over a course of treatment.
Side effects and risks: Redness, swelling and peeling for about a week; risk of pigmentation in darker skin if sun protection is not followed.
Sessions needed: Usually 3 to 5 sessions about 6 weeks apart.
Aftercare: Moisturiser as advised, strict sun protection, avoid picking.
Limitations: Requires some downtime; results build over months.

Subcision Available at Dr. Lasi's

What is it?: A minor procedure that releases fibrous bands under rolling scars.
How does it work?: A special needle is moved under the scar to free it, allowing the skin to lift.
Who may benefit?: Rolling and tethered scars.
How is it done?: Done under local anaesthesia in the clinic.
Expected benefits: Immediate softening of tethered scars, improving over weeks.
Side effects and risks: Bruising and swelling for one to two weeks.
Sessions needed: Often 1 to 3 sessions, combined with other treatments.
Aftercare: Cold compresses and avoiding pressure on the area.
Limitations: Works best combined with resurfacing treatments.

Chemical peels and microneedling Available at Dr. Lasi's

What is it?: Medical peels and derma-roller microneedling.
How does it work?: Exfoliate the surface and stimulate collagen in shallow scars and marks.
Who may benefit?: Shallow scars, post-acne marks and uneven texture.
How is it done?: Clinic-based sessions after skin preparation.
Expected benefits: Improved texture and tone with short downtime.
Side effects and risks: Redness, flaking; rarely darkening.
Sessions needed: Several sessions a few weeks apart.
Aftercare: Sunscreen and gentle skincare.
Limitations: Limited effect on deep scars.

PRP and dermal fillers Available at Dr. Lasi's

What is it?: Platelet-rich plasma from your own blood, and hyaluronic acid fillers.
How does it work?: PRP may support healing when combined with MNRF or laser; fillers lift depressed scars.
Who may benefit?: Selected depressed scars; PRP as an add-on.
How is it done?: Injected or applied during scar procedures.
Expected benefits: Fillers give immediate lift; PRP may improve healing.
Side effects and risks: Bruising, swelling; rare filler complications.
Sessions needed: Fillers may need repeating after several months.
Aftercare: Avoid massaging the area unless advised.
Limitations: Fillers are temporary.

Scar revision surgery Available at Dr. Lasi's

What is it?: Surgical removal or reshaping of selected scars.
How does it work?: The scar is excised and the skin closed more neatly, sometimes changing its direction.
Who may benefit?: Wide or unsightly surgical and injury scars, and some ice-pick scars (punch excision).
How is it done?: Minor surgery under local anaesthesia.
Expected benefits: A finer, less noticeable scar.
Side effects and risks: A new scar forms; infection or thickening can occur.
Sessions needed: Usually one procedure, sometimes followed by resurfacing.
Aftercare: Wound care, stitch removal and sun protection.
Limitations: Not suitable for keloids without additional treatment.

Treatment for raised scars and keloids May advise or refer

What is it?: Intralesional steroid injections, silicone gel or sheets and pressure therapy.
How does it work?: Steroids reduce collagen formation and inflammation; silicone hydrates and flattens scars.
Who may benefit?: Hypertrophic scars and keloids.
How is it done?: Injections every few weeks; silicone applied daily at home.
Expected benefits: Flatter, softer scars with less itching.
Side effects and risks: Skin thinning or lightening at injection sites.
Sessions needed: Several sessions; keloids often need long-term follow-up.
Aftercare: Continue silicone and follow-up.
Limitations: Keloids can recur, especially after surgery alone.

What happens during a consultation?

Initial consultationYou explain your concern, how long you have had it and what you have already tried.
Medical historyYour doctor asks about your health, medicines, allergies, family history and possible triggers.
Clinical examinationYour skin, hair, scalp or nails are examined, with dermoscopy where useful.
DiagnosisYour doctor explains what the condition is and, if needed, which tests will help confirm it.
Personalised treatment planThe options suitable for you are discussed, including how they work, costs and possible side effects.
Expected outcomesYou will hear what improvement is realistic and how long it usually takes.
Follow-upReviews are planned to check progress and adjust treatment.

Before your visit: Tell the doctor if you have a tendency to form keloids, are pregnant, or have taken isotretinoin in the last few months.

Prevention and daily care

Preventing acne scars

Treat acne early and fully
Never squeeze or pick pimples
Use sunscreen to stop marks darkening

Caring for wounds

Keep wounds clean and covered
Follow stitch care instructions
Use silicone gel on healed surgical scars if advised

Long-term care

Protect scars from the sun for at least a year
Avoid ear piercings or tattoos if you form keloids

When should you consult a dermatologist?

Acne is leaving pits or raised scars
A scar is itchy, painful or growing
You want to improve an old scar before an important occasion (plan months ahead)
You have a keloid tendency and need surgery or piercing

At Dr. Lasi's Skin & Hair Clinic in Calicut, consultations are with Dr. Lasida Ali, MBBS, MD, DVD, who sees patients from Kozhikode and across North Malabar.

References and further reading

This page is for patient education and does not replace a consultation. Results of treatment vary from person to person.

Frequently asked questions about acne scars and other scars

Can acne scars be removed completely?

Scars can be improved significantly with the right combination of treatments, but they are rarely erased completely.

What is the best treatment for acne scars?

There is no single best treatment. Different scar types respond to different methods, so most people benefit from a combination such as subcision with MNRF or fractional CO2 laser.

Are acne marks the same as acne scars?

No. Flat red or brown marks usually fade with time and sun protection. Scars change the surface of the skin and do not fade on their own.

When can I start scar treatment?

Usually once active acne is controlled, so new scars do not form during treatment.

How many sessions will I need?

Most people need three to six sessions, depending on the scar type, depth and treatment chosen.

Is there downtime after scar treatment?

MNRF usually causes redness for a few days; fractional CO2 laser causes about a week of redness and peeling; subcision can cause bruising for one to two weeks.

Are scar treatments safe for Indian skin?

Yes, when settings are chosen carefully and sun protection is followed. Darker skin has a higher risk of temporary pigmentation, which a dermatologist plans for.

Can old scars be treated?

Yes. Mature scars can still be improved, although the degree of improvement varies.

What is a keloid?

A keloid is a raised scar that grows beyond the original wound. It is more common in some families and on the chest, shoulders and earlobes, and can recur after treatment.

Do scar creams work?

Silicone gels can help flatten raised scars. Most other creams have limited effect on depressed acne scars.

Can I have scar treatment during pregnancy?

Most scar procedures are postponed until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

See all FAQs

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