Atrophic Scars
Atrophic scars are sunken or depressed, often resulting from conditions like acne or chickenpox. These scars occur when the skin loses collagen and does not fully regenerate, leading to indentations in the skin.
Atrophic scars occur when the skin heals below its normal level, creating sunken or indented areas. This type of scarring is often the result of severe acne, chickenpox, or skin trauma, and the severity can vary based on the depth and size of the scar. Common forms of atrophic scars include icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars, all of which can make the skin's surface uneven and affect self-esteem. Treatment for atrophic scars typically involves a combination of laser therapy, micro-needling, fillers and bio-stimulators, and other skin resurfacing techniques to restore a smoother and more uniform skin texture.
The Science Behind It
Atrophic scars develop when the skin is unable to produce enough collagen during the wound healing process, resulting in sunken or depressed scars. They are most commonly seen after severe acne, chickenpox, or trauma. The three main types of atrophic scars are:
- Icepick scars, which are narrow and deep
- Boxcar scars, which are wider with sharp edges, and
- Rolling scars, which are more shallow and smooth.
Treatment focuses on restoring collagen production and resurfacing the skin to minimize the appearance of these scars.
What are the best lasers for atrophic scars?
For atrophic scars (indented scars), the best laser approach focuses on smoothing texture and rebuilding collagen to lift and blend the depression into surrounding skin. Fraxel® Dual Laser, Alma Hybrid™, and Acclaro UltraClear are commonly used to stimulate collagen remodelling and refine surface unevenness, while a picosecond laser can be added to help improve overall scar texture and blending with minimal disruption. Often, the most noticeable improvement comes from a tailored combination of these treatments over a series of sessions.
Treatment at a Glance
| Treatment Type | Number of Sessions | Procedure Time | Typical Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acclaro UltraClear® | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
| Alma Hybrid™ | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
| Fraxel® Dual Laser | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
| Picosecond laser | 2 - 5+ sessions | 10 - 30 minutes | 3 - 5+ days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Laser treatments are highly effective, with many patients seeing significant improvements in the texture and appearance of their scars. The results depend on the scar type, laser used, and number of sessions.
Important ACC & Treatment Disclaimer
ACC funding eligibility is determined by the Accident Compensation Corporation on a case-by-case basis. Approval is dependent on injury acceptance, clinical indication, and ACC policy at the time of application. Not all treatments offered at Scars & Lasers are ACC-funded. Private fees may apply for unfunded components of care.
Learn more about ACC IncidentsAdvanced treatment for atrophic scars focused on collagen regeneration, skin texture refinement, and dermal restoration.
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