Acne Scar Treatment Singapore

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Dr Robert Ong of Medical Aesthetics.
Written By: Dr Robert Ong (MBBS, GDFP (Dermatology), Member - American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine)
Last updated: Oct 06, 2025
Woman with mild acne scars on face showing early signs of post acne marks and uneven skin texture.
Man with rolling and boxcar acne scars.

Acne scars can feel like a lasting reminder of past breakouts, affecting not only how your skin looks but also how you feel about yourself. They may leave you more self-conscious in social situations or less confident in your appearance, especially when they are more noticeable.

The good news is that a wide range of treatment options is available, each tailored to different skin types and levels of scarring, to help soften their appearance and improve skin texture. With the right care and guidance, you can work towards smoother-looking skin and feel more comfortable in your own appearance again.

What Is the Best Acne Scar Treatment in Singapore?

The best treatment depends on the type of acne scars you have. At Medical Aesthetics, we offer 6 proven acne scar removal treatments, each carefully tailored to suit your skin’s unique needs and help you achieve smoother, clearer-looking skin:

  1. Chemical Peel
  2. TCA CROSS
  3. IPL Facial Rejuvenation
  4. Fractional Laser
  5. Needle Subcision
  6. Intralesional Injection of Triamcinolone

What Are Acne Scars?

Bar chart showing psychosocial impact of atrophic acne scars with three-quarters of adults affected.

Acne scars are long-term marks in the skin that develop after inflamed acne lesions heal, leaving behind depressions, raised areas, or discolouration.

Beyond the physical marks, acne scars can deeply affect how you feel about yourself. Research shows that:

  • 68% of adults with atrophic scars feel self-conscious,
  • 74.8% worry their scars may be permanent,
  • and 77.4% feel less attractive.

These emotional effects clearly show that acne scars are more than a skin concern and can strongly influence confidence and overall wellbeing.

What Causes Acne Scars / How Do Acne Scars Form?

Acne scars form when inflammation from acne damages the deeper layers of the skin and disrupts the normal repair process of collagen, the protein that supports healing and skin firmness.

Several factors can increase the likelihood of scarring:

  • Squeezing, picking, or scratching acne lesions creates additional trauma to the skin and worsens inflammation.
  • Severe or deep acne lesions such as nodular or cystic acne are more likely to damage the underlying tissue and leave permanent marks.
  • Prolonged inflammation before healing increases collagen breakdown and increases the risk of scarring.
  • Delayed or inadequate treatment allows acne to progress, leading to more extensive tissue damage over time.
Concerned about how your acne scars look? Start your journey to smoother, clearer skin with a consultation from $38.15 NETT. Contact our friendly team on WhatsApp to book, and we’ll reply within 2 business days.
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What Types of Acne Scars Can Occur?

Diagram showing icepick boxcar and rolling acne scars forming differently across skin layers.

Acne scars can be classified into different types depending on how the skin heals after acne. Some occur when the skin does not produce enough collagen, while others develop when too much collagen forms during repair.

Loss of Collagen Excess Collagen
  • Ice-pick scars – Deep, narrow indentations that resemble small holes in the skin.
  • Rolling scars – Shallow depressions with sloping edges that create an uneven skin surface.
  • Boxcar scars – Wider depressions with sharp edges, giving the skin a pitted look.
  • Hypertrophic scars – Raised, firm scars that remain within the boundary of the original acne lesion.
  • Keloid scars – Larger, overgrown raised scars that extend beyond the original acne lesion.
Close-up of cheek with multiple ice pick acne scars showing deep narrow indentations in skin surface.
Ice Pick Acne Scars
Woman with visible rolling and boxcar acne scars on both cheeks creating uneven pitted skin texture.
Rolling & Boxscar Acne Scars
Close-up of raised hypertrophic scar on skin showing thickened firm tissue formed after acne healing.
Hypertrophic Scar

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or erythema may also appear after acne heals. These dark marks or areas of redness are common but are not actual scars and may fade with time or treatment.

What Acne Scar Removal Treatments Are Available?

