This page is supervised and written by specialist physicians at IC Clinic.

Acne Scar Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide

About Acne Scars

Acne tends to develop in areas with high sebum production, such as around the nose. When acne-related inflammation persists for an extended period, it can leave behind acne scars in the form of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or crater-like depressions that cause uneven skin texture. Once acne scars have formed, resolving them on your own is not a realistic option. In addition, many acne scar treatments are not covered by health insurance, which makes it difficult to receive satisfactory care at a standard dermatology clinic.

Today there are many treatment options available for acne scars, including chemical peeling and injection therapies, and we understand that choosing the right approach can feel overwhelming. At our clinic, we offer effective treatment options so that patients can begin treatment with confidence and peace of mind. Please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

Types of Acne Scars

Redness

This occurs when the acne itself has healed but inflammation remains in the skin. The redness is caused by the color of hemoglobin in capillaries that formed to repair tissue damage from acne inflammation.
Please be careful not to try to squeeze what you may mistake for active acne, as this can further damage the skin. Once redness develops, it is unlikely to resolve on its own, so seeking treatment is advisable.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

This is a condition in which melanin produced by acne-related inflammation causes brown, blemish-like acne marks to appear on the skin. Where acne has occurred, the skin’s natural cell turnover becomes disrupted, making it harder for old skin cells to be shed properly. As a result, melanin accumulates in the skin and leads to hyperpigmentation. In mild cases, the marks may fade naturally within around six months; however, continued exposure to UV rays can stimulate further melanin production and prevent improvement, so care should be taken. When melanin pigmentation reaches the deeper layers of the dermis, natural resolution may not be expected, and treatment may need to be prolonged.

Crater Scars

This occurs when acne inflammation penetrates deep into the dermis, leaving behind crater-like depressions after healing. The inflammation destroys tissue around the pores and triggers excessive collagen remodeling, resulting in pronounced uneven acne scars. There are various types, including icepick and boxcar scars. Crater scars tend to form between the eyebrows, on the nose, and at the temples, and individual constitution can also be a factor, so it is advisable not to squeeze inflamed pimples unnecessarily. Once crater scars develop, the skin can become hardened, making it very difficult to restore to its original condition. In milder cases, improvement may be possible with treatments such as Chemical Peeling, so it is best to consult a clinic as early as possible.

Nodules

When acne inflammation extends deep into the skin and the skin regenerates excessively, the surface of the skin becomes raised and bumpy. The affected area is not painful to the touch. Treatment typically involves acne injections or fractional laser therapy. Nodules closely resemble Epidermoid Cysts (Atheroma) and are frequently mistaken for them. If the lesion turns out to be an epidermoid cyst, surgical treatment may be necessary, so please consult a clinic if you notice a large, raised, nodule-like lump.

Keloids

A more severe progression beyond nodules, keloids appear as raised, welt-like lesions on the skin. They develop when acne repeatedly forms in the same area, causing the skin to regenerate over and over and the scar tissue to gradually enlarge. Keloids tend to form in areas where the skin is under constant tension, such as along the jawline or beneath the chin. They show little tendency to resolve on their own and can spread outward into surrounding healthy skin. Treatment typically involves combining several approaches, and depending on the severity, the process may take approximately one to four years.

Acne Scar Treatment Options and Typical Costs

There are currently many types of acne scar treatments available, and the options offered vary from clinic to clinic.
Below we introduce five commonly used treatment approaches, along with their features, advantages, disadvantages, and typical price ranges.

Treatment Options at IC Clinic /

For detailed pricing of each treatment at our clinic, please see the Acne & Acne Scars price list.

How Long Does It Take for Acne Scars to Improve?

The time required for acne scars to improve varies depending on severity, but even in the most straightforward cases it takes around three months. This is because even Chemical Peeling, which is used to address redness and hyperpigmentation, typically requires approximately five sessions at two-week intervals to achieve a meaningful improvement. Severe acne scars often require a combination of multiple treatment approaches, making the process a longer one. In particular, treating keloids and nodules involves laser therapy and injections alongside oral and topical medications, and may take approximately one to four years.

Acne Scar Treatment at IC Clinic

At our clinic, a physician will assess your condition and, where appropriate, perform a needle-based treatment known as “Dermapen 4.”

Microneedling Treatment “Dermapen 4”

Dermapen 4 is a treatment that uses fine needles to create tiny channels in the skin, promoting skin improvement through the body’s natural healing response. Treatment time varies depending on the area being treated, but each session takes approximately 20 minutes. Because the needles used are extremely fine, downtime is minimal and makeup can be applied on the same day as the procedure. Discomfort levels vary among individuals, but the fine needles used mean that most patients experience little to no sensation. If you have any concerns, please let our physician know and we can arrange anesthesia for your peace of mind. Please note that individuals with metal allergies, keloid dermatitis, warts, or similar conditions are not suitable candidates for this treatment.

Treatment Time	Approx. 20 minutes
Treatment Cycle	Once every 3–4 weeks
Possible Risks and Side Effects	Redness, skin peeling, worsening of melasma, metal allergy reactions
First-Visit Treatment Fee	¥4,500 (tax included ¥4,950) ※One facial area of concern only. Limit of one session per person.

Treatment Process for Acne

Please make a reservation by phone or via our online booking form.

We will listen to your concerns and wishes before proceeding with treatment. Please feel free to ask us anything you are unsure about.

You will be examined by a physician with expertise in acne scar treatment. We will identify the underlying causes of your acne and acne scars, and discuss a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

We will propose a personalized treatment plan suited to your individual skin condition and symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acne Scar Treatment

Trust IC Clinic for Your Acne Scar Treatment

When acne worsens to the point of leaving scars, treatment can take considerable time. What’s more, improvement often requires multiple sessions, which can understandably feel discouraging.

At our clinic, specialist physicians provide diagnosis and treatment with a focus on outcomes. We carefully assess each patient’s individual condition and provide an appropriate treatment approach, so please do not hesitate to consult us if you are concerned about acne scars.

For detailed pricing of acne treatments at our clinic, please see the Acne & Acne Scars price list.