Home » Beauty

Laser Treatments for Acne Scars: What to Know Before Your First Session

Explore how laser treatments for acne scars work, what to expect, types, cost factors, and expert-backed tips for smoother skin.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 2, 2025

Explore how laser treatments for acne scars work, what to expect, types, cost factors, and expert-backed tips for smoother skin.

If you’ve been searching for solutions to improve the appearance of acne scars, you may have considered laser treatments. While acne scars can be distressing, advances in dermatology offer effective options to minimize their appearance—laser therapy is at the forefront. This guide explores everything you need to know about laser treatments for acne scars, including procedure details, different technologies, expected results, potential risks, and real-world advice from experts and patients.

What Is Laser Treatment for Acne Scars?

Laser treatment for acne scars is a dermatological procedure that uses concentrated light energy to target and improve the texture and appearance of acne scarring. These treatments stimulate skin regeneration, helping to minimize visible marks left behind after breakouts.

Ablative lasers (e.g., CO₂ lasers) remove the outer layers of skin, promoting regrowth and collagen production.
Non-ablative lasers (like pulsed-dye or erbium YAG) heat the underlying skin tissue without fully removing the top layer, supporting healing and new cell growth.
Fractional lasers deliver energy in columns—creating tiny wounds surrounded by healthy skin, allowing for faster healing and significant scar improvement.

These devices are tailored to different scar types and skin concerns, making treatment customizable for each patient’s needs.

How Do Laser Treatments Help Acne Scars?

Laser procedures help reduce acne scars by:

Removing or resurfacing the scarred outer skin layers
Promoting the production of new collagen
Stimulating growth of healthy new skin cells
Targeting blood vessels to reduce redness and inflammation

As a result, scars may become less raised, smