Unlike acne marks, once a scar is depressed, it doesn't fill in on its own over time. Patients most frequently ask, "What treatment will give me the best results?" To answer directly, the appropriate treatment varies depending on the depth and shape of the scar. Today, we will answer frequently asked questions about depressed acne scars.
Why don't depressed scars improve on their own?
When acne causes inflammation deep in the dermis, collagen is damaged, leading to skin indentation. Unlike epidermal pigment changes, these depressed areas represent actual tissue loss and will not fill in over time. This is why depressed acne scars are particularly challenging to treat.
Depressed acne scars do not disappear on their own and are reported as one of the scars that are difficult to see treatment effects from.
The approach differs by scar type
Not all depressed scars are the same. The suitable method varies depending on whether they are shallow or deep.
| Scar Type | Characteristics | Primary Method Considered |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow depressed scars | Indentation close to the surface | Non-ablative fractional laser |
| Deep depressed scars | Indentation deep into the dermis | Ablative laser · Laser resurfacing |
| Scars with adhesions | Underlying tissue pulled down, causing indentation | Concomitant procedural methods like Subcision |
Can Fraxel laser improve depressed scars?
Treatment of depressed acne scars with Fraxel laser can be expected to show improvement. However, Fraxel is a non-ablative fractional laser, so its scar improvement capability is somewhat lower, and it may be helpful for relatively shallow scars.
How are deeply depressed scars approached?
Severely depressed scars have limitations with non-ablative treatments alone. In such cases, stronger ablative lasers or laser resurfacing are considered, and if the number of scars is not large, the following methods are combined:
- Subcision (a procedure to release adhesions under the skin)
- Filling depressed areas with scar fillers
- Inducing collagen production with skin boosters
- Refining deep scars with punch techniques
Since scar shapes vary, it is more reasonable to combine several approaches, such as Premium Customized Acne Scar Care, rather than sticking to just one method. If you're unsure which combination is right for you, try inquiring via chat consultation for depressed scar treatment.
What about skin boosters like Juvelook?
Many people are looking for Juvelook these days. Juvelook can help treat depressed scars, and since it's not a laser, the downtime after the procedure is relatively short. However, rather than expecting a significant effect from a single session, repeated treatments are usually necessary. You will notice the scars gradually filling in after one, two, or three months, not immediately after the procedure, so patience is required to endure the period when changes may feel slow.
If I have both acne and scars, what should I treat first?
In the clinic, many people have both acne and depressed scars. In principle, it is desirable to treat acne first and then scars, but to reduce the treatment period, both can be addressed simultaneously. If acne is severe, more aggressive acne treatment is needed first, and if scars are more severe, we recommend starting with scar treatment. The diagnostic step to determine what is more urgent is important.
Are scar ointments effective?
Noscarna ointment is known to be approved for acne scars. However, ointments are not procedures or surgeries, so their effectiveness is not significant. While they can be somewhat helpful for early red marks, they are unlikely to have a major effect on white, depressed scars.
Things to check before treatment
Organizing the following points in advance before starting treatment will make the consultation much smoother:
- Whether the scars are mostly shallow or deeply depressed
- Whether there is ongoing acne inflammation remaining
- Whether it's in the red mark stage or the hardened white stage
- How much downtime you can manage
- The possibility that it may not be a one-time treatment and may require repeated procedures
The key to treating depressed acne scars is to determine the direction by considering the depth and shape of the scar, as well as the presence of accompanying acne. If you're curious about which method is right for your scars, inquiring via chat consultation for my scar treatment is the fastest way.
This article was reviewed by Dr. Sang-Joo Lee, the chief director and a dermatologist. He is the chief director of Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon and an adjunct professor at the Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, and has long treated scars. Dr. Sang-Joo Lee's Profile First published 2024-10-23 / Last reviewed 2026년 7월 23일
This article is for general informational purposes only, and the treatment direction and prognosis may vary depending on the depth and type of depressed scars. Please confirm an accurate diagnosis and plan through a consultation with a dermatologist.