Acne Scarring Solutions in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

Comprehensive Care for Atrophic, Pigmented, and Textured Scars

Understanding Acne Scarring

Acne scars are long-lasting marks resulting from inflamed breakouts, cysts, or improper acne management. Scars form in several ways:

• Atrophic scars are depressions in the skin, including boxcar, ice pick, and rolling scars.
• Hypertrophic and keloid scars are thick, raised bumps due to excess collagen.
• Pigmented marks—red or brown spots (post-inflammatory erythema or hyperpigmentation)—may linger after acne, especially on darker skin tones.

Acne scarring can reduce self-confidence and impacts all ages, ethnicities, and skin types. Areas commonly affected include the face, chest, back, and shoulders.

Atrophic & Textured Scars: Boxcar, Ice Pick & Rolling

• Boxcar scars: Wide, shallow depressions with sharply defined edges.
• Ice pick scars: Narrow, deep indentations resembling pores.
• Rolling scars: Wavy, uneven depressions.

These scars develop when inflammation or tissue loss disrupts healthy collagen production. Targeted treatments stimulate new collagen and restore smoother texture.

Pigmented Marks: Red & Brown Post-Acne Spots

• Post-inflammatory erythema: Red marks from vascular changes after inflammation.
• Hyperpigmentation: Brown spots from excess melanin after healing.
• Pigmented marks are not true scars but can persist for months without professional intervention. Advanced skincare and targeted procedures fade discoloration for clearer skin.

Treatment Options at Expert Skin Solutions

Microneedling (with or without PRP)

Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries to boost collagen and elastin, repairing textured acne scars. Safe for all skin tones and sensitive skin, it smooths boxcar, rolling, and mild ice pick scars.

• Benefits: Collagen boost, minimal downtime, safe for pigment-prone skin.
• Optional PRP (platelet-rich plasma) enhances results for faster healing and improved texture.

Matrix RF (Radiofrequency Microneedling)

Matrix RF uses radiofrequency energy via micro-needles to remodel deep scars and tighten skin. Customizable depth, safe for Fitzpatrick I-VI.

• Treats: Deep rolling, boxcar, and ice pick scars, with added improvement in skin firmness.
• Benefits: Non-chromophore-dependent; tailored for all skin types.

Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO2 laser resurfacing is the gold standard for acne scar revision:

• Fractional beams stimulate new collagen, smoothing superficial and medium-depth scars.
• Permanent improvement after a series of treatments, with tailored downtime and settings per patient.
• Treats boxcar, rolling, and mild ice pick scarring.

VI Peel Chemical Peels

The VI Peel family delivers medium-depth peels to brighten pigment, improve texture, and stimulate collagen.

• Formulations: Precision Plus targets pigment, while Advanced helps with acne scarring and signs of aging.
• Benefits: Safe for all skin tones, also fades post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and red/brown marks.
• Peeling phase lasts 3–7 days.

ZO Skincare (Pigment & Texture Correction)

ZO Skin Health protocols combine potent brighteners, exfoliants, and antioxidants for long-term pigment and scar management:

• Hydroquinone and non-hydroquinone options to fade brown marks and melasma.
• Vitamin C, exfoliating accelerators, and sunscreen reduce discoloration and protect skin health.
• Physician-supervised protocols for lasting improvement.

Picoway Laser Treatments

Picoway laser uses ultra-fast pulses for all scar types and pigment issues:

• Breaks up pigmented cells, targets red and brown marks, and triggers collagen to fill indented scars.
• Minimal heat means safe, effective results for all complexions—particularly resistant spots.
• Treats both acne-induced pigment and hypertrophic scars.

Laser Photofacials

Laser photofacials target superficial red and brown pigment:

• Ideal for persistent erythema or lingering hyperpigmentation.
• Multiple sessions fade discoloration for even-toned skin.
• May be combined with other treatments for best results.

Your Personalized Acne Scarring Consultation

Every patient’s skin is unique. At Expert Skin Solutions in Tysons Corner, VA, a licensed master aesthetician will create a custom protocol, often combining multiple modalities for dramatic results. Consultations include scar type assessment, treatment plan explanation, and long-term skincare guidance for optimal outcomes.

Schedule Your Acne Scar Consultation Today

Book a consultation to reveal clearer, smoother skin. Serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland from our Tysons Corner location. Let’s customize your path to scar reduction and skin health!

Frequently Asked Questions

Your skin, your acne scar questions, answered.