Acne scar treatments aim to stimulate skin repair, resurface damaged tissue, or reduce raised scar tissue. The choice of treatment often depends on the type of scar, skin tone, and severity, and in many cases a combination of methods is recommended. Options include:

Treatment How It Works
Chemical peels A chemical solution is applied to the surface of the skin to remove its outer layers and promote the growth of new, healthier skin. This process helps smooth uneven texture and lighten marks left behind by acne. Generally used for mild atrophic scars and post-inflammatory discolouration.
TriChloroacetic Acid Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars (TCA Cross) High-strength trichloroacetic acid, a medical-grade solution, is applied directly into the base of individual scars to trigger new collagen formation during healing. Unlike a chemical peel that is applied over the whole skin surface, this method targets each scar directly and is particularly effective for deep, narrow ice-pick scars.
Laser treatments Fractional CO₂ Lasers deliver controlled energy into the skin to create tiny areas of repair and stimulate new collagen growth. Over time, this helps smooth uneven skin texture and improve the appearance of scars. Laser treatments are commonly used for rolling, boxcar, and mixed atrophic scars.
Radiofrequency microneedling This treatment uses tiny needles to deliver radiofrequency energy deep into the skin. The controlled heat breaks down old scar tissue and stimulates collagen production, helping the skin remodel itself. It is suitable for various types of atrophic scars, especially rolling scars.
Needle Subcision A minor procedure where a needle is inserted beneath the skin to break up fibrous bands that pull scars downward. Releasing these bands allows the surface of the skin to lift and smoothen over time. This treatment is most often used for rolling scars and some boxcar scars.
Dermal fillers or collagen stimulators Fillers or collagen-stimulating injectables are placed under depressed scars to raise the skin’s surface and improve its contour. These treatments provide immediate improvement and can also promote long-term collagen formation. They are commonly used for boxcar and rolling scars, often in combination with needle subcision.
Steroid or botulinum toxin injections Medical-grade corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone, or botulinum toxin are injected directly into raised scars to reduce inflammation and soften excess tissue. By limiting overactive collagen, the scar gradually flattens and becomes less noticeable. This treatment is usually used for hypertrophic and keloid scars.
Punch excision or surgery This surgical method involves cutting out individual deep scars and closing the wound with fine stitches or a skin graft. The procedure replaces a pitted scar with a smoother, flatter mark that blends more evenly with surrounding skin. It is usually reserved for severe or deep boxcar and ice-pick scars.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) may also be recommended as a complementary treatment for post-acne redness or pigmentation, though it does not treat scarring directly. It can help improve overall skin appearance when combined with scar-focused treatments.

How Long Do Acne Scar Treatments Take to Show Results?

Acne scars on cheek illustrating skin texture that can improve over 3 to 6 months with treatment.

Acne scar treatments usually produce gradual improvement over several sessions, as results become more visible once new collagen has formed and strengthened the skin.

Some treatments, such as subcision combined with fillers, may provide noticeable improvement soon after the procedure. Others, like laser resurfacing and microneedling, typically require multiple sessions spaced months apart.

Most people see progressive changes over a period of 3 to 6 months. While scars can often be significantly improved, complete removal may not always be possible. Tailored treatment plans and combinations of different methods usually give the highest chance of achieving smoother, more even skin.

It is best to consult your doctor or dermatologist to understand what results you can expect based on your individual condition.

Acne Scar Treatment: Before and After Photos

Owing to the regulations of The Ministry of Health (MOH), we are unable to publish before and after photos on our website. However, you may view these photos during your consultation with our doctor to understand more about the treatment you seek.

Why Choose Dr Robert Ong's Acne Scar Treatment in Singapore?

The Medical Aesthetics Track Record

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Patients Consulted Since 2002

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Years of Experience

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Google Reviews

Experienced & Friendly Doctor

Dr Robert Ong listens attentively to your concerns and patiently discusses with you the appropriate treatment options, based on over 20 years of medical and aesthetics experience.

Affordable Treatments

We are priced competitively and affordably. We also have a variety of treatment options depending on your budget and requirements.

Safe & Effective Results

Our treatment options are safe, effective and promotes natural healing for your skin. We strive to keep your experience a comfortable one and will minimize any pain or discomfort, if any.

How Much Does Acne Scar Treatments Cost?

At Medical Aesthetics, our prices for acne scar treatments are as follows:

Treatment Price*
Consultation From $38.15 to $70.85
Chemical Peels From $114.45
TCA CROSS From $196.20
Fractional Laser From $381.50
Triamcinolone Injection From $163.50
Needle Subcision From $163.50
IPL Facial Rejuvenation From $272.50

*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
All patients are required to undergo a consultation with our doctor to assess his or her suitability for the relevant treatment(s).

Are There Ways to Prevent Acne Scars?

