Improving Acne Scars with Modern Laser and Filler Treatments
Treat acne scars with a customized plan. Fillers lift, fractional CO2 refines texture, and BBL or IPL blends color for natural results and minimal downtime.
Millions of people live with acne scars. Today’s treatments can soften scars, smooth texture, and restore confidence with little to no downtime.
At Balikian Plastic Surgery, our team designs a plan that matches your skin, your scar types and your goals.
What Types of Scars Do You Have?
Understanding the type of acne scars you have is the first step to finding the most effective treatment.
- Atrophic scars are depressed. These include rolling, boxcar, and icepick scars.
- Hypertrophic and keloid scars are raised. These often need a different approach than depressed scars.
- Red or brown marks after acne are usually post-acne erythema or hyperpigmentation rather than true scars.
A precise diagnosis helps us choose the right tools for the best result.
Your Acne Scar Treatment Options
Acne scars are not all the same, and neither are the solutions. We begin by identifying your scar types and skin tone, then design a plan that targets the right layers of the skin.
Fillers can lift areas that have dipped. Fractional CO₂ laser can remodel texture. BBL or IPL can even out lingering redness or color. Each option plays a different role, and the best results often come from a thoughtful sequence rather than a single treatment.
Our goal is to smooth, brighten, and refine with natural-looking results and as little downtime as possible. Treatments are performed by Dr. Balikian’s trained team using safe, proven protocols. We explain what to expect at every step, including comfort, recovery and how to maintain your results over time.
Fillers for Depressed Acne Scars
What they do: Fillers add subtle volume beneath indented scars so the surface looks smoother.
Who they help most: Rolling scars and some boxcar scars.
Options:
- Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane® (e.g., Restylane, Lyft) and Juvéderm® (e.g., Ultra, Vollure, Volbella) can lift and soften scars. They are adjustable and well tolerated.
- PMMA collagen gel such as Bellafill® is a longer-lasting option for selected atrophic scars.
Downtime: Usually mild swelling or bruising for a day or two.
Fractional CO₂ Laser for Texture and Smoothness
What it does: Fractional CO₂ resurfacing creates tiny, precise treatment zones that stimulate collagen and remodel the surface.
Who it helps most: Boxcar and rolling scars. It can be paired with focal techniques for icepick scars.
Downtime: Redness and flaking for several days. Plan for about one week of social downtime.
BBL and IPL for Redness and Color
What they do: BroadBand Light and Intense Pulsed Light target redness and brown discoloration after acne. These devices even out tone and can gently support skin quality over time.
Role with scars: Excellent for color and clarity. Not a replacement for CO₂ when deeper texture change is the goal.
Downtime: Minimal. Most people resume normal activity the same day.
Why Combination Therapy Works Best
Most acne scars involve a mix of issues. Some are tethered down. Others have uneven texture. Many leave lingering redness. A single treatment rarely handles all of this. Sequencing the right tools lets us lift, remodel and blend tone for steady, natural looking progress.
- Subcision with filler releases tethering and lifts rolling scars.
- Fractional CO₂ refines texture and stimulates new collagen.
- BBL or IPL reduces redness and blends overall skin tone.
- Timed spacing gives the skin room to heal and reveal changes.
- Settings and steps are adjusted for sensitive or deeper complexions.
Thoughtful combinations help you improve comfortably while minimizing downtime. The plan is paced so changes look smooth and authentic, not sudden or overdone.
Your Plan at Balikian Plastic Surgery
Your visit starts with a careful evaluation of scar types, skin tone and treatment history. We map rolling, boxcar and icepick patterns, review photos and set clear goals so your plan fits your timeline and comfort level.
- Careful evaluation of scars, skin tone, and prior treatments.
- Personalized sequencing that may include subcision with filler, fractional CO₂, and BBL or IPL.
- Expert delivery by injectors personally trained and supervised by Dr. Balikian.
- Comfort measures such as topical numbing, cooling, and gentle technique.
- Clear aftercare, check ins, and skincare guidance to support healing.
You leave with a step by step roadmap, realistic expectations and support at every stage. Our aim is smoother texture, more even tone and scars that are less visible, achieved through precise care and a calm, professional experience.
What the Science Says…
Modern research continues to refine how acne scars are treated, with high-quality studies showing which technologies and techniques provide the most reliable improvement.
- Fillers lift and soften depressed scars. Controlled and split-face studies show hyaluronic acid fillers improve rolling and boxcar scars, and outcomes are stronger when combined with subcision.
- PMMA offers durable correction in selected patients. A double-blind randomized multicenter trial supports PMMA collagen gel for atrophic facial acne scars with a favorable safety profile.
- Fractional CO₂ is a leading option for texture remodeling. Recent reviews and meta-analyses support meaningful improvements in atrophic scars, with some data showing superiority to Er:YAG for efficacy.
- BBL and IPL improve post-acne redness and pigment. Clinical studies show reductions in erythema and hyperpigmentation and support for overall skin clarity.
- Combination therapy is often best. Subcision plus HA filler outperforms subcision alone in trials, and staged laser with other modalities is frequently recommended in reviews.
These findings guide today’s treatment plans, helping us combine proven options like fillers, lasers, and light-based therapy to achieve smoother, clearer skin with lasting results.
Smooth Skin Begins Here
Acne Scar Treatment FAQs
What types of acne scars do you treat?
We treat depressed scars like rolling, boxcar, and icepick, as well as redness or brown marks left after breakouts. Raised scars may need a different plan that we can discuss in consultation.
How do fillers help with depressed scars?
Fillers lift the base of indented scars so the surface looks smoother. They work especially well for rolling scars and some boxcar scars.
How long do filler results last for acne scars?
Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last months to over a year depending on the area and your skin. Bellafill can provide multi-year support in properly selected patients.
What is subcision and why pair it with filler?
Subcision releases the fibrous tether under a scar. A small amount of filler can then support the lifted tissue so the improvement holds while new collagen forms.
What does fractional CO₂ laser do for scars?
Fractional CO₂ creates tiny treatment zones that stimulate new collagen and remodel texture. It is a top choice for boxcar and rolling scars.
How many CO₂ sessions will I need?
Many patients do well with one to three sessions spaced several weeks apart. The exact number depends on scar depth, skin tone, and desired change.
Is fractional CO₂ safe for darker skin tones?
Yes, with careful settings, pretreatment, and post-care. We tailor energy and spacing to reduce pigment risks and may stage treatments more gently.
Where do BBL and IPL fit in?
BBL and IPL are ideal for redness and color left after acne. They even out tone and can support overall clarity. They are not a replacement for CO₂ when deeper texture change is needed.
Will the treatments hurt?
We use topical numbing, cooling, and gentle technique. Most patients describe fillers and light treatments as very tolerable. CO₂ is managed with numbing and careful aftercare.
Are the results natural looking?
Yes. Our goal is smooth, blended, and balanced skin. We avoid overfilling and we stage energy-based treatments so changes look refined and authentic.
How many total sessions will I need?
Most plans involve two to four visits, sometimes more for deeper scarring. We set clear expectations at your consultation.
Who performs the injections and laser treatments?
All injections are performed by Dr. Balikian’s aesthetic injectors who are personally trained and supervised by him. Laser and light treatments follow safe, proven protocols tailored to your skin.
Do you treat active acne at the same time?
We address active breakouts first so scars do not worsen. BBL or IPL and medical skincare can be helpful while we plan texture treatments.
Learn More About Our MedSpa Treatments
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Tyler Frew, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
