Lingering acne scars are a frustrating legacy of past breakouts, affecting your self-confidence through the years. Whether your scars are subtle or more pronounced, lasers and other nonsurgical treatments will restore smoother, healthier-looking skin without incisions, general anesthesia, or extensive recovery time.

At Granite Bay Dermatology and Laser Center, Dr. Scott Hearth offers advanced acne scar treatments tailored to your skin type, scar severity, and cosmetic goals. With over two decades of experience and a reputation for excellence in medical and cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Hearth will help you achieve healthy, radiant skin through these safe, effective solutions.

Fraxel Re:Pair^® – Deep Laser Resurfacing for Advanced Scarring

Fraxel Re:Pair is an ablative fractional CO₂ laser designed to treat more severe acne scarring by removing columns of damaged skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This technology stimulates a robust healing response and collagen regeneration.

• Best for: Deep boxcar or rolling scars, uneven texture, and sun-damaged skin.
• Treatment: Topical and injectable anesthetics are available to ensure your comfort while the laser penetrates your skin.
• Recovery: Expect about five days to one week of downtime with redness, peeling, and sensitivity.
• Results: Skin appears smoother and firmer over time, with continued improvement for several months post-treatment.
• Number of sessions: Many patients benefit from a series of treatments spaced several months apart.

StarLux 1540^® – Gentle Laser Resurfacing With Minimal Downtime

StarLux 1540 is a non-ablative fractional laser that targets deeper layers of skin without damaging the surface. It’s ideal for patients seeking gradual improvement with less recovery time.

• Best for: Mild to moderate acne scars, uneven pigmentation, enlarged pores, and irregular texture.
• Treatment: The device directs light pulses into the deeper layers of skin, resulting in no surface damage.
• Recovery: Mild redness and swelling may occur; most patients resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.
• Results: Collagen production increases over time, leading to visible improvements in tone and texture.
• Number of sessions: Typically, three to five treatments spaced three to four weeks apart.

Dermal Fillers – Instant Volume for Depressed Scars

While lasers are cutting-edge technology, you may also want to consider dermal fillers, which elevate sunken scars by adding volume beneath the skin. In addition to immediate smoothing, many fillers stimulate collagen production for longer-term benefits.

• Best for: Rolling or atrophic scars that create indentations.
• Treatment experience: Quick, in-office procedure with minimal discomfort and little to no downtime.
• Results: Immediate improvement in skin smoothness; collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra^® offer gradual enhancement over months.
• Duration: Your results may last up to 18 months depending on the product used.

Microneedling – Collagen Induction for Smoother Skin

Microneedling is a time-honored technique that uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries, triggering natural healing and collagen production. It has a long track record of safety and efficacy for all skin tones.

• Best for: Mild to moderate scarring, uneven texture, and early signs of aging.
• Treatment: We apply a topical numbing cream to minimize stress and discomfort.
• Recovery: Expect mild redness and sensitivity for one to two days.
• Results: Gradual improvement in skin texture, firmness, and scar visibility as new collagen forms.
• Number of sessions: Most patients benefit most from three to five treatments spaced four to six weeks apart.

Morpheus8^® RF – Precision Remodeling With Radiofrequency

Morpheus8 combines microneedling with the power of radiofrequency energy to remodel skin at multiple depths. It’s especially effective for deeper scars and skin laxity, offering a customizable approach to acne scar revision.

• Best for: Moderate to severe scarring, uneven tone, active acne, and skin laxity
• Treatment: The Morpheus8 device delivers radiofrequency energy through tiny needles to heat and remodel your skin.
• Recovery: You may experience a few days of mild swelling and redness.
• Results: Enhanced collagen production leads to a firmer, smoother complexion with minimized scars.
• Number of sessions: Most patients benefit from a series of three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart.

Subcision – Releasing Tethered Scars for Smoother Skin

Subcision is a minor surgical technique that targets depressed scars tethered to deeper tissue. By releasing these fibrous bands, the skin can rise and heal more evenly.

• Best for: Deep rolling or boxcar scars that resist surface treatments.
• Treatment: Dr. Hearth uses a local anesthetic to relieve pain from the small needle or cannula.
• Recovery: Mild bruising or swelling may occur, with a noticeable difference soon after the initial appointment.
• Results: Visible improvement in scar depth and skin smoothness will continue as collagen formation continues.
• Number of sessions: Often two to three appointments, sometimes combined with other dermatology treatments like fillers or chemical peels for enhanced results.

How Do Lasers Compare to Other Nonsurgical Acne Scar Treatments?

Ablative and non-ablative lasers are popular options for acne scar revision because they target deeper layers of skin to stimulate collagen and resurface damaged tissue. Ablative lasers encourage regeneration by removing portions of your skin, while non-ablative lasers work beneath the surface with minimal downtime. These technologies are especially effective for texture irregularities, pigmentation issues, and deep scarring.

Other nonsurgical treatments work differently. Microneedling and Morpheus8 stimulate collagen through controlled micro-injuries, while fillers restore volume to depressed scars and subcision physically releases tethered scars from the tissue underneath. These approaches can be ideal for patients seeking gradual improvement, minimal recovery time, or targeted correction.

Explore Your Options With Dr. Hearth in Roseville, CA Today

Dr. Hearth understands how disheartening acne scars can be, especially if they become painful reminders of adolescent bullying or body image issues. He’ll take a personalized approach to evaluating your skin, listening to your concerns, and crafting the ideal treatment plan for you.

If acne scars affect your self-esteem or well-being, you don’t have to settle. Whether you decide to resolve your issues with lasers or one of the other advanced treatments we provide, schedule a private consultation at Granite Bay Dermatology and Laser Center with a partner who puts your goals first.