Acne Scar Treatment in Singapore
Dr Cheong Wai Kwong
Senior Consultant Dermatologist
MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), FRCP (Edinburgh), FAMS (Dermatology)
Acne develops when the skin's oil glands become inflamed, resulting in whiteheads, blackheads, red bumps or pus-filled spots. Although it most commonly affects the face, it can also occur on the back, chest, shoulders and neck. While acne is often associated with the teenage years, it can affect people of all ages, with some continuing to experience breakouts into adulthood.
In some individuals, the inflammation caused by acne can damage the skin and underlying tissue, leading to long-term scarring that persists even after the active breakouts have resolved.
What Are Acne Scars?
Acne scars are permanent changes to the skin that develop as it heals following acne. They can vary considerably in appearance, ranging from shallow depressions and deep pits to raised scars or areas of post-inflammatory pigmentation. The type and severity of scarring depend on factors such as the depth of inflammation, individual healing response and whether the acne was treated promptly.
While some discolouration may gradually fade over time, changes to the skin's texture generally do not resolve on their own. Identifying the type of acne scar is an important first step, as different forms of scarring respond best to different treatment approaches.
Since every skin type is unique, a dermatologist usually needs to assess your specific scar type and active acne in order to recommend a suitable acne scar treatment plan.
What Causes Acne Scarring?
Acne scars develop when inflamed acne damages the deeper layers of the skin. As the skin heals, it produces collagen, a natural protein that helps repair damaged tissue.
However, if too little collagen is produced, the skin may heal with depressions or pits (atrophic scars). If too much collagen is produced, raised scars such as hypertrophic or keloid scars may develop. This imbalance in collagen levels is the main cause of scarring.
Not everyone with acne develops scars. Several factors can increase the likelihood of scarring or make scars more severe, including:
Oily Skin
Picking or Popping Acne
Sun Exposure
Puberty
Delaying or Not Treating Inflammatory Acne
What Are the Types of Acne Scars?
Atrophic scars
These are depressions in the skin caused by not having enough collagen while healing. This type of acne scar is divided into three subtypes:
Ice pick scars
- The most common type of atrophic scars, these scars are small but create deep holes in the skin, sometimes resembling a “V” shape.Boxcar scars
- These scars are round or oval-shaped with sharp edges and look like chickenpox scars.Rolling scars
- These scars are very shallow with soft, smooth edges. They create wide depressions in the skin with a rolling or uneven appearance, like an “M” pattern.
Hypertrophic and keloid scars
How Can I Get Rid of Acne Scars?
Acne may be unsightly and uncomfortable, but it is treatable. Specialist Skin Clinic offers a wide range of acne treatments carefully adapted to all skin types. Contact us today to find out more about how we can assess your skin and find a solution.
Acne Scar Treatment Options in Singapore
There is no single acne scar treatment that is suitable for every patient. Depending on the type, depth and severity of your scars, your dermatologist may recommend one or a combination of the following acne scar removal methods to achieve the best possible outcome.
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): IPL targets redness associated with post-acne marks by reducing visible blood vessels, helping the skin appear more even in tone.
- Lightening Creams: Medicated topical creams help reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, gradually fading brown acne marks over time.
- Cortisone Injections: Cortisone injections help soften and flatten raised hypertrophic and keloid acne scars by reducing excess scar tissue.
- Subcision: Subcision is a minor procedure that releases the fibrous bands beneath depressed acne scars, allowing the skin to lift and heal more evenly.
- Punch Excision: Punch excision removes deep, well-defined scars such as ice pick scars before the skin is carefully closed to achieve a smoother appearance.
- Fractional CO₂ Laser: Fractional CO₂ laser treatment stimulates collagen remodelling to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of depressed acne scars.
- Fillers: Dermal fillers can temporarily elevate certain depressed scars, creating a smoother and more even skin surface.
- Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion gently exfoliates the skin to improve superficial unevenness and enhance the appearance of mild acne scarring.
What to Expect From Our Acne Scar Treatment Programme
Step 1: Assessment and Acne Control
Step 2: Personalised Acne Scar Treatment
Step 3: Review and Ongoing Care
How Different Types of Acne Scars Are Treated
Different types of acne scars respond best to different treatments. Following a detailed assessment, your dermatologist may recommend one or a combination of the following approaches based on the type and severity of your scars.
