Acne and Acne Scar Treatment

Acne scar treatment in Islamabad at Dermalase uses fractional CO2 laser, RF microneedling, subcision, TCA CROSS, pico laser and fillers. Each method is chosen for your specific scar type. Dr. Shumaila Khan and her team first grade your scars, then build a written plan. Most patients need 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Sessions start from PKR 4,999 at A-103, Main Sumbal Road, F-10/1, Islamabad.

Acne scars do not fade on their own because the collagen under them has been lost or pulled down. Creams cannot rebuild that collagen. Medical treatment can. Below you will find the scar types, the device we use for each, recovery, real costs, and what results to expect.

Acne Scar Treatment at a Glance

What Are Acne Scars?

Acne scars are permanent changes in skin texture left behind when deep, inflamed acne (nodules, cysts, papules) damages the dermis. If healing produces too little collagen, the skin sinks and forms an atrophic scar. If it produces too much, the skin rises and forms a hypertrophic scar or keloid. About 80–90% of acne scars are atrophic.

Acne Scar vs Acne Mark: Know the Difference

Many patients in Islamabad come in for “scars” that are really marks. Marks are flat colour changes, and they need a different treatment.

Types of Acne Scars

Ice Pick Scars

Ice pick scars are narrow (under 2 mm), deep pits that look like large open pores. They reach deep into the dermis, so surface treatments miss them. 

Best treatment: TCA CROSS or punch excision.

Boxcar Scars

Boxcar scars are round or oval dents (1.5–4 mm) with sharp vertical edges, usually on the cheeks and temples. 

Best treatment: fractional CO2 laser and RF microneedling.

Rolling Scars

Rolling scars are wide (over 4 mm) with soft sloping edges, which give the skin a wavy look. Fibrous bands tether the skin down from below. 

Best treatment: subcision first, then RF microneedling or PRP.

Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids

These are raised, firm scars caused by excess collagen. They are more common on the jawline, chest, back and shoulders, and in people prone to keloids. 

Best treatment: intralesional steroid injections, laser and silicone gel. These scars should not be resurfaced aggressively.

Mixed Scars

Most patients have two or three scar types at once. That is why a single-machine approach rarely works.

How Severe Are Your Scars? (Goodman & Baron Grading)

At consultation, we grade scars on the Goodman & Baron scale, which dermatology uses worldwide.

Grading gives you a clear starting point. It also lets us measure your progress against standardised photos at every visit.

What Causes Acne Scars?

• Deep inflammatory acne: cysts and nodules destroy collagen in the dermis
• Delayed treatment: the longer acne stays active, the higher the scar risk
• Picking and squeezing: this pushes inflammation deeper
• Genetics: scarring and keloids run in families
• Hormonal acne: PCOS-related jawline acne often leaves rolling scars
• Skin type: South Asian skin (Fitzpatrick III–V) is more likely to get PIH after both acne and treatment

Acne Scar Treatments at Dermalase: Matched to Scar Type

Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Fractional CO2 laser creates thousands of microscopic heat columns in the skin. This removes scarred tissue and triggers collagen remodelling for up to 6 months. It is the gold standard for boxcar and moderate-to-severe mixed scars.

• Best for: boxcar, shallow rolling, grade 3–4 scars
• Sessions: 2–4, spaced 6–8 weeks apart
• Downtime: 5–7 days of redness and flaking

RF Microneedling (Scarlet and SylfirmX)

RF microneedling delivers radiofrequency energy through insulated micro-needles into the deep dermis. This heats the scar tissue from inside while leaving the surface mostly untouched. Because the epidermis is spared, the PIH risk is lower than with lasers, which makes it a safe first choice for brown skin.

• Best for: rolling, boxcar, enlarged pores, grade 2–3 scars
• Sessions: 3–5, spaced 4–6 weeks apart
• Downtime: 1–3 days of redness

Subcision

Subcision uses a fine needle or cannula under local anaesthetic to cut the fibrous bands that pull rolling scars down. Once released, the skin lifts, and new collagen fills the space. It is often combined with PRP or a skin booster. Read more about subcision for acne scars.

• Best for: rolling and tethered scars
• Sessions: 1–3
• Downtime: 5–10 days of bruising

TCA CROSS

TCA CROSS places high-strength trichloroacetic acid inside each ice pick scar with a fine applicator. This builds collagen from the base of the scar upward.

• Best for: ice pick and narrow boxcar scars
• Sessions: 3–6, spaced 4–6 weeks apart
• Downtime: 5–7 days of small scabs

Microneedling with PRP

Microneedling creates controlled micro-channels in the skin. Platelet-rich plasma from your own blood is then applied through those channels to speed up healing and collagen growth. It is a gentle option for mild scars and for maintenance.

• Best for: grade 1–2 scars, overall texture
• Downtime: 24–48 hours

Pico Laser and Revlite (Q-Switched Nd:YAG)

Pico laser breaks pigment into tiny particles with ultra-short pulses. Its fractional handpiece also refines shallow texture. Revlite targets PIH and post-acne dark spots.

