Acne Scar Treatment in NYC

At her Upper East Side practice, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marie Hayag provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for acne scars and post-acne skin changes. Acne scars can impact skin texture, tone, and overall complexion long after breakouts resolve.

Through a physician-guided approach, treatment is customized using laser resurfacing, RF microneedling, vascular lasers, and medical-grade chemical peels to smooth skin, stimulate collagen remodeling, and support long-term skin health.

Acne scarring occurs when the skin heals after inflammatory acne lesions, leading to permanent changes in texture and structure. Studies show that up to 95% of individuals with acne may experience some degree of scarring.

Scars may present in several forms:

• Atrophic scars (depressed): Ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars
• Hypertrophic or keloid scars (raised): Thickened, elevated areas
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Darkened areas following acne
• Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE): Persistent redness

Because acne scars vary widely in type, depth, and severity, accurate diagnosis is essential for effective, safe, and targeted treatment.

Acne scars develop when inflammation disrupts the skin’s natural healing process and collagen structure. The severity and type of scarring depend on how the skin repairs itself after breakouts.

Common contributing factors include:

• Severe or cystic acne, which causes deeper inflammation
• Delayed or inadequate acne treatment
• Picking, squeezing, or trauma to active lesions
• Genetic predisposition to scarring
• Imbalanced collagen production during healing

Atrophic scars form when too little collagen is produced, while hypertrophic scars result from excess collagen. Pigmented and red marks develop due to inflammation and vascular changes. Each requires a different treatment strategy.

Laser resurfacing stimulates collagen and improves skin texture by targeting damaged tissue.

Technologies may include:

• Fraxel
• Clear and Brilliant
• Miria by AVAVA

• Atrophic acne scars
• Uneven texture
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Skin quality and tone

Patients with mild to moderate acne scarring seeking non-surgical resurfacing.

Microneedling combined with radiofrequency energy stimulates deeper collagen remodeling to address structural skin irregularities.

• Depressed scars
• Uneven texture
• Skin laxity

Patients with moderate acne scarring benefiting from deeper collagen stimulation.

Pulsed dye laser targeting blood vessels to reduce redness and inflammation.

• Post-inflammatory erythema (red acne marks)
• Persistent redness
• Vascular-related discoloration

Patients with red or inflamed acne scars rather than textural depressions.

Medical-grade chemical peels exfoliate and accelerate cellular turnover to improve surface irregularities.

• Superficial acne scars
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Uneven or dull skin tone

Patients with mild scarring or discoloration seeking gradual improvement.

PicoWay is an FDA-cleared picosecond laser that uses ultra-short pulses of energy to treat pigmentation, acne scars, fine lines, and unwanted tattoos in a physician-led setting.

PicoWay breaks pigment and tattoo ink into tiny fragments the body clears naturally and stimulates new collagen production, improving tone, texture, and clarity with minimal downtime.

Ideal for patients dealing with sun spots, melasma, acne scarring, fine lines, or an unwanted tattoo, especially those with skin tones that made other lasers feel too risky.

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have visible acne scars or uneven skin texture
• Experience discoloration or redness after acne
• Have completed treatment for active acne
• Are seeking non-surgical, physician-guided solutions
• Want long-term improvement in skin quality

A consultation with a board-certified dermatologist is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan based on your scar type and skin condition.

Acne scar treatments are performed in-office and vary depending on the modality selected.

• Laser treatments: Temporary redness and sensitivity for several days
• RF microneedling: Mild swelling and redness with gradual improvement
• Chemical peels: Light peeling and skin renewal over a few days
• Vascular lasers: Minimal downtime with progressive reduction in redness

Because collagen remodeling is a gradual process, results improve over weeks to months. Multiple sessions or combination therapy are often recommended for optimal outcomes.

The cost of acne scar treatment varies based on scar type, severity, and the treatments used. Many patients benefit from a customized combination approach.

A personalized treatment plan and detailed pricing are provided during your consultation at Marie Hayag, MD.

Acne scar revision requires a precise understanding of skin healing, collagen biology, and advanced treatment technologies.

At Marie Hayag, MD, patients benefit from:

• Board-certified dermatologist with expertise in acne scar classification
• Custom treatment plans for all skin types and tones
• Advanced laser, RF microneedling, vascular laser, and chemical peel options
• Emphasis on collagen remodeling and progressive, natural improvement
• Physician-guided, multi-modality approach for long-term skin health

This physician-led approach ensures safe, effective acne scar revision with long-term skin health in mind.

Acne scars vary significantly in type, depth, and cause, making accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment. At Marie Hayag MD, every patient undergoes a comprehensive, physician-led evaluation to determine the most appropriate approach for long-term skin improvement.

Schedule your consultation to receive a personalized acne scar treatment plan designed to restore smoother, healthier-looking skin.