Acne Scar Laser Treatment in Chicago: MOXI & BBL for Smoother, Clearer Skin

You finally got your breakouts under control, but the scars and dark marks they left behind still show up in every photo. At our Lincoln Park med spa in Chicago, we specialize in acne scar laser treatment with MOXI and BBL to help you move past the reminders of old breakouts and feel confident in your bare skin again.​

This guide walks you through how acne scars form, what MOXI and BBL can realistically do, how many sessions you may need, and what it is like to have laser acne scar treatment at Better Med Spa. You will also see how we layer treatment the way K-beauty layering stacks skincare, so your plan feels thoughtful, gentle, and effective instead of aggressive or overwhelming.​

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Acne scars vs post-acne marks: what are you really seeing?

Before we talk lasers, it helps to understand the two big categories of “leftover” acne: scars and marks. They look different and respond to different treatments.​​

Common patterns we see in Chicago patients:

• Indented acne scars
  • Rolling scars that look wavy when light hits your cheeks.
  • Boxcar scars that look like small divots with sharper edges.
  • Icepick scars that look like tiny pinpoints or enlarged pores.
    These are true textural scars created when inflammation from acne damaged the collagen network under your skin.
• Color changes after acne
  • Post-inflammatory erythema: pink or red marks that stick around long after the pimple is gone.
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): brown or grayish spots, especially common in medium to deeper skin tones.
    These are not “holes” in the skin, but leftover pigment or dilated vessels that make your skin look uneven.

At Better Med Spa, we clearly separate active acne from scarring and marks. If you are still breaking out, Forever Clear BBL and topical care are usually step one, and this post is focused on what happens next, once your acne is mostly quiet but the scars and marks remain.​​

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Why lasers for acne scars and marks?

There are many tools for acne scars, from microneedling to peels. Lasers are powerful because they can deliver controlled energy to very precise layers of your skin, where collagen and pigment live.

Here is what MOXI and BBL bring to the table:

• Targeted collagen remodeling
  • Fractional lasers like MOXI create thousands of tiny micro-zones in the skin.
  • Your body repairs these zones with fresh collagen and tissue, which gradually softens the look of shallow acne scars and rough texture.
• Gentle pigment and redness correction
  • BroadBand Light (BBL) uses filtered light to target hemoglobin in redness and excess melanin in brown marks.
  • Over a series of sessions, this helps fade pink, red, and brown post-acne marks so they blend better with the rest of your skin.
• Minimal downtime compared to heavier resurfacing
  • MOXI is considered a gentler fractional laser with “mendz,” the tiny dots that form as your skin heals.
  • BBL is non-ablative, so there are no open wounds, just temporary redness and darkening of pigmented spots.

In Chicago, that balance matters. You want real results, but you also need to get back to work, the L, or brunch in Lincoln Park without hiding for weeks. Our goal is to design a plan that respects your schedule and your social life.

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The hero duo: MOXI for texture + BBL for color

Our treatment plan centers around MOXI as the lead for acne scar texture and deeper pigment, with BBL HEROic focusing on redness and leftover brown PIH.​

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How MOXI helps acne scars and PIH

MOXI is a 1927 nm non-ablative fractional laser that creates controlled micro-injuries in the upper layers of your skin. Your body responds by producing new collagen and shedding damaged, pigmented cells.​​

For acne scars and post-acne marks, that means:

• Smoother surface over time
  • By stimulating collagen, MOXI can gradually soften shallow rolling and boxcar scars and improve “orange peel” texture.
  • It also helps tighten the look of enlarged pores that often accompany acne-prone skin.
• Faster turnover of pigmented cells
  • The 1927 nm wavelength targets the epidermis, where many post-acne brown marks and dullness live.
  • As the tiny “mendz” flake off in the days after treatment, newer, clearer skin is revealed.
• Adjustable intensity (Levels 1–3)
  • Level 2–3 protocols increase energy and density for more significant texture and pigment concerns, still without the downtime of fully ablative lasers.​
  • This flexibility is important for tailoring to different skin tones and scar patterns.

