Acne scars: why the order of treatment matters more than the method
Treating scars before controlling active acne wastes money and time, and increases irritation.
A mistake we see every week
People come to the clinic asking for fractional sessions to treat acne scarring, with active spots and visible inflammation on their face. The wish is entirely understandable, but carrying it out at that moment gives a poorer result than the patient deserves.
Inflamed skin responds to intervention with excess pigmentation. Any procedure that creates heat or controlled injury in actively inflamed skin can leave new pigmentation added to the original problem.
The type of scarring determines the treatment
Not everything left after acne is a scar. Flat red or brown marks are post-inflammatory pigmentation, which improves with time, protection and topical treatment, and much of it needs no devices at all.
True scars are a change in the skin's texture itself: narrow deep pits, wider rounded depressions, or rolling scars. Each type has a different approach, and some need combined techniques rather than a single device.
Confusing pigmentation with scarring means patients pay for device sessions to treat a problem topical treatment would have handled.
The correct order
First, control the activity. There is no point repairing a scar while new ones form every week. This stage may take months of consistent treatment.
Second, settle the pigmentation and give the skin time. A large proportion of marks improve on their own during this period, revealing the true picture of what scarring actually remains.
Third, treat what is genuinely left. At this point the assessment is accurate and sessions are directed at a defined problem, so the benefit from each session rises.
Honest expectations about results
Scars are not erased completely. Realistic improvement means smoother texture and pits that are shallower and less defined, so light falls on them less harshly.
That improvement, when built on a correct plan, is noticeable and stable. But it needs several spaced sessions and patience, and does not appear fully until months after the last session, because collagen takes time to rebuild.
This article relates to acne & scar treatment at My Clinic. For an assessment, book an appointment or message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Does fractional laser remove scars permanently?
It does not remove them completely, but it noticeably improves texture and reduces depth across several sessions.
When should I start treating scars?
After active acne is controlled and the skin has settled. Your doctor will determine the right timing after examination.
Are red marks scars?
Usually not. They are post-inflammatory pigmentation, which improves with time, sun protection and topical treatment.
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