• Best for: PIH, brown marks, grade 1 scars, mixed tone and texture
• Downtime: minimal

Chemical Peels

Medical-grade chemical peels (glycolic, salicylic, TCA) resurface the top layers of the skin to fade marks and smooth shallow texture.

• Best for: PIH, superficial scars, active acne control

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Dermal fillers lift deep, soft rolling scars instantly. Results last 9–18 months. They work best after subcision.

Steroid Injections for Raised Scars

Intralesional triamcinolone flattens hypertrophic scars and keloids over 3–4 sessions. Laser is added if redness remains.

Which Treatment Works for Which Scar?

Machines and Equipment Used at Dermalase

Treat Active Acne First

Scar treatment works best on calm skin. If you still have active breakouts, Dr. Shumaila Khan first controls them with medical therapy, peels or laser. New breakouts during a scar course create new scars and raise the infection risk. If you have taken isotretinoin (Accutane), we usually wait about 6 months after your last dose before CO2 laser or deep peels. Gentler options can begin sooner after review.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You are likely suitable if you:

• Have pitted, uneven or raised scars from past acne
• Have active acne under control, or only mild acne left
• Are in good general health
• Can commit to 3–6 sessions and daily sunscreen
• Expect visible improvement, not 100% removal

Treatment is postponed or adjusted if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have an active infection, cold sore or eczema flare on the face
• Have a keloid history (aggressive resurfacing is avoided)
• Have uncontrolled diabetes or a bleeding disorder
• Have used isotretinoin recently

Step-by-Step Treatment Process

1. Consultation and grading: Dr. Shumaila Khan examines your scars in angled light, assigns a Goodman & Baron grade, and takes standardised photos.
2. Written plan and price: You receive a session-by-session plan with an exact cost before anything starts.
3. Skin preparation (2–4 weeks): Sunscreen, plus a retinoid or pigment inhibitor if needed, to lower PIH risk on brown skin.
4. Numbing: Topical anaesthetic for 30–45 minutes; local anaesthetic for subcision.
5. Treatment: The device or technique chosen for your scar type is performed. This takes 30–90 minutes.
6. Soothing and aftercare: A calming mask and SPF are applied, and you receive written aftercare instructions.
7. Review every session: New photos are compared with your baseline, and settings are adjusted.

A Typical Combination Plan (Grade 3 Mixed Scars)

Recovery and Results Timeline

Aftercare

• Apply SPF 50 every day, and reapply every 2–3 hours outdoors
• Do not pick at flakes or scabs
• Use a gentle cleanser and the moisturiser we recommend
• Avoid retinol, acids and scrubs for 5–7 days
• Avoid gym, sauna and swimming for 48–72 hours
• No makeup for 24 hours after RF microneedling, or 5 days after CO2

Islamabad tip: October to March is the best time to start laser and CO2 because UV and heat are lower. In summer we favour RF microneedling, subcision and pico, with strict sun protection.

Side Effects and How We Manage Them

Acne Scar Treatment Cost in Islamabad

Acne scar treatment in Islamabad starts from PKR 4,999 per session. You get an exact written quote after consultation.

What affects the cost:

• Scar grade and type (mixed scars need more methods)
• Area treated (face only, or face plus back or chest)
• Device used (RF and CO2 cost more than peels)
• Number of sessions
• Add-ons such as PRP or fillers

Meet Your Doctor: Dr. Shumaila Khan

Dr. Shumaila Khan founded Dermalase and has practised aesthetic medicine in Islamabad since 2011. She holds a Diploma in Dermatology from Cardiff, Wales (UK) and is board certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM). She leads a team of dermatologists and aesthetic doctors who review complex scar cases together.

She grades every scar personally and combines subcision, TCA CROSS, RF and laser in one plan rather than relying on a single machine. Her settings are chosen for South Asian skin to keep the PIH risk low.

Why Choose Dermalase for Acne Scar Treatment in Islamabad?

• Doctor-led: every plan is made by Dr. Shumaila Khan, not a technician
• Scar-type matching: a different method for ice pick, boxcar, rolling and raised scars
• Full device range under one roof: CO2, Scarlet, SylfirmX, Pico, Revlite, Nd:YAG and PRP
• Brown-skin safety protocol: skin prep, conservative settings and seasonal planning
• Written plan and price before you begin
• Measured progress: Goodman & Baron grading and standardised photos
• Easy to reach: F-10/1, close to F-11, F-8, E-11, G-10 and Blue Area, and about 25 minutes from Rawalpindi, Bahria Town and DHA

Book Your Acne Scar Consultation

Book a consultation with Dr. Shumaila Khan to get your scars graded and receive a written treatment plan and price.

• Address: A-103, Main Sumbal Road, F-10/1, Islamabad
• WhatsApp: +92 303 555 8444

Frequently Asked Questions