We are honest about MOXI’s role: it is excellent for texture, pigment, and mild atrophic scars, but extremely deep scars may also need RF microneedling or other resurfacing to see more dramatic changes.​​

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How BBL HEROic supports acne scar recovery

BBL HEROic is an advanced form of IPL that allows us to choose filters that specifically target redness and pigment in the skin. For acne scars and post-acne marks, we mostly use BBL to:​

• Calm lingering redness
  • BBL energy targets hemoglobin in tiny blood vessels, helping diffuse the red halo that can surround healed breakouts.
  • This makes scars look less obvious, even before the texture changes.
• Fade brown post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  • Broadband light breaks down excess melanin, allowing your body to clear it more efficiently.
  • Over several treatments, stubborn brown spots from past breakouts can lighten significantly.
• Complement collagen remodeling
  • While BBL is not a deep resurfacing device, the light energy still stimulates some collagen activity in the dermis, adding subtle support for smoother skin over time.

Together, MOXI and BBL create a tone-and-texture strategy that fits the way real acne scars look: not just bumpy, not just red or brown, but a mix of both.

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Who is a good candidate for acne scar laser treatment in Chicago?

You are likely a good candidate for MOXI and BBL acne scar laser treatment at Better Med Spa if:

• Your active acne is mostly controlled
  • A few small breakouts here and there are fine, but we avoid lasering through widespread inflamed cysts.
  • For more active acne, Forever Clear BBL or medical-grade skincare may be the place to start.​​
• You see indented scars, rough texture, or “pitted” areas
  • Rolling, boxcar, or mild icepick scars on the cheeks, temples, or jawline.
  • General roughness or enlarged pores that persist even when your skin is clear.
• You have lingering pink, red, or brown marks
  • Red or pink marks that make your skin look “angry,” especially in cool Chicago lighting that is not always forgiving.
  • Brown PIH, often more noticeable on medium to deeper skin tones.
• You are open to a series, not a one-time “fix”
  • Most patients need 3-4 MOXI sessions plus several BBL treatments for meaningful change.​​
  • Laser treatments build on each other the way consistent skincare does; one session rarely erases years of acne-related damage.

If you are not sure where you fall, we can start with a consultation or the online self-assessment quiz, then build a plan around what your skin truly needs.​​

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How many sessions do you need for acne scars?

‍Every face is different, but we set expectations clearly upfront so you can plan your schedule and budget.

Typical starting points we discuss in your consultation:

• MOXI for acne scars and texture
  • 3-4 sessions, spaced about 4-8 weeks apart, are common for visible improvement in texture and mild to moderate acne scarring.​​
  • You may notice some brightening and refinement after the first treatment, but scars soften gradually as collagen builds in the weeks and months between sessions.
• BBL for redness and PIH
  • 2-4 sessions for post-acne redness and brown marks is common, sometimes paired with MOXI in a staggered or combination schedule.​
  • Some patients see redness begin to calm within a few weeks after their first BBL session, with continued improvement across the series.
• When RF microneedling enters the picture
  • For deeper rolling or boxcar scars, RF microneedling can partner with MOXI to reach deeper layers of the dermis, where more severe scarring sits.​
  • This may look like alternating sessions (for example, RF microneedling in one month, MOXI the next) to balance collagen remodeling and recovery.

In your consultation, we will walk through a realistic timeline based on your starting point and upcoming events in your Chicago calendar, whether that is wedding season, graduation photos, or a big career move.

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What to expect during MOXI acne scar treatment

Many first-time laser patients feel nervous about discomfort or downtime. Our job is to keep you informed, comfortable, and in control at every step.

A typical MOXI session for acne scars at Better Med Spa:

1. Skin evaluation and photos
   • We review your history, examine your scars and marks in good lighting, and take baseline photos so you can see your progress over time.​
2. Cleansing and numbing
   • Your skin is thoroughly cleansed.
   • A topical numbing cream is applied for comfort, especially for MOXI Level 2-3, then removed before treatment begins.
3. The MOXI passes
   • Your provider glides the MOXI handpiece over your skin in precise patterns.
   • You might feel warmth and a prickly sensation as the fractional energy is delivered. Many patients compare it to a hot, quick scratch.
4. Immediately after
   • Your skin usually looks pink to red, similar to a mild sunburn.
   • Over the next 24-48 hours, you will notice tiny dots or “mendz” as the micro-zones darken and rise to the surface.
5. Days 3-7
   • The mendz gradually flake off as your skin heals, revealing brighter, more even-looking skin underneath.
   • Mild dryness or sandpaper-like texture is normal during this window.

