Acne scar treatment: real scars and the marks that are not
Most acne scars are small dips in the skin, and they need a dermatologist: laser, fillers, microneedling, chemical peels or minor surgery. A flat dark mark left after a pimple is usually not a scar and often fades within 6 to 12 months. Karisma's $225 Advanced Facial works on surface tone and texture, not on deep scars.
Published · Written by Kay Woodson · Results vary.
Is it a scar or a mark?
Run a finger over it. A true acne scar changes the surface: most dip below it, and some rise above it. A flat spot of color, brown, red or purple, that you can see but not feel is usually post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the color left behind as a breakout heals. The AAD says that flat spot "usually isn't an acne scar."
The difference changes the plan. Flat marks often fade with time, sunscreen and gentle care. Dips and raised scars are a dermatologist's work, and the AAD notes that many of its treatments come as a series or a combination.
Which kind of acne scar do you have?
| What you see | What it is | Who to see |
|---|---|---|
| A flat brown, red or purple spot | Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, not a scar | Often fades on its own; a facial or a dermatologist can help it along |
| A dip, small or wide | A depressed scar, the most common kind | A dermatologist |
| A firm, raised bump where a breakout was | A raised scar: hypertrophic, papular or keloid | A dermatologist |
Which acne scar treatments work on what?
From the AAD's list of what dermatologists use. Rows marked "not offered" are not available at Karisma.
| Option | How it works | Who provides it |
|---|---|---|
| Retinoid or salicylic acid | Can make mild scarring less noticeable | At home or by prescription |
| Chemical peel | Prompts new collagen and elastin. Mild and medium peels often need more than one session, with 2 to 4 weeks of home prep | A dermatologist for scar-depth peels |
| Fillers | Add volume under a dip. Most need a series and touch-ups | A dermatologist. Not offered |
| Laser resurfacing | Resurfaces the skin; healing builds collagen | A dermatologist. Not offered |
| Microneedling, with or without radiofrequency | Tiny needles puncture the skin to trigger collagen. See microneedling vs chemical peel | A dermatologist. Not offered |
| Minor scar surgery, dermabrasion | Removes or lifts a scar, or deeply exfoliates | A dermatologist. Not offered |
| Corticosteroid injections, laser | For raised and keloid scars. Keloids can return | A dermatologist. Not offered |
| Microdermabrasion | Gently exfoliates and evens tone. The AAD says it does not treat scars directly; it supports other treatments | Part of Karisma's Advanced Facial, $225 |
AAD, "Acne scars: Diagnosis and treatment", last updated December 8, 2023.
A facial can help with
Flat dark marks that are slow to fade, rough surface texture, and the general look of skin that has been through a long stretch of breakouts. It works on the top layer only.
A dermatologist is the path for
Dips you can feel, raised or growing scars, and any acne that is still active and painful. The AAD's first rule is to treat acne early and keep treating it, since that is how scars are prevented.
What can a facial at Karisma do for acne scars?
For flat marks and uneven texture, the Advanced Facial is $225 for about 90 minutes with Kay Woodson. It brings microdermabrasion, hydrodermabrasion, Circadia SWiCH and a superficial peel together in one visit. For skin that is still breaking out or easily irritated, start with the Signature Facial at $125, which includes a consultation.
Needles, lasers, radiofrequency microneedling and injections all sit outside a Florida facial specialist's license, so Karisma does not offer them. If your scars are the kind you can feel, Kay will say so at the consultation and point you to a dermatologist rather than sell you facials that cannot reach them.
Questions about acne scars
Can an esthetician get rid of acne scars?
Not depressed or raised scars. Those need a dermatologist. An esthetician can help flat dark marks fade and smooth rough surface texture with exfoliation and superficial peels.
Do chemical peels help acne scars?
Peels can make depressed scars less noticeable by prompting collagen, according to the AAD, and mild or medium peels often take more than one session. The peel depth that reaches scars is a dermatologist's job.
How long do dark marks after acne take to fade?
The AAD says a spot a few shades darker than your natural color usually fades within 6 to 12 months. Deeper color can take years. Sunscreen and gentle products keep it from darkening further.
Should I treat my acne before my scars?
Yes. Clearing active acne comes first, because new breakouts can leave new scars. Painful, deep breakouts belong with a dermatologist.
- Acne scars, American Academy of Dermatology, last updated December 8, 2023, checked October 29, 2026
- Acne scars: Diagnosis and treatment, American Academy of Dermatology, last updated December 8, 2023, checked October 29, 2026
- How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones, American Academy of Dermatology, last updated March 10, 2025, checked October 29, 2026
- Karisma Esthetics booking page and prices, GlossGenius, checked October 29, 2026