Laser Treatment for Acne Scars: How It Works and What to Expect

Acne scars can have a lasting impact on your confidence, serving as unwelcome reminders of past breakouts. While topical creams and skincare may help with mild concerns, deeper scars often require more advanced solutions. One of the most effective options is laser treatment, which works by targeting scar tissue, stimulating collagen renewal, and restoring smoother, more even-toned skin.

Acne scars are permanent textural changes that occur on the skin as a result of severe acne. Unlike temporary post-acne marks that fade over time, true acne scars represent structural damage to the skin.

When acne inflammation penetrates deeply into the skin, it damages healthy tissue. As the body repairs this damage, it may produce either too little collagen, resulting in depressed (atrophic) scars, or too much collagen, leading to raised (hypertrophic or keloid) scar.

Laser treatment for acne scars is a medical procedure that uses concentrated beams of light energy to improve the appearance of scarred skin. Lasers use light energy, either thermal or acoustic, to break down scar tissue, paving the way for collagen remodelling and improving the appearance of scarred skin. The result is smoother, more even-textured skin with significantly reduced scar visibility.

When laser energy penetrates the skin, it triggers your body’s natural wound-healing process. This leads to new collagen production, improved skin texture and a reduction in scar appearance.

Different lasers are used depending on scar type, depth, and skin tone:

Fractional CO2 lasers are advanced dermatological devices effective for treating acne scarring at the top layer of your skin. This is particularly effective for boxcar and rolling scars.

The Pico laser is amongst the latest non-ablative lasers ideal for treating superficial pigmentation and mild textural issues from acne. There are three types of Pico lasers available in our Singapore clinic:

The "Dual" in Fraxel Laser refers to its two wavelengths: 1550 nm for deeper skin concerns like scars and wrinkles, and 1927 nm for treating surface pigmentation.

Variable wavelengths of fractional laser devices have been shown to improve acne scarring. Non-ablative fractional lasers offer the advantage of quick recovery times and the ability to treat darker skin types.

A Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) is a medical laser that uses a dye-based system to produce concentrated bursts of light. It excels at treating the colour and redness associated with certain acne scars.

Laser treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation where your physician will assess your skin type, scar severity and treatment goals. Scar assessments require manual palpation of the scars to determine how deep the scars are.

On the day of your laser treatment, the process typically involves three key steps to ensure a comfortable and effective procedure.

In the first 24 hours after the procedure, the treated area is usually bandaged. It should be cleaned regularly, about four to five times a day. Applying an ointment like petroleum jelly helps keep the skin moist and prevents scabs from forming too early, which could interfere with healing.

Some swelling, redness, or mild discomfort is common in the first few days. Many patients describe a sensation similar to a mild sunburn, which typically subsides within three days. Depending on the type of laser used and the depth of treatment, full recovery usually takes 10 to 21 days, after which fresher, healthier skin gradually emerges.

Laser treatment is one of the most effective solutions available for acne scars. Under Dr Vanessa Phua’s care, patients receive a personalised and medically grounded approach to skin renewal. With international training in the UK and Singapore, as well as extensive hands-on experience, Dr Vanessa Phua is experienced with devices such as Pico Enlighten™ and Pico Genesis™, which are commonly used for acne scar treatment with minimal downtime. Each treatment plan is tailored according to the patient’s skin type and scar profile to ensure safety and suitability.

Visit our clinic to discuss your treatment options. Call us at 6735 8833 to schedule a consultation.

When performed under proper guidance, laser treatment can be used on all skin types. Fractional non-ablative lasers are generally considered safe for darker skin tones, while ablative lasers are more effective for deep scars but have a higher risk of redness, swelling, and pigment changes.

Laser treatment provides long-lasting improvement, but results are not permanent. Fractional CO2 lasers can reduce scars for months or years, though factors such as ageing and sun exposure may lessen the effects over time. Non-ablative lasers typically deliver gradual improvements and may require maintenance sessions.

The cost of laser acne scar treatment in Singapore typically ranges from SGD 500 to SGD 3,000 per session. This can vary depending on the type of laser used (more advanced lasers, like fractional lasers, are generally more expensive) and the number of sessions required to achieve your desired results. Schedule a consultation for a more detailed cost estimate.

Laser procedures are generally not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Hormonal fluctuations in these stages can heighten skin sensitivity and increase the likelihood of side effects such as pigmentation changes or scarring. In addition, certain treatments may involve the use of topical or local anaesthetics, which carry potential risks for the baby.