01RF Microneedling · London
Secret RF MicroneedlingFractional radiofrequency microneedling for atrophic and rolling scars.
Treated, Layer by Layer
Acne Scarring
The right answer depends on which type of scarring you have. Assessed under the 4D Approach before any plan is written.
Your Concerns
What Is It?
Acne scarring is one of the most rewarding aesthetic concerns to treat — and one of the most undertreated, because the right answer depends on which type of scarring you have. Ice-pick, rolling, and boxcar scars respond to different combinations of energy-based treatments and regenerative injectables. At 23MD, scarring is assessed under the 4D Approach before any plan is written, and the treatments that follow are sequenced under the Treatment Stacking method — not delivered in isolation.
Recommended Pathway
Treatments for Acne Scarring
The treatments our doctors most often recommend for this concern. Your consultation confirms the right combination and sequence for you.
02Fractional RF · Dubai
Secret Duo FRFFractional radiofrequency microneedling for selected scar patterns.
03Regenerative
PolynucleotidesRegenerative support for tissue quality, often stacked with energy-based treatments.
05Skincare
Medical-Grade SkincareDiscussed in consultation; supports clinical results between sessions. For patients with skin of colour, treatment selection is more conservative — in Dubai, our clinical team leads this work.
Unsure which pathway suits you?
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
23MD DigitalSkin Expert
Upload a photo and receive a personalised skin assessment with treatment recommendations from our doctor-led protocols.
Analyse My SkinCommon Causes
What Could Be Causing It
Active Acne Damage
Inflammation that disrupts the skin's normal repair process.
Picking or Squeezing
Physical disruption that worsens scarring.
Skin Type
Deeper Fitzpatrick types are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation alongside textural scarring.
Delayed Treatment
The longer active acne persists, the more scarring accumulates.
Ice-Pick Scarring
Narrow, deep, V-shaped scars — the most challenging type to treat.
Boxcar & Rolling Scars
Wider depressions and broad, undulating texture — typically the most responsive types.
FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
Different scar types respond to different treatments. Ice-pick scars are the hardest; rolling and shallow boxcar scars are the most responsive. The consultation classifies the picture first.
There is a small risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation, particularly in deeper Fitzpatrick skin types. The 23MD approach in Dubai is more conservative for this reason, and these cases are led by our Dubai clinical team.
Typically 3–6 sessions across 3–9 months, spaced to allow tissue to remodel between treatments. Some patients need ongoing maintenance.
Active inflammatory acne should be controlled before scar treatment begins. Treating scars while acne is active can worsen the picture. 23MD will refer to a dermatologist for active acne management where appropriate.
Honest answer: no. Significant improvement is achievable; complete resolution rarely is. Expectation-setting is part of the consultation.
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Medically reviewed by Dr Suha Kersh, MB BCh BAO LRCP&SI, MRCPsych, GMC-registered since 1992.