We provide detailed post-care instructions geared to Chicago’s changing weather, with tips on hydrating, protecting your new skin from city sun exposure, and keeping your barrier happy during the healing phase.

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What to expect during BBL for post-acne marks

BBL feels different from MOXI and is usually easier from a sensation standpoint.

Here is what a BBL session for post-acne redness and PIH looks like:

1. Cleanse and eye protection
   • Your skin is cleansed again, and cool gel may be applied.
   • You will wear eye shields while the device is in use.
2. Light pulses
   • You will feel quick snaps of light along with bright flashes, often described as a rubber band snap with warmth.
   • Built-in cooling and modern settings help keep treatments more comfortable compared to older IPL systems.​
3. After your treatment
   • Redness usually settles within a few hours to a day.
   • Brown spots and PIH may temporarily darken or look “peppered” before they gradually lighten over 7–14 days.​
4. Back to routine
   • Most people return to normal daily activities right away, avoiding intense workouts or heat on the first day.

Again, sunscreen and gentle skincare are non-negotiable after any light-based treatment, especially in a city like Chicago where reflective light from buildings, sidewalks, and winter snow can still impact your skin.

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Recovery, downtime, and comfort: realistic expectations

At Better Med Spa, we never promise that an advanced treatment has “no downtime” if that is not how it feels to real patients. Here is the honest version:

• After MOXI
  • Plan on social downtime of 3-7 days, depending on treatment intensity and your comfort being seen with redness and flaking.
  • Makeup can usually be worn the next day or so, once your skin has settled, but we will give you customized guidelines.
• After BBL
  • Redness the day of, sometimes into the next.
  • Darkening of brown marks and some dryness or flaking over the next 1-2 weeks as the treated pigment comes to the surface and sloughs off.
• Sensation and comfort
  • Most patients rate discomfort as mild to moderate and very manageable with topical numbing and cooling.
  • We check in with you constantly and can adjust settings or pacing to help you feel safe and comfortable.

Our goal is for you to walk out of our Lincoln Park med spa feeling cared for, not rushed, and with a clear understanding of exactly what to expect over the next few days.

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Safety, skin tones, and when we adjust the plan

Not every laser or light setting is safe for every skin tone. This is particularly important when treating pigment and scars.

Here is how we approach safety:

• Thoughtful parameter selection
  • BBL settings, filters, and energy levels are adjusted based on your Fitzpatrick type, history of hyperpigmentation, and how your skin has responded in the past.​
  • We may be more conservative on your first session and then step up as we see how your skin behaves.
• Considering alternative options for deeper scars
  • Deep, tethered, or icepick scars often respond best when we add RF microneedling.​​
  • We will never push lasers if your skin would benefit more from a different modality.
• K-beauty inspired skin-barrier support
  • Because Better Med Spa’s philosophy is rooted in K-beauty, we emphasize hydration, barrier repair, and gentle actives before and after laser sessions.
  • This helps your skin tolerate treatments better and heal more predictably, reducing the risk of unnecessary irritation.

In every case, we are transparent about what is achievable, what is not, and where the safest line is for your unique skin.

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Combining MOXI, BBL, and RF microneedling for difficult acne scars

For many Chicago patients, the most effective acne scar plan is layered. MOXI and BBL are often the foundation, but deeper scars may also need controlled injury deeper in the dermis.

That is where RF microneedling can complement the lasers:

• How RF microneedling helps
  • Tiny needles deliver radiofrequency energy into deeper layers of the skin, triggering collagen remodeling where deeper scars form.
  • Over time, this can improve the look of more severe rolling or boxcar scars that surface-level lasers alone cannot fully address.
• How we layer treatments
  • A common strategy: alternate RF microneedling with MOXI, while weaving BBL sessions in between or after to refine color and blotchiness.
  • This allows your skin to recover between modalities while still moving forward consistently.
• Why a custom roadmap matters
  • Acne scarring is rarely uniform. One cheek might need more RF, another more MOXI, and the forehead may respond best to BBL and skincare.
  • We create a zone-by-zone plan instead of treating your whole face as one single problem.

By viewing your skin like a K-beauty regimen that layers multiple steps for specific benefits, we can design a plan that is strategic, not scattershot.

