Acne Scars
Acne scars don't have to be permanent. The right combination of microneedling, regenerative injectables, and resurfacing lasers can soften pitted scars, fade post-acne marks, and rebuild skin texture you thought was gone for good.
Causes and Treatment
Acne scars come in two main categories, and the treatment for each is different.
Atrophic scars are the indented kind, where breakouts damaged the deeper layers of skin and the body didn't fully rebuild the lost collagen. Atrophic scars sub-divide into:
- Ice pick scars: narrow, deep, sharp-edged. Hardest to treat.
- Boxcar scars: wider, sharper edges, like a small crater.
- Rolling scars: soft, wave-like depressions. Often respond best to treatment.
Hypertrophic and keloid scars are the raised kind, more common on the chest, shoulders, and jawline. These respond to different treatments (steroid injections, specific lasers) and aren't the focus of this page. If raised scars are your primary concern, book a consultation so we can build a custom plan.
There's also a third category that often gets called "scarring" but technically isn't: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), the brown or red marks left behind after a pimple heals. PIH usually fades on its own, faster with the right treatment.
The technique for atrophic acne scars is to trigger the skin's wound-healing response in a controlled way, which rebuilds collagen and elastin in the damaged area. Better's approach combines microneedling-based collagen induction, regenerative injectables, and resurfacing lasers to address scars at every depth.
Better Med Spa's Recommended Treatments
Better's most-booked acne scar treatment is RF Microneedling, but the right plan depends on your scar type, skin tone, and downtime tolerance. Most patients combine 2 to 3 treatments over a 6 to 12 month plan rather than picking just one.
RF Microneedling
The gold-standard treatment for moderate to severe atrophic acne scars. Combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy at depth, triggering strong collagen and elastin remodeling without damaging the surface.
Baby Face Rejuran Healer EPI
A K-Beauty regenerative injectable using polynucleotides (DNA fragments derived from salmon) that promote skin healing, collagen production, and barrier repair. One of the few Chicago providers offering Rejuran with an EPI protocol.
Moxi Laser
A non-ablative resurfacing laser that smooths surface texture and fades post-acne hyperpigmentation. Lower downtime than RF Microneedling (3 to 5 days of sandpaper feel), slightly less powerful for deep scarring.
Personalized Chemical Peel
A custom-blended medium-depth peel that addresses surface-level scarring, post-inflammatory pigmentation, and overall skin tone. Often used as a series in between heavier treatments.
Still breaking out? The single biggest mistake we see is treating scars while active acne continues. We'll start with Forever Clear BBL and a topical plan, then layer in scar treatment once skin is stable. All microneedling treatments are part of our microneedling service, supervised by Dr. Brechner.
How to Choose Between Them
Acne scar treatment is a layered process. Most patients combine two or three of these modalities over a 6 to 12 month plan rather than picking one.
| If you want | Choose |
|---|---|
| Moderate to severe atrophic scars (boxcar, rolling) | RF Microneedling series of 3 to 4 |
| Fresh acne damage or recent flare | Rejuran Healer EPI series of 3 |
| Mild surface texture, low downtime needed | Moxi or standard Microneedling |
| Brown or red marks (PIH) only | Personalized Chemical Peel + Glass Skin Facial |
| Active acne plus scarring | Forever Clear BBL first, then RF Microneedling |
| Darker Fitzpatrick types (IV to VI) | RF Microneedling preferred (safer for melanin) |
The single biggest mistake we see in patients who arrive after trying treatment elsewhere is trying to fix scars before active acne is controlled. New breakouts on top of resurfacing treatments produce more scars, not fewer. If you're still actively breaking out, we'll start with Forever Clear BBL and a topical regimen, then move into scar treatment once the skin is stable.
The other variable is patience. Acne scar work is gradual. You're rebuilding collagen, which takes 8 to 12 weeks per session to fully show results. A typical series is 3 to 4 sessions over 4 to 6 months, with continued improvement for another 3 to 6 months after the last session.
What to Expect at Better Med Spa
Acne scar consultations at Better start with a high-resolution skin analysis to map scar type, depth, and distribution. Your provider walks through which treatments fit your skin and your timeline, and almost always recommends a phased plan rather than a single procedure.
A typical RF Microneedling visit is 60 to 90 minutes including topical numbing time. Most patients describe the treatment itself as a deep tingling pressure, very tolerable with numbing. Expect 24 to 48 hours of redness and a sunburn feeling, then 5 to 7 days of mild flaking.
Dr. Brechner supervises all microneedling and laser scar protocols. Our team is trained in K-Beauty informed approaches that prioritize skin barrier health, which matters specifically for acne-prone skin where over-aggressive treatment can trigger new breakouts.
We send every scar patient home with a personalized post-treatment kit and home-care plan. SPF and barrier-repair skincare are mandatory between sessions for results to hold.
Ready to talk to one of our providers?
A 30-minute skin consultation maps your scar type and a phased plan, with no pressure to commit on the spot.
Before and After
See real Better Med Spa patient results in our gallery. Individual results vary based on starting point, dosage, and skin quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acne scars actually be removed?
Atrophic scars can be significantly improved, often by 50% to 80%, but rarely 100% erased. The deeper the scar (especially ice pick scars), the harder full removal becomes. The realistic goal is dramatic smoothing, not perfection. PIH (brown or red marks) usually clears completely with treatment.
How many RF Microneedling sessions do I need?
Most patients need 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Severe scarring may need 5 to 6 sessions. Continued collagen remodeling means you'll see more improvement for 3 to 6 months after your last session.
How much does acne scar treatment cost in Chicago?
RF Microneedling starts at approximately $556 per session at Better. Rejuran Healer EPI starts at approximately $491 per session. Series pricing reduces per-session cost, see our Specials and Memberships pages.
Most patients describe the injections as a series of small pinches. We use the smallest needles available and can apply topical numbing cream on request. The whole appointment is typically under 30 minutes including the consultation.
Is RF Microneedling the same as Morpheus8?
RF Microneedling is the category. Morpheus8 is one specific brand of RF Microneedling device. Better uses a clinical-grade RF Microneedling system that delivers comparable results. Read our guide to RF Microneedling in Chicago for the full comparison.
Is acne scar treatment safe for darker skin tones?
RF Microneedling is the safest option for darker skin tones because the energy is delivered below the surface, bypassing the melanin layer that pigment-targeting lasers can damage. We modify or avoid more aggressive resurfacing approaches for Fitzpatrick types IV to VI.
Related Reading
Where We Serve
Better Med Spa is located in Lincoln Park and serves patients across Chicago, including Old Town, Lakeview, Bucktown, Gold Coast, DePaul, West Loop, and River North.
Ready to start softening the scars that have been bothering you?
Schedule a consultation and we will build a plan that fits you, your timeline, and your budget.