Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is precisely applied to ice pick and boxcar scars to stimulate collagen remodelling. This method is particularly effective for deep, narrow scars that are difficult to treat with surface-level therapies.
Acne Scar Treatment Singapore
Acne scars are marks that stay on the skin after serious breakouts have healed. They form when deep pimples damage the skin and the healing process leaves behind dents or raised spots. These scars can change how your skin looks and feel difficult to deal with even after the acne itself is gone.
Indications of Acne Scars
Acne scars present with several distinct characteristics that patients can observe on their skin:
- Depressed or sunken areas: These appear as small pits or larger indentations in the skin where tissue has been lost during the healing process.
- Raised or thickened patches: Some scars form as elevated bumps above the skin surface, creating an uneven texture that feels rough to the touch.
- Changes in skin colour: Scarred areas may appear darker or lighter than surrounding skin, creating noticeable patches that stand out from normal skin tone.
- Uneven skin texture: The affected skin feels bumpy, rough, or irregular when touched, with a different texture from surrounding healthy skin.
- Visible pore enlargement: Areas around old acne sites may show permanently enlarged pores that appear more prominent than normal.
Types of Acne Scars
Acne scars fall into several distinct categories based on their appearance and formation:
- Ice pick scars: These appear as narrow, deep pits that extend into the dermis, resembling small puncture wounds with steep sides.
- Boxcar scars: These present as broader depressions with well-defined edges and flat bottoms, creating a box-like appearance on the skin surface.
- Rolling scars: These form as wide, shallow depressions with sloping edges that create a wave-like or rolling appearance across the skin.
- Hypertrophic scars: These develop as raised, thickened areas where excess collagen has formed during the healing process, appearing as bumps above the skin surface.
- Keloid scars: These grow beyond the original acne site as large, raised formations that continue expanding over time, most commonly affecting the chest, back, and shoulders.
Treatment Options for Acne Scars in Singapore
Depending on scar type and skin condition, your medical aesthetics doctor may recommend a combination of the following evidence-based procedures:
Chemical Peels (TCA CROSS)
RF Microneedling
This treatment combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling to create controlled micro-injuries and deliver heat into deeper skin layers. It promotes collagen synthesis, tightens skin, and reduces the depth of rolling or atrophic scars.
Laser Resurfacing
Various laser platforms are available to target different aspects of acne scarring:
- Fractional Ablative Laser: Helps smooth pitted scars by promoting collagen regeneration.
- Picosecond Laser: Breaks down scar tissue and pigmentation with minimal heat damage, ideal for textural irregularities and post-acne marks.
- Non-Ablative Fractional Lasers: Stimulate dermal remodelling for general improvement in tone and texture.
Dermal Fillers and Subcision
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers can be used to lift depressed scars such as rolling or boxcar scars. In some cases, subcision is performed to release tethered scar tissue before filler is placed, enhancing the overall result.
Polynucleotide Injections
These skin-rejuvenating injectables support tissue repair and improve skin elasticity. When used alongside other treatments, they can enhance skin texture and support collagen rebuilding in scarred areas.
Ready for Natural Looking Results?
Consult with our doctors for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
Prevention and Management
Managing active acne early is one of the most effective ways to prevent scarring. Avoiding habits such as picking or squeezing blemishes can reduce skin trauma that leads to lasting marks. Gentle daily cleansing, consistent use of non-comedogenic skincare, and sun protection help maintain skin health and support the healing process.
Regular follow-up with a medical aesthetics doctor in Singapore ensures that treatment is adjusted based on skin response, minimising the likelihood of scar formation over time.
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Tap into our evidence-based medical aesthetics can be a pivotal decision on your journey towards enhanced well-being and self-confidence.
siglap
2 First St, #01-10 Siglap V, Singapore 458278
Mon – Fri: 10:30am to 8pm
Saturday: 10:30am to 6:30pm
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
orchard
360 Orchard Road, #05-06 International Building, Singapore 238869
Mon & Thurs: 11:30am to 7pm
Tues, Wed, & Fri: 10am to 8pm
Saturday: 10am to 3pm
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
tampines
1 Tampines Central 5, #07-01 CPF Tampines Building, Singapore 529508
Mon – Fri: 11:30am to 9pm
Saturday: 10am to 7pm
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long after acne clears should I wait before treating scars?
Most practitioners recommend waiting at least six months after active acne has resolved before beginning scar treatment, allowing the skin to complete its natural healing process and inflammation to subside completely.
Can acne scars be completely removed?
Whilst complete removal is rarely possible, most acne scars can be significantly improved through appropriate treatment, with many patients achieving 50-90% improvement in appearance depending on scar type and treatment method.
How many treatment sessions are typically needed for acne scar treatment in Singapore?
The number of sessions varies considerably based on scar severity and treatment type, with most patients requiring between 3-6 sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal results.
Are the results from acne scar treatment permanent?
Most acne scar treatments provide long-lasting improvements, though skin continues to age naturally and some maintenance treatments may be beneficial over time to preserve results.
What should I expect during the healing process?
Healing varies by treatment type but commonly includes temporary redness, mild swelling, and potential skin peeling that typically resolves within 1-2 weeks, with full results becoming apparent over several months.
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