Acne Scar Treatment in Maidenhead
Doctor-led acne scar treatment combining fractional laser resurfacing, RF microneedling, medical-grade microneedling and regenerative therapies to improve the appearance of ice pick, boxcar and rolling scars.
At Berkshire Aesthetics, acne scar treatment is carried out under the clinical supervision of Dr Selena Langdon. Every scar treatment plan is developed following a thorough assessment of your scar type, skin tone, medical history and treatment goals. See our Acne & Scarring overview for a full guide to the conditions we treat within this service.
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Who is acne scar treatment for?
Acne scar treatment is appropriate for patients who have completed their active acne management and are left with textural irregularities, indentations or raised areas on the skin. If you are still experiencing active breakouts, we recommend addressing those first — visit our acne treatment page for more information.
Acne scarring occurs when the inflammatory process of acne damages the dermis, triggering either excessive collagen production (hypertrophic or keloid scars) or insufficient collagen repair (atrophic scars such as ice pick, boxcar and rolling types). The resulting textural changes can affect self-confidence and are often resistant to over-the-counter skincare products alone.
Types of acne scars
Understanding your scar type is essential for selecting the most effective treatment approach. During your consultation, your doctor will assess your scarring pattern and classify scar types to build a targeted treatment plan.
Ice pick scars
Ice pick scars are narrow, deep, V-shaped indentations that extend into the dermis or subcutaneous tissue. They are typically less than 2mm wide but can be quite deep, giving the skin a punctured or pitted appearance. Ice pick scars are among the most challenging to treat and often respond best to fractional laser resurfacing or combination approaches that address both the depth and width of the scar channel.
Boxcar scars
Boxcar scars are broader than ice pick scars and have well-defined, sharp vertical edges. They create a flat-bottomed depression in the skin and can be shallow (0.1–0.5mm) or deep (>0.5mm). Shallow boxcar scars respond well to microneedling and RF microneedling, while deeper variants may require fractional laser treatment or combination protocols to achieve meaningful improvement.
Rolling scars
Rolling scars create a wave-like, undulating appearance across the skin surface. They are caused by fibrous bands that tether the epidermis to deeper tissue structures, pulling the surface downward. Rolling scars are typically wider than 4–5mm and give the skin an uneven, textured quality. RF microneedling and subcision techniques are particularly effective for releasing these tethered bands and stimulating collagen remodelling beneath the scar.
Hypertrophic and keloid scars
Unlike atrophic scars, hypertrophic and keloid scars involve excessive collagen deposition. Hypertrophic scars remain within the boundaries of the original wound, while keloid scars extend beyond it. These raised, firm scars are more common on the jawline, chest and back. Treatment approaches differ from atrophic scarring and may include corticosteroid injection, silicone sheeting and careful laser therapy under medical supervision.
Atrophic scars
Atrophic scars are the most common type of acne scarring. They sit below the surrounding skin surface because the healing process produced insufficient collagen to fill the wound. Ice pick, boxcar and rolling scars are all subtypes of atrophic scarring. Treatment focuses on stimulating new collagen production to raise the depressed tissue and improve skin texture. For more about scar conditions we treat, see our dedicated page.
Treatment options for acne scarring
We offer a range of clinically proven treatments for acne scarring. Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on your scar type, depth, skin tone and overall treatment goals. In many cases, a combination of modalities produces the best outcome.
Alma Hybrid CO2 Laser
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most effective treatments for deeper acne scars, including ice pick and deep boxcar scars. The Alma Hybrid platform delivers controlled microcolumns of laser energy that vaporise damaged tissue and trigger a robust wound-healing response. This stimulates significant collagen and elastin remodelling in the deeper layers of the skin, leading to measurable improvement in scar depth and surface texture over a series of sessions.
Learn more about CO2 laserMorpheus8 RF Microneedling
Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to remodel collagen at adjustable depths of up to 4mm. The RF energy heats the subdermal tissue, stimulating a controlled inflammatory response that results in new collagen and elastin formation. This makes Morpheus8 particularly effective for rolling scars and moderate boxcar scars where collagen remodelling in deeper layers is needed. It is suitable for all skin tones when appropriate parameters are selected.
