Why Scar Type Decides the Treatment
The single most important fact about acne scars is that they are not all the same — and the right treatment depends entirely on the type of scar you have. Using the wrong technique wastes time and money; matching the technique to the scar is what produces real improvement.
This guide explains each scar type, the treatment built for it, and how the two are matched into a personalised plan. For prices, see the acne scar treatment cost page; for the full service overview, the acne scar treatment page.
Which Treatment for Which Scar
This is the heart of acne scar treatment — the match between scar type and technique. Most people have a mix, so plans usually combine two or three of these.
| Scar type | Looks like | Best-matched treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling | Broad, sloping, wave-like dips | Subcision + RF microneedling |
| Boxcar | Steep-walled, crater-like pits | RF microneedling; peels for shallow |
| Ice pick | Narrow, deep, puncture-like | TCA CROSS; punch for deepest |
| Pigmentation (PIH) | Flat brown/dark marks | Peels + pigment protocols |
| Redness (PIE) | Flat pink/red marks | Time, sun protection, vascular care |
Know Your Scar Type
Why Combination Plans Work Best
Almost nobody has just one scar type. A typical face carries a mix of rolling, boxcar and ice pick scars, sometimes with pigmentation on top. That is why the strongest results come from a staged combination — for example, subcision to release rolling scars, RF microneedling to remodel boxcars, and TCA CROSS for individual ice pick pits, spread across several months.
Two ground rules apply to every plan: active acne is controlled first, and sun protection is non-negotiable — especially in the UAE, where UV can drive pigmentation that undoes progress. Supporting treatments such as skin boosters and biostimulators improve overall skin quality between sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Get a personalised treatment plan for your skin concern from Dr Azra Vaziri — DHA & DOH licensed, 20+ years of experience.



