The best treatment for acne scars depends on scar type: ice pick scars respond best to TCA CROSS or punch excision; rolling scars improve with subcision plus microneedling and PRP; boxcar scars need fractional laser or chemical peels. Most patients see 50–80% improvement with a combination protocol over 4–6 sessions in London.
Quick Answer Best Treatment by Scar Type (Comparison Table)
| Scar Type | Best Treatment | Why It Works |
| Ice pick | TCA CROSS / punch excision | Targets deep, narrow scars |
| Rolling | Subcision + microneedling + PRP | Releases tethered scars and boosts collagen |
| Boxcar | Fractional laser / medium depth peels | Resurfaces skin and smooths edges |
| Hypertrophic / keloid | Steroid injections / laser | Reduces raised scar tissue |
| PIH (pigmentation) | Chemical peels / skincare | Treats colour, not texture |
First, Identify Your Acne Scar Type
Correct diagnosis is everything. Treating the wrong scar type is the main reason people don’t see results.
For a broader understanding of how personalised treatments are designed,Hanny Cosmetics explains the approach to clinically led aesthetic care.
Ice Pick Scars
- Deep, narrow, “punched out” appearance
- Extend into the dermis
These are the most challenging scars and require targeted treatment.
Boxcar Scars
- Wider with defined edges
- Can be shallow or deep
Often respond well to resurfacing treatments.
Rolling Scars
- Soft, wave like depressions
- Caused by fibrous bands pulling the skin down
Very common and highly treatable with the right approach.
Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars
- Raised, thickened scars
- More common on chest, back, jawline
Require a completely different treatment strategy.
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) vs True Scarring
Many people confuse dark marks (PIH) with scars.
- PIH = colour issue → treatable with peels and skincare
- True scars = structural → require clinical procedures
Treatment Options Ranked by Clinical Evidence
Subcision
One of the most effective treatments for rolling scars.
- Breaks fibrous bands under the skin
- Allows skin to lift and regenerate
- Often combined with PRP or fillers
TCA CROSS
Gold standard for ice pick scars.
- High strength acid applied directly into scars
- Stimulates collagen from within
- Requires precision and experience
Fractional Laser (CO2 vs Erbium)
Best for boxcar scars and overall resurfacing.
- CO2: deeper, more aggressive
- Erbium: gentler, quicker recovery
Laser improves both texture and tone.
Microneedling + PRP
Excellent for mild to moderate scarring.
- Stimulates collagen
- PRP enhances healing and results
- Minimal downtime
Chemical Peels (TCA, Glycolic, Mandelic)
Best for:
- Superficial scars
- Pigmentation
Peels are often used as part of a broader treatment plan.
Dermal Fillers for Atrophic Scars
Used to:
- Lift depressed scars instantly
- Improve skin smoothness
Results are temporary but can be very effective when combined with other treatments.
Why Combination Protocols Outperform Single Treatments
No single treatment works for all acne scars.
The most effective approach combines:
- Structural treatments (e.g. subcision)
- Surface treatments (e.g. laser, peels)
- Regenerative treatments (e.g. PRP)
This layered strategy delivers significantly better outcomes.
How Long Until You See Real Results?
Typical timeline:
- After 1–2 sessions: subtle improvement
- After 3–4 sessions: visible texture changes
- After 4–6 sessions: 50–80% improvement
Collagen continues to rebuild for months after treatment.
Cost Breakdown by Treatment (London, 2026)
| Treatment | Cost Per Session |
| Subcision | £300–£600 |
| TCA CROSS | £150–£400 |
| Fractional laser | £500–£1,500 |
| Microneedling + PRP | £300–£500 |
| Chemical peels | £100–£300 |
Most patients require multiple treatments, with total investment ranging from:
👉 £1,000–£4,000+ depending on severity
Skincare That Genuinely Helps Between Sessions
Medical grade skincare can enhance results:
- Retinoids (stimulate collagen)
- Vitamin C (brightening, antioxidant)
- SPF (essential to prevent worsening scars)
Skincare alone won’t fix deep scars but it supports clinical treatments.
Treatments to Avoid (and Why They Don’t Work)
Be cautious of:
- “One session miracle” treatments
- Over reliance on light peels for deep scars
- DIY microneedling devices
Acne scarring is complex it requires a structured, clinical approach.
How to Choose a Clinic for Acne Scar Treatment
Look for:
- Practitioner with medical or advanced clinical background
- Experience treating different scar types
- Personalised treatment plans (not one size fits all)
- Before and after results across multiple cases
Avoid clinics that recommend the same treatment for every patient.
FAQs
What is the most effective acne scar treatment overall?
Combination protocols tailored to your scar type.
Can acne scars be completely removed?
Rarely but 50–80% improvement is realistic.
Is laser better than microneedling?
Depends on scar type often used together.
How many sessions will I need?
Typically 3–6, depending on severity.
Final Thoughts
Acne scarring isn’t a single condition it’s a combination of different scar types, each requiring a different solution.
That’s why the best treatment isn’t a product or device, it’s a personalised plan.
Acne scarring is too complex for a one size fits all approach. Hannys Aesthetics Clinic in Harley Street London offers personalised skin consultations to diagnose your scar type and build a tailored treatment plan.
Book a free consultation Hanny is a Harley Street aesthetic practitioner with a clinical background in facial anatomy and advanced injectables, specialising in natural, balanced results.
Hanny also runs the Harley Street training academy to see how to become an aesthetic practitioner in the UK