Learn more about Morpheus8SkinPen Microneedling
SkinPen is an FDA-cleared microneedling device that creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to trigger the natural wound-healing cascade. This process stimulates collagen and elastin production, gradually improving the depth and texture of milder acne scars. SkinPen is well-suited to shallow boxcar and rolling scars, and offers a shorter recovery time compared to laser or RF treatments. It is safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types.
Learn more about SkinPenPolynucleotides
Polynucleotides are injectable biostimulators derived from purified DNA fragments that promote tissue regeneration at a cellular level. They stimulate fibroblast activity, enhance cell turnover and improve the quality of damaged skin. When used alongside scar-focused treatments such as laser or microneedling, polynucleotides support the healing process and enhance overall skin quality in scarred areas.
Learn more about polynucleotidesTreatment pathways
Your treatment pathway will depend on your scar type, severity and skin characteristics. Below are the key modalities we use, often in combination, to address acne scarring effectively.
Expected results timeline
Acne scar treatment requires patience. The collagen remodelling process that drives scar improvement continues for months after each session, meaning your results will improve progressively over time.
Initial visible improvement in skin texture and scar depth as the first phase of collagen remodelling takes effect. Redness and swelling from treatment will have resolved.
Progressive improvement as deeper collagen remodelling continues. Most patients see significant change by this stage, with smoother skin surface and reduced scar visibility.
Most patients require 2–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart for optimal results. Deeper or more extensive scarring may require additional sessions or combination treatments.
Complete removal of acne scars is rarely achievable, but significant improvement in depth, texture and overall appearance is realistic with the right treatment plan. Your doctor will set clear, honest expectations during your consultation.
Risks and safety
All acne scar treatments carry some degree of risk. At Berkshire Aesthetics, safety is managed through thorough pre-treatment assessment, appropriate treatment selection and careful post-treatment monitoring. Common considerations include:
Post-treatment redness, swelling and mild discomfort are expected and typically resolve within 2–10 days depending on the treatment modality used.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a risk, particularly in patients with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types IV–VI). Treatment parameters are adjusted to minimise this risk, and pre-treatment skin preparation may be recommended.
Infection risk is low but present with any treatment that disrupts the skin barrier. Strict hygiene protocols and aftercare instructions reduce this risk significantly.
Not all patients are suitable for all treatments. Active acne, certain medications (such as isotretinoin), pregnancy and specific medical conditions may affect eligibility. Your suitability is assessed during consultation.
Realistic expectations are important. Your doctor will explain what each treatment can and cannot achieve for your specific scar pattern.
Aftercare
Proper aftercare is critical to achieving the best possible results and minimising complications. Your doctor will provide detailed, treatment-specific aftercare instructions, but the following principles apply to most acne scar treatments:
Pricing guidance
Acne scar treatment costs vary depending on the modality used, the number of sessions required and the extent of scarring being treated. We provide transparent, upfront pricing at your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
A consultation fee applies and is credited toward your treatment if you proceed within 28 days. Course pricing is available for patients who require multiple sessions, which is the case for most scar treatment plans.
Full pricing details are available on our prices page. Our booking conditions outline our cancellation policy, consultation fee and payment terms.
Related topics
Explore related pages within our Acne & Scarring service:
Why we start with a consultation
Every treatment begins with a medical assessment. We need to understand your medical history, current health, skin condition and concerns before prescribing any procedure. This protects your safety and ensures the treatment is clinically appropriate for you.
During your consultation, Dr Langdon will explain what the treatment can realistically achieve, any risks specific to you, and whether an alternative might be more appropriate.
All bookings are subject to our Booking Conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Acne Scar Treatment
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual suitability for any treatment is assessed during a consultation. Always seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
- CQC registered clinic — regulated and inspected
- Doctor-led clinical oversight by Dr Selena Langdon (GMC 6159259)
- Complaints process and patient rights
Page last reviewed: February 2026
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