Atrophic / Indented Acne ScarsIndented scars caused by collagen loss during acne healing. These may appear as narrow, broad or rolling depressions in the skin.
SKIN CONDITION
Acne Scars
Doctor-Led Care
Learn the difference between indented acne scars, raised scars and post-acne marks, why they form, and which treatments may help improve skin texture, pigmentation and redness.
All conditions
What Are Acne Scars?
Acne scars are changes in skin texture or colour that remain after acne has healed. They can appear as indented scars, raised scars, brown pigmentation or persistent red marks.
True acne scars involve changes in the skin’s structure, while post-acne marks such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) are flat colour changes rather than permanent indentations.
Assessment helps determine whether the main concern is collagen loss, raised scar tissue, pigmentation, redness or a combination.
Acne scars commonly affect:
Cheeks and templesForeheadJawline and chinBack and chest in some patients
Cheeks and templesForeheadJawline and chinBack and chest in some patients
Acne scars are not all the same. Some are caused by collagen loss, some involve excess scar tissue, and others are actually flat red or brown post-acne marks. Identifying the scar type first helps us choose a more targeted treatment plan.
Who Acne Scar Treatment Is (and Isn't) For
Acne scar treatment may be suitable if you
- Have indented or uneven skin texture left after acne
- Have persistent red or brown post-acne marks
- Have enlarged-looking pores or textural irregularities associated with previous acne
- Have raised acne scars that require assessment
- Want a personalised treatment plan based on scar type and skin condition
You may need further assessment or acne control first if you
- Still have significant active or inflamed acne
- Have an active skin infection, wound or severe irritation
- Have a tendency to develop keloids or abnormal scarring
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding, where relevant to the proposed treatment
- Have a medical condition or medication that affects healing or treatment suitability
A consultation and physical assessment is required to confirm suitability — this page is general education, not a diagnosis.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Acne scars develop when inflammation damages the skin and the healing process produces too little or too much collagen.
- Deep or severe inflammatory acne
- Cystic or nodular breakouts
- Collagen loss during healing
- Excess scar tissue formation
- Picking or squeezing inflamed acne
- Individual genetic and healing tendencies
The risk of scarring generally increases when acne is deeper, more inflamed or persists for longer periods.
Why Acne Scars Don't Fade Like Normal Acne Marks
- Indented scars involve structural collagen loss beneath the skin
- Raised scars involve excess scar tissue
- PIH and PIE are colour changes rather than textural scars and may fade differently
- Collagen remodelling occurs slowly
- Different scar types often require different treatment approaches
This is why a treatment that works well for pigmentation may not be the right treatment for an indented scar, and vice versa.
Types of Acne Scars
Hypertrophic & Keloid Acne ScarsRaised scars caused by excess tissue formation during healing.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)Flat brown or darker marks left after inflammation. PIH is a pigment change rather than an indented scar.
Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)Flat red or pink marks that remain after acne inflammation. PIE is related to redness rather than collagen loss.
Acne Scar Treatments in Malaysia
Treatment selection depends on scar type, depth, pigmentation, redness, skin condition and individual response. More than one treatment may be combined when different scar patterns are present.
01Surface Renewal & Post-Acne Marks
Encourages skin renewal to improve congestion, surface texture and post-breakout marks. It is generally more relevant to superficial texture and colour concerns than deep indented scars.Botanical Peel
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02Skin Repair & Recovery
Supports skin repair, recovery, texture and overall skin resilience. It may be used as part of a combination plan rather than as a stand-alone correction for every scar type.Exosome Therapy
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03Acne Scar Resurfacing
Creates controlled micro-treatment zones to stimulate skin renewal and collagen remodelling, helping improve indented acne scars and uneven texture.Fractional Laser
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04RF Microneedling & Collagen Remodelling
Combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to remodel collagen and improve acne scars, enlarged-looking pores and uneven texture.Morpheus8
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05Post-Acne Pigmentation & Uneven Tone
Targets unwanted pigment and uneven skin tone, making it particularly relevant when brown post-acne marks or pigmentation are part of the concern.Pico Laser
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06Regenerative Skin Repair
Supports regenerative skin repair, hydration and texture. It may be incorporated into a treatment plan to improve overall skin quality and recovery.Plinest
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07Skin Repair & Resilience
Uses polynucleotides to support skin repair, elasticity, hydration and resilience. It may complement resurfacing or scar-remodelling treatments where skin quality also needs improvement.Rejuran
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08RF Microneedling for Texture, Redness & Pigmentation
Uses radiofrequency microneedling to improve uneven texture and pores while also addressing redness and pigmentation in suitable patients.Sylfirm X
View treatmentNot sure which treatment fits your scar type?A Clinic RX doctor can assess whether your main concern is indented scarring, raised scars, pigmentation, redness or a combination and recommend a personalised treatment plan.
Ask on WhatsAppRisks & Safety Considerations
Acne scar treatments vary in intensity, and the appropriate option depends on skin type, scar pattern and healing response.
- Laser and RF microneedling treatments may cause temporary redness, swelling, sensitivity, dryness or pigment changes
- Peels may cause temporary redness, dryness, sensitivity or peeling
- Injectable or regenerative treatments may cause temporary redness, swelling, bruising or injection-site bumps
- Multiple sessions or combination treatments may be required
- Deeper scars may improve without disappearing completely
- Patients prone to keloids or abnormal scarring require additional assessment before procedures that intentionally create controlled skin injury
This is general information, not medical advice. Treatment-specific risks and suitability will be discussed during consultation before consent is obtained.
Acne Scar Treatment Results: What to Expect
Depending on scar type and the treatment selected, suitable patients may experience:
- Smoother and more even-looking skin texture
- Reduced appearance of indented acne scars
- Improved appearance of enlarged-looking pores
- Fading of brown post-acne pigmentation
- Reduced appearance of persistent post-acne redness
- Improved overall skin quality and resilience
Acne scar improvement is usually gradual. Deeper or mixed scars often require a series of treatments or a combination approach rather than a single session.
Acne Scar FAQs
What causes acne scars?
Acne scars form when inflammation damages the skin and the healing process produces too little or too much collagen. Deep, cystic or highly inflamed acne carries a greater risk of scarring.
What are the different types of acne scars?
Acne-related concerns include indented or atrophic scars, raised hypertrophic or keloid scars, brown post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and red post-inflammatory erythema (PIE).
What is the difference between acne scars and acne marks?
True acne scars involve a change in skin texture, such as an indentation or raised scar. Acne marks such as PIH and PIE are flat brown or red colour changes left after a breakout.
Do acne scars go away on their own?
Flat red or brown post-acne marks may fade gradually, but true indented or raised scars involve structural changes in the skin and are less likely to disappear completely without treatment.
What is the best treatment for acne scars?
There is no single best treatment for every acne scar. Fractional Laser, Morpheus8 and Sylfirm X may be considered for texture and collagen remodelling, while Pico Laser may be more suitable for post-acne pigmentation. Other treatments may be added to support skin renewal, repair and recovery.
Does Fractional Laser help acne scars?
Yes. Fractional Laser resurfaces targeted areas of skin and stimulates collagen remodelling, making it a commonly considered option for indented acne scars and uneven texture.
Does Morpheus8 help acne scars?
Morpheus8 combines microneedling and radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen remodelling. It may help improve indented scars, enlarged-looking pores and uneven skin texture.
Does Pico Laser treat acne scars?
Pico Laser is generally more useful for post-acne pigmentation and uneven skin tone than for correcting deep indented scars. If both pigmentation and textural scarring are present, it may form part of a combination treatment plan.
Can Sylfirm X improve acne scars?
Sylfirm X uses radiofrequency microneedling to support skin remodelling and may improve uneven texture and pores while also addressing redness and pigmentation in suitable patients.
Can Rejuran or Plinest remove acne scars?
Rejuran and Plinest support skin repair, hydration and overall skin quality, but they should not be described as treatments that simply erase deep acne scars. They may be used alongside other scar-remodelling treatments depending on the treatment plan.
Can a peel remove acne scars?
A peel can improve surface renewal, congestion, superficial texture and post-acne marks, but deeper indented scars usually require treatments that stimulate more significant collagen remodelling.
How many acne scar treatment sessions do I need?
The number of sessions depends on scar type, depth, treatment selected, skin response and goals. Mixed or deeper acne scars commonly require a treatment course or combination approach.
Can acne scars be completely removed?
Complete removal cannot be guaranteed. Treatment aims to reduce the visibility of scars and improve skin texture, colour and overall appearance.
How much does acne scar treatment cost at Clinic RX?
Pricing depends on scar type, treatment selected, number of sessions and whether combination treatment is recommended. Final pricing is confirmed after consultation.
Acne Scar Assessment at Clinic RX Malaysia
If you are unsure whether you have indented acne scars, raised scars, PIH, PIE or a combination, a Clinic RX doctor can assess your skin and recommend treatment according to scar type, depth, colour and skin condition.
Treatment suitability, expected results, risks, number of sessions and maintenance vary between individuals and will be discussed during consultation.
Personalised treatment plansDoctor-led assessmentTreatment combinations
