Acne scars can stay with you long after active breakouts have cleared. For many people the real frustration is the uneven texture, indentations and change in skin quality that acne leaves behind. If you’re looking for effective acne scarring treatment in London, the most important thing to know is that not every scar responds to the same treatment. At London Real Skin, our dermatologist-led team assesses your scar type, skin condition, goals and downtime before recommending a personalised plan, most often laser resurfacing, EXION RF microneedling, dermal filler for indented scars, or a combination of these.
Acne scarring refers to permanent textural changes in the skin that can develop after inflamed or cystic acne. Unlike temporary red or brown marks that fade over time, true acne scars affect the structure of the skin itself, appearing as indentations, uneven texture or deeper pitted areas.
In clinic we commonly see three main scar patterns:
Many patients have a combination of these, which is why treatment must be personalised.
Although every patient needs an individual assessment, we generally match treatments to scar type as follows:
| Scar type / concern | Treatment we may recommend |
|---|---|
| Ice pick scars | Laser skin resurfacing, usually within a combination plan (not suitable for filler) |
| Boxcar scars | Laser skin resurfacing or EXION RF microneedling |
| Rolling scars | EXION RF microneedling, often with subcision and dermal filler |
| Tethered or deeply indented scars | Subcision with dermal filler, alongside resurfacing or RF microneedling |
| Mixed scar patterns | A staged combination of resurfacing, EXION RF microneedling & filler |
| Post-acne marks, tone & pores | BBL / MOXI or medical-grade skin peels |
| Overall skin quality, laxity & early ageing alongside scarring | SkinXcell RF microneedling |
Laser skin resurfacing is one of the most effective options for improving textural acne scarring. We use it to improve skin texture, refine uneven tone, reduce the appearance of pores and support collagen remodelling, a strong option for deeper scarring where you’re comfortable with some recovery time.
EXION by BTL is our preferred radiofrequency microneedling platform for acne scarring. It delivers radiofrequency energy at a controlled depth beneath the scar, where the collagen loss that creates an indentation actually sits, and pairs this with targeted ultrasound to support remodelling in the surrounding skin. In practice it is used to soften scar edges, improve texture and refine pores, with a recovery profile most patients can plan around a normal week.
EXION suits mild to moderate boxcar and rolling scarring, uneven texture and enlarged pores. It is usually delivered as a course of sessions spaced several weeks apart, because collagen remodelling continues in the weeks and months after each treatment.
Some indented acne scars are tethered to the tissue underneath, which is why they can persist even after energy-based treatment. In selected cases we use dermal filler to lift the depression so the skin surface sits level again. This is often combined with subcision, a technique that releases the fibrous bands anchoring the scar down, allowing the filler to support the released area.
Filler-based treatment gives a visible improvement in scar depth soon after treatment, and it works best for rolling scars and broader boxcar scars. It is not suitable for narrow ice pick scars. Results are temporary and are maintained with top-up treatments; at consultation we will explain how long results typically last for your scar type, the risks involved and how filler fits alongside resurfacing or RF microneedling.
SkinXcell RF microneedling also combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy, and it remains an excellent option for general skin rejuvenation, fine lines, mild laxity and overall texture. Where acne scarring is the main concern we generally recommend EXION, laser resurfacing or a filler-based approach instead, and use SkinXcell where anti-ageing and skin quality are the priority alongside milder textural change.
Many patients have more than one scar type and more than one concern, and in these cases the best results usually come from a staged plan rather than a single treatment. A typical plan might combine subcision and dermal filler to lift tethered, indented scars, EXION RF microneedling or laser resurfacing to remodel collagen and refine the surrounding texture, and BBL / MOXI or medical-grade peels to even out post-acne marks and tone. Treatments are sequenced and spaced so your skin recovers fully between stages, particularly where acne scarring sits alongside pigmentation or visible pores.