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Life in Chicago with acne scars: timing your treatments

City life comes with its own rhythms, and your acne scar plan should fit alongside them. We often help patients map treatments around:

• Chicago winters
  • Fall and winter are ideal for a more intensive series because UV exposure is lower and you spend more time indoors.
  • Many patients book a block of MOXI and BBL sessions between October and March so their skin is glowing by spring.​​
• Big life moments
  • Weddings, engagement photos, reunions, and milestone birthdays are common motivators for finally treating acne scars.
  • Since collagen takes weeks to build, we recommend starting at least 4-6 months before important events when possible.
• Daily Chicago realities
  • Commutes, lakefront runs, and long walks through Lincoln Park mean real sun exposure, even when it is cold.
  • We will help you pick a sunscreen and simple routine that make it realistic to protect your results day-to-day, not just in theory.

When your plan fits your lifestyle, you are far more likely to complete the full series and see the results you want.

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What results can you realistically expect?

We will never promise “scar removal” because scar biology is complex and deeply individual. What we can usually aim for with MOXI and BBL acne scar laser treatment in Chicago is:

• Softer, smoother texture
  • Shallow rolling and boxcar scars can often become less visible as collagen fills and remodels.
  • The skin surface looks more even in both direct and soft lighting.
• Less redness and discoloration
  • Red and brown marks often lighten significantly, so your skin tone looks more even without relying on heavy foundation or concealer.
• Healthier, more radiant skin overall
  • Many patients notice that beyond scars, their overall skin quality improves: finer pores, better glow, and a more even complexion.
  • When paired with a consistent skincare routine, results can last and even continue to improve for months.

We will show you before-and-after photos of similar cases from our Lincoln Park practice so you can see the type of changes that are typical, not just exceptional.​​

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Why choose Better Med Spa in Lincoln Park for acne scar laser treatment?

You have options in Chicago, but our patients come to Better Med Spa for a few key reasons:

• A K-beauty inspired philosophy, not a cookie-cutter approach
  • We do not just “zap and go.” We build layered plans that respect your barrier, your culture, and your comfort level.
  • Your acne scar laser treatments are integrated with skincare, facials, and maintenance, not treated in isolation.​​
• Advanced Sciton technology on the North Side
  • Our MOXI and BBL HEROic platform is the same advanced technology used in top-tier practices, configured to support Chicago skin and lifestyle.
  • This gives us a versatile toolkit for tone, texture, redness, and pigment across a spectrum of concerns.​
• A calm, welcoming Lincoln Park setting
  • Our med spa is conveniently located on N. Halsted Street, with easy access from nearby neighborhoods like Lakeview, Old Town, and Bucktown.
  • We create a relaxing environment so your acne scar treatments feel like an act of self-care, not punishment.
• Honest guidance and realistic promises
  • We are transparent about what lasers can and cannot do, when to combine them with microneedling, and when expectations should be adjusted.
  • Our goal is your long-term confidence, not a single high-pressure sale.

When you are dealing with the emotional weight of acne scars, you deserve a team that sees the whole person, not just the problem.

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Preparing for your acne scar laser consultation

To get the most out of your visit, it helps to come prepared. Here is what we recommend:

• Bring or know your skincare routine
  • List current products, especially retinoids, exfoliating acids, or prescription topicals that may need to be paused before treatment.
• Think about your timeline and budget
  • If you have a target event or season, share that so we can build a realistic schedule.
  • We can walk you through memberships, packages, or phased plans that make your acne scar journey more manageable.​​
• Reflect on what bothers you most
  • Is it the texture you see in side lighting, or the red marks that show up in every selfie?
  • Knowing your main priority helps us tailor where to be most aggressive and where to be gentle.

From there, we will examine your skin, discuss options, and design a step-by-step plan you can feel good about following.

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Ready to smooth your acne scars in Chicago?

If you are tired of old breakouts defining how you feel about your skin, this is your sign to explore acne scar laser treatment in Chicago with MOXI and BBL. At Better Med Spa in Lincoln Park, we combine advanced technology, K-beauty philosophy, and empathetic care to help you write a new chapter for your skin.

Use our online self-assessment quiz to get started, then book a consultation so we can examine your scars in person and map out a tailored series. If you are ready now, you can contact Better Med Spa directly to schedule your acne scar laser consultation and start moving toward smoother, clearer, more confident skin.​

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The content provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health or medical conditions. We strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, but outcomes and experiences may vary. Our med spa is not responsible for any actions taken based on this blog. If treatments, products, or procedures are mentioned, please consult with a licensed professional to determine if they are appropriate for you.