Acne Scar Treatment in Coquitlam, BC

Acne scars form when inflamed acne blemishes penetrate deep enough into the skin to damage the surrounding tissue. As the skin repairs itself, it produces collagen — but this process is imperfect. Too little collagen results in depressed atrophic scars such as ice pick, rolling, and boxcar scars. Too much collagen results in raised hypertrophic or keloid scars. The severity of scarring is influenced by genetics, the depth and severity of the original acne, how quickly treatment is sought, and whether the acne was picked or squeezed — which significantly worsens tissue damage and inflammatory scarring.

Acne scars fall into two main categories. Atrophic or depressed scars include ice pick scars — deep, narrow indentations on the forehead and upper cheeks; rolling scars — broad, shallow depressions with sloping edges that create an uneven surface on the lower cheeks and jaw; and boxcar scars — wider, sharp-edged indentations with defined walls. Hypertrophic and keloid scars are raised above the skin surface and result from excess collagen production, commonly found on the chest, back, shoulders, and jawline. Most patients present with a combination of scar types rather than a single variety, which is why a personalized assessment at Smile Well Medical & Spa in Coquitlam is essential before beginning treatment.

The most effective treatment depends on your specific scar types, depth, skin tone, and overall skin condition. For depressed atrophic scars, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing and Secret Needle RF microneedling are among the most clinically effective options — stimulating deep collagen remodelling that progressively smooths and fills the indentations from within. PRF enhances this process using your body's own growth factors. Chemical peels and Spectra Laser are highly effective for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and milder surface scarring. Dermal fillers can immediately lift and fill specific depressed scars. Your provider at Smile Well Medical & Spa will assess your scars specifically and recommend the most appropriate combination.

Acne scar treatment is almost always a progressive process requiring multiple sessions. Most patients see meaningful improvement with a series of three to six treatments depending on the severity of their scarring and the treatment modalities used. Results develop over weeks to months following each session as collagen remodelling progresses beneath the skin's surface. Your provider at Smile Well Medical & Spa in Coquitlam will outline a realistic treatment plan with clear expectations during your consultation.

Active breakouts should be brought under control before beginning dedicated acne scar treatment. Treating scar tissue while active inflammation is present can interfere with results and may risk worsening the skin's condition. At Smile Well Medical & Spa, your provider will assess the state of your skin and sequence your treatment plan appropriately — addressing active acne first where needed, then transitioning to scar correction once your skin is sufficiently clear and stable.

Most treatments significantly reduce the depth, visibility, and overall appearance of acne scars — but complete removal is not guaranteed for all scar types. Deep ice pick scars and severe boxcar scars are among the most challenging to fully resolve, though meaningful improvement is achievable with the right combination of treatments. Your provider at Smile Well Medical & Spa in Coquitlam will give you an honest assessment of what is realistically achievable for your specific scars before you begin treatment.

The single most effective step is treating active acne early and professionally before it has the chance to cause lasting damage. Avoid picking, squeezing, or scratching pimples — this dramatically increases the depth of tissue damage and the likelihood of permanent scarring. Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily to prevent sun darkening of existing marks. Avoid smoking, which impairs the skin's healing process. Seek professional treatment for moderate to severe acne as early as possible — at Smile Well Medical & Spa in Coquitlam, early intervention consistently produces the best long-term outcomes.

Most acne scar treatments at Smile Well Medical & Spa involve manageable levels of discomfort. Topical numbing agents are applied before laser and microneedling treatments to minimize sensation during the session. Most patients describe the experience as tolerable. Some post-treatment redness, swelling, and mild soreness are normal and temporary. Your provider will walk you through what to expect for each specific treatment before you proceed.