Acne scarring treatment works best when it’s based on proper assessment rather than assumption. Two patients may both say they have acne scars, but one may mainly have pigmentation and enlarged pores while the other has deeper, tethered textural scarring needing a more intensive approach. Device choice matters too: EXION and SkinXcell are both radiofrequency microneedling systems, but they are not interchangeable, and we select EXION where acne scarring is the primary concern. At London Real Skin we assess scar type, tethering, skin quality, sensitivity, active breakouts, downtime preferences and your goals before recommending treatment.
The cost of acne scarring treatment in London depends on the treatment selected, the number of sessions and the areas treated. Laser resurfacing and EXION RF microneedling are usually priced per session or as a course, while dermal filler is priced according to the amount of product used. Because we tailor every plan to your scar type and skin, we confirm a personalised price at your free consultation, and flexible monthly finance is available. As a guide, acne scar treatment is usually delivered as a course for best results. We’ll set out the full cost clearly before you commit.
When you book a free skin consultation, we assess the type and depth of your scarring, whether individual scars are tethered and would benefit from subcision and filler, whether you still have active acne, your skin sensitivity and the downtime you can realistically manage. We also discuss expectations honestly: the aim is visible improvement, smoother texture and better skin quality over time, not always erasing every scar completely.
This depends on scar type, the treatment selected and how much improvement you’re hoping to achieve. Some patients notice improvement after the first treatment; most benefit from a planned course, as collagen remodelling continues to improve the skin beyond the initial recovery period.
Complete removal isn’t always realistic, but significant improvement often is. Our aim is to improve the appearance of acne scars, refine texture and support smoother, clearer-looking skin. How much improvement is possible depends on the scar type, your skin and how it responds to treatment.
If you’re looking for expert-led acne scarring treatment in London, we can help you understand which options may suit your skin: laser resurfacing, EXION RF microneedling, dermal filler for indented scars, or a tailored combination. Book your free acne scar consultation and let us create a personalised plan for smoother, clearer-looking skin.
There’s no single best treatment for every patient. We tailor treatment to your scar type, skin condition and goals, usually laser skin resurfacing, EXION RF microneedling, dermal filler for indented scars, or a combination of these.
Cost depends on the treatment and number of sessions. Laser and EXION are priced per session or as a course, and dermal filler by the amount of product used. We confirm a personalised price at your free consultation and offer monthly finance.
Complete removal isn’t always possible, but significant improvement in texture and appearance often is. Our goal is smoother, clearer, more even-looking skin over time.
It depends on your scars. Laser resurfacing suits deeper, more established textural scarring; EXION RF microneedling suits mild to moderate scarring with a gentler recovery. Many patients do best with both, and tethered indented scars may also need subcision and filler.
For acne scarring we generally recommend EXION. Both are radiofrequency microneedling devices, but EXION is our preferred choice for scar-related texture and indentation, while SkinXcell is better suited to general skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing. Your practitioner will confirm which is right for your skin at consultation.
Yes. For indented rolling or broader boxcar scars, dermal filler can lift the depression so the skin sits level again, and it is often combined with subcision to release scars tethered to the tissue below. It isn’t suitable for narrow ice pick scars, results are temporary and top-up treatments are needed to maintain them. We’ll assess whether your scars are suitable at consultation.
This depends on the type and severity of scarring and the treatment chosen. Some patients benefit from a single treatment, others from a course. Energy-based treatments such as laser and EXION are usually planned as a course, while filler-based treatment is reviewed and topped up over time.
A dermatologist-led clinic can assess scar type, skin health and treatment suitability more precisely, recommending the right plan for your skin rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
London Real Skin
233 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7DN
020 7183 5892
info@londonrealskin.com
| Monday | 09.00 – 17.30 |
| Tuesday | 09.00 – 17.30 |
| Wednesday | 10.00 – 19.30 |
| Thursday | 10.00 – 19.30 |
| Friday | 10.00 – 19.30 |
| Saturday | 09.30 – 17.30 |
| Sunday | Closed |