Acne scars can often be reduced or avoided by managing acne early and preventing behaviours that worsen inflammation. You can lower your risk of scarring by:

  1. Avoiding picking or squeezing acne lesions
  2. Protecting your skin from sun exposure to reduce pigmentation changes
  3. Following prescribed acne treatments consistently
  4. Seek prompt medical care for acne that is persistent or severe

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Frequently Asked Questions

Acne scars cannot usually be fully removed with natural remedies, but their appearance may be reduced with consistent skincare, hydration, and sun protection. Ingredients such as aloe vera, niacinamide, or gentle exfoliants may help even skin tone and support surface healing over time. These methods, however, have little effect on deeper scars. For more noticeable improvement, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist to discuss professional acne scar treatment options.

Acne marks are pigmentation changes, such as dark spots or redness, that appear after acne heals, while acne scars are lasting changes caused by deeper skin damage. Marks often fade gradually or with topical treatments, but scars usually persist without medical procedures. Recognising the difference helps guide treatment choices, as pigmentation responds to skincare, whereas deeper scars often require professional interventions.

Yes, back acne scars are common, especially in people who have had severe or long-lasting breakouts in this area. The skin on the back is prone to nodular or cystic acne, which can damage deeper layers and raise the risk of permanent scarring. While topical care may help with dark marks, deeper scars often require professional treatments such as chemical peeling. laser therapy or microneedling. Whereas for those with hypertrophied scars and keloids, intralesional triamcinolone might be needed.

Acne scars do not usually improve overnight, but certain treatments can provide faster visible results than others. Procedures such as subcision with fillers may show more visible improvement soon after treatment, while laser therapy or microneedling requires multiple sessions for gradual changes. The speed of results depends on scar type, skin condition, and chosen treatment. It is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist to find the most suitable approach for your specific needs.

Dark spots may appear after acne as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or from other causes such as melasma or sun exposure, whereas acne scars are lasting indentations or raised marks caused by deeper skin damage. Dark spots often fade gradually or with topical treatments, while scars usually need medical procedures such as chemical peels, laser therapy, microneedling, or subcision for improvement.

Lightening acne scars usually means reducing the dark marks or pigmentation left after acne rather than treating deeper scars. Ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, or chemical exfoliants may help even out skin tone, and sun protection is important to prevent marks from worsening. Deeper scars often require procedures like laser therapy or microneeDoes Vitamin C or E help acne scars?

Vitamin C and Vitamin E may help support skin healing and reduce pigmentation but cannot remove established acne scars. Vitamin C can brighten skin tone and stimulate collagen, while Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may assist with repair, though evidence is mixed. They are generally more effective for post-inflammatory marks than deeper scars, which usually require professional treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapy, or microneedling for noticeable improvement.

Microneedling is widely considered effective for certain types of atrophic acne scars as it stimulates collagen and promotes smoother skin over time. Improvement usually requires multiple sessions, and combining microneedling with radiofrequency or topical agents may enhance results. While many patients notice gradual changes, deeper or more severe scars often need additional treatments such as subcision, chemical peels, or laser therapy to complement microneedling.

Yes, acne scars can usually be treated and improved, though the degree of improvement depends on the scar type and treatment chosen. Options such as lasers, microneedling, subcision, fillers, and injections like corticosteroids or botulinum toxin can help smooth skin, reduce raised scars, or lighten marks. Results are often gradual and may require a series of sessions. Consulting a doctor or dermatologist can help design a treatment plan tailored to your skin and set realistic expectations for you.dling. For the most effective results, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist, who can recommend a combination of treatments for both pigmentation and scarring.

There is no single treatment that is best for all acne scars, as the choice depends on scar type, severity, and skin characteristics. Options include lasers, chemical peels, microneedling, subcision, fillers, and steroid injections, often used in combination for more noticeable improvement. Treatments that stimulate collagen or release scar tissue are widely regarded as beneficial. It is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist to determine which approach suits your skin.

Acne scars can often be significantly improved, but complete and permanent removal is not always possible. Treatments such as laser resurfacing, microneedling, or surgery may smooth scars and make them less noticeable, while fillers and other methods can improve skin contour. Results vary depending on scar type and individual healing. Consulting a doctor or dermatologist can help set realistic expectations and guide you toward the most suitable treatment options.

Retinol and niacinamide do not remove acne scars, but they may improve skin tone and texture. Retinol can support skin renewal and stimulate collagen production, while niacinamide may reduce pigmentation and strengthen the skin barrier. These ingredients are helpful for fading post-acne marks and maintaining healthier skin, but they have limited effect on deeper scars, which usually require targeted professional treatments such as laser therapy, microneedling, or chemical peels.