Acne Scar Treatment in Jammu

What are acne scars?

Acne scars are permanent changes in skin texture that remain after acne inflammation has healed. They commonly develop after deep nodules or cysts, and the risk can increase when pimples are picked, scratched or squeezed.

Acne scars may be:

• Depressed below the skin surface
• Raised above the surrounding skin
• Narrow and deep
• Broad and shallow
• Tethered to deeper tissue
• Associated with redness or pigmentation

Dark or red marks left after acne are not always true scars. They may represent post-inflammatory colour changes without permanent textural damage.

Ice-pick scars

Ice-pick scars are narrow but extend deeply into the skin. They often look like small holes or punctures.

Boxcar scars

Boxcar scars are round or oval depressions with more clearly defined edges. They may be shallow or deep.

Rolling scars

Rolling scars are broad, shallow depressions that can give the skin a wavy appearance. Some are held down by fibrous bands beneath the skin.

Hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic scars are raised, firm scars caused by excessive collagen formation. They commonly remain within the original area of inflammation.

Keloid scars

Keloids are raised scars that may extend beyond the original acne lesion. Raised scars require a different approach from depressed scars.

Many patients have more than one scar type, which is why a combination treatment plan may be recommended.

Acne marks

Acne marks are changes in colour left after inflammation. They may appear:

• Brown
• Grey-brown
• Red
• Pink
• Purple

The skin surface usually remains smooth.

Acne scars

Acne scars cause a lasting change in texture. The skin may look depressed, pitted, wavy or raised.

Pigmentation treatment cannot lift a deep scar, while resurfacing alone may not completely correct dark marks. Each concern should therefore be assessed separately.

How does Dr. Cheena Langer assess acne scars?

An acne scar consultation may include:

• Identifying each scar type
• Assessing scar depth and distribution
• Checking whether scars are tethered
• Looking for active acne
• Evaluating pigmentation and redness
• Reviewing skin tone and sensitivity
• Asking about previous procedures
• Assessing keloid tendency
• Discussing recovery time and expectations
• Preparing a staged treatment plan

The dermatologist also considers age, scar duration, medical history, budget and the amount of downtime the patient can manage.

Which acne scar treatments may be considered?

Acne scar treatment is rarely one-size-fits-all. Dermatologists may use more than one technique because different scar types respond differently.

Possible options include:

• MNRF
• Microneedling
• Subcision
• Fractional CO₂ laser
• Focal treatment for selected deep scars
• Chemical peels for associated pigmentation
• PRP-supported procedures
• Scar revision in selected cases
• Combination treatment plans

The appropriate option depends on the scar pattern and individual skin assessment.

What is MNRF for acne scars?

MNRF stands for microneedling radiofrequency. Fine needles deliver controlled radiofrequency energy into selected skin depths to support collagen remodelling.

MNRF may be considered for:

• Rolling scars
• Selected boxcar scars
• Uneven skin texture
• Enlarged pores
• Mixed atrophic acne scars

Radiofrequency microneedling has evidence supporting its use for acne scarring, although treatment settings, study methods and results vary. Further high-quality studies are still needed to define ideal protocols.

Temporary effects can include:

• Redness
• Mild swelling
• Tenderness
• Pinpoint crusting
• Temporary sensitivity
• Short-term darkening in some patients

Several sessions may be recommended depending on scar severity and response.

What is fractional CO₂ laser for acne scars?

Fractional CO₂ laser creates controlled microscopic treatment zones in the skin. Healing and collagen remodelling can gradually make selected depressed scars less noticeable.

It may be considered for:

• Boxcar scars
• Mixed atrophic scars
• Uneven texture
• Selected rolling scars
• Certain surgical or chickenpox scars

Recovery may involve:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Crusting
• Peeling
• Temporary sensitivity
• Post-inflammatory pigmentation

Recent comparative reviews indicate that fractional CO₂ laser and needling-based treatments can both improve atrophic acne scars. Fractional CO₂ may provide stronger improvement in some comparisons but can carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and longer recovery, making skin type and individual risk important considerations.

Individual scar assessment

Treatment is chosen according to scar type, depth and skin tone rather than offering one procedure to every patient.

Active acne and scar care together

New breakouts are addressed to reduce the risk of additional scars.

Multiple procedural options

The clinic’s confirmed service record includes acne scar procedures, MNRF and fractional CO₂ laser at both branches.

Dermatologist-led planning

Care is provided under Dr. Cheena Langer, MBBS, MD Dermatology, Consultant Dermatologist.

Two Jammu locations

Patients can consult at Karan Nagar or Top Paloura.

Realistic counselling

The treatment plan should explain expected improvement, number of sessions, possible downtime and limitations.

Begin with an assessment of your scar type—book an acne scar consultation with Dr. Cheena Langer at Aastha Skin Centre, Jammu.