Top Laser Treatments for Acne Scars
Posted February 13, 2026 in Laser
Acne scars are stubborn, unwelcome reminders of past breakouts, and for many of us, no amount of skincare can make them disappear. That’s why laser treatments have become one of the most popular choices for treating acne scars. This blog will break down various laser technologies, how they treat acne scars, and why Sciton® lasers persist as top-tier options.
5 Min. Read:
Table of Contents
- Can Laser Treatments Remove Acne Scars?
- Types of Lasers
- Do Laser Treatments Work for Acne Scars?
- Top Sciton® Laser Treatments for Acne Scars
- How Many Laser Treatments Are Needed for Acne Scars?
Can Laser Treatments Remove Acne Scars?
Laser treatments can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars. They do this by delivering controlled energy into the skin to stimulate healing and collagen production. This is how lasers are able to:
- Smooth out uneven texture
- Improve skin tone, including discoloration and redness
- Make scars less and less noticeable over time
With the right treatment plan administered by a reputable practice, many patients see dramatic improvement in their skin, in both texture and tone.
Types of Lasers
There are many different types of lasers on the market, with new technology announced every year. For the purposes of this discussion, the following are popular energy-based treatments for acne.
- Ablative lasers are more aggressive, removing the outer layers of skin for deeper scar correction. They require more downtime, but provide dramatic results.
- Non-ablative lasers treat deeper layers without removing surface skin. They involve less downtime and gradual results.
- Fractional or fractionated lasers combine ablative and non-ablative technologies to increase treatment efficacy with moderate downtime.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses a broad spectrum of light (instead of a single laser wavelength) to target pigment and blood vessels. This treatment involves little to no downtime.
Do Laser Treatments Work for Acne Scars?
Yes, when matched correctly to the type of scarring. Different acne scars respond to different technologies.
Depressed (Atrophic) Scars
These scars appear as pitted indentations in the skin, resulting from collagen damage or tissue loss due to inflammation. Cystic acne is largely responsible for depressed scars, but other types of acne can cause these as well. Rolling scars, boxcar scars, and icepick scars are all examples of atrophic acne scars, and these typically respond well to collagen-stimulating lasers.
Pigmentation and Redness
Dyspigmentation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and other pigmented acne scars are more of a skin tone than a skin texture issue. In this case, inflammation causes excess melanin production. Pigmentation and redness respond well to light-based treatments.
This is where customizable platforms like Sciton® stand out. Sciton® lasers offer flexibility that allows providers to tailor treatments rather than relying on a single approach.
Top Sciton® Laser Treatments for Acne Scars
Sciton® is a respected leader in energy-based aesthetic technology, and at Thompson Center for Plastic Surgery, we are proud to offer our patients world-class treatments and technologies. Three of the most effective options for acne scars include Halo™, Moxi™, and BBL™.
Halo™: Hybrid Fractional Laser
Halo™ is often considered one of the best laser treatments for acne scars because it combines two wavelengths in a single session: one targets deeper collagen, and the other resurfaces the skin. Benefits of the Halo™ hybrid fractional laser include:
- Improves pitted and uneven acne scars
- Stimulates long-term collagen remodeling
- Reduces discoloration left behind by acne
- More effective than many non-ablative lasers
- Less downtime than fully ablative lasers
Halo™ is a great option for patients seeking noticeable texture improvement without an extended recovery.
Moxi™: Gentle Non-ablative Laser
Moxi™ is a non-ablative laser designed for gentle, gradual skin renewal. It isn’t intended for deep scars, but it’s an excellent option for:
- Mild acne scarring
- Early textural changes
- Maintaining youthful skin
- Patients new to laser treatments
- Those wanting minimal downtime
Moxi™ works by stimulating collagen beneath the surface, refining texture, brightening the skin, and improving overall skin quality over time.
BBL™: Intense Pulsed Light
BBL™ (BroadBand Light) is Sciton®’s intense pulsed light (IPL) system, harnessing the power of light therapy to treat a variety of skin concerns. This isn’t a traditional laser, but it is still a powerful tool for acne scar treatment—namely, discoloration. BBL™ is ideal for:
- Red or brown marks left after acne scars
- Uneven skin tone
- Enhancing results from other laser treatments
- Patients who want little to no downtime
This treatment protocol is often combined with Halo™ or Moxi™ to address both texture and tone, delivering more transformative, comprehensive results.
How Many Laser Treatments Are Needed for Acne Scars?
Most patients need a series of treatments for optimal results. The number of treatments you’ll need depends on the severity of your scars, your skin type, and the technology selected. Some lasers deliver more noticeable results per session, while others build results gradually.
The best way to learn which laser is right for you and how many treatments you need is to schedule a consultation. That’s your first step toward smoother, clearer-looking skin.
Interested in Laser Treatments for Acne in Colts Neck, NJ?
If you’re interested in laser skin treatments, make sure you entrust your care to a highly qualified provider. At Thompson Center for Plastic Surgery, our providers help you create personalized treatment plans to address your skin concerns and help you achieve healthier skin.
To learn more about acne scar treatments in Colts Neck, NJ, call our office at (732) 410-4789 or use our online contact form.