What Else Do I Need to Know About Managing Acne?
- Do not squeeze or scratch pimples. Avoid facials, scrubs, masks and exfoliants when your acne is inflamed.
- Do not wash with harsh soaps. Wash away the surface oil with a good gentle soap.
- Have a well-balanced diet.
- Use reliable water-based, oil-free cosmetics.
- Stick close to your doctor’s prescription. Feel free to check with your doctor if you have any doubts about the treatment or side effects or for some reason, your condition is not improving.
- Certain birth control pills and hormone medications can worsen your skin condition. Do discuss this with your skin doctor.
- Stress and lack of sleep may aggravate acne.
Why Choose Our Dermatologist for Acne Scar Treatment in Singapore?
Acne scar treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process. Different types of scars respond to different treatments, and selecting the most appropriate approach requires an accurate diagnosis and careful planning.
At Specialist Skin Clinic, our acne specialist, Dr Cheong Wai Kwong, is able to effectively assess the type, depth and severity of your acne scars, as well as whether active acne is still present, before recommending a personalised treatment plan.
If previous treatments have not produced the desired results or you are experiencing side effects from prescribed medications, Dr Cheong can review your condition and discuss alternative treatment options that may be more suitable for your skin. Because acne scar treatment often involves multiple sessions and collagen remodelling takes time, your progress is reviewed regularly so your treatment plan can be adjusted where necessary. This personalised and closely monitored approach helps optimise treatment outcomes while supporting long-term improvements in your skin.
Contact us today to arrange a consultation and receive a personalised assessment and treatment plan tailored to your skin and acne scars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acne Scars and Acne Scar Treatment
Can acne scars be prevented?
Although not all acne scars can be prevented, seeking treatment for inflammatory acne early can significantly reduce the risk of permanent scarring. Avoiding picking or squeezing acne, following an appropriate skincare routine and protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure may also help minimise scarring and post-acne marks.
Can old acne scars still be treated?
Yes. Even longstanding acne scars can often be improved with appropriate treatment. Your dermatologist will assess the type, depth and severity of your scars before recommending suitable options, which may include laser treatment, subcision, fillers or other procedures depending on your individual needs.
Can active acne be treated at the same time as acne scars?
Yes, although active acne is usually brought under control before scar-focused procedures begin. Treating ongoing breakouts first helps prevent new scars from forming and provides a more stable foundation for acne scar treatment. In some cases, certain treatments may be performed alongside acne management where appropriate.
Is acne scar treatment painful?
Most acne scar treatments are well tolerated. Depending on the procedure, topical anaesthetic cream or local anaesthesia may be used to improve comfort during treatment. You may experience mild discomfort, redness or tenderness afterwards, but these effects are usually temporary.
How long does acne scar treatment take?
The duration of acne scar treatment varies depending on the type and severity of your scars, as well as the treatments used. Some procedures can be completed within an hour, but most patients require a series of treatment sessions spaced several weeks apart to achieve the best results.
Is there downtime after acne scar treatment?
Downtime depends on the treatment performed. Some procedures, such as IPL, involve minimal recovery, while others, including fractional CO₂ laser or subcision, may require several days of redness, swelling or mild discomfort. Your dermatologist will advise you on the expected recovery period and post-treatment care for your specific treatment plan.
Meet Our Acne Scar Specialist in Singapore
Dr Cheong Wai Kwong
Senior Consultant DermatologistMBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK),FRCP (Edinburgh), FAMS (Dermatology)
Dr Cheong Wai Kwong is a senior consultant dermatologist at Specialist Skin Clinic with over three decades of experience managing a wide range of skin conditions. He previously practised at the National Skin Centre in Singapore and St John's Dermatology Centre in London, with clinical interests including acne, acne scars, psoriasis, eczema, phototherapy, and the use of lasers and IPL for selected skin concerns.
For patients seeking acne scar treatment, Dr Cheong performs a comprehensive assessment of the scar type, severity and skin condition before recommending a personalised treatment plan. Depending on the individual's needs, treatment may include options such as fractional CO₂ laser, subcision, fillers or IPL, with the aim of improving skin texture and achieving natural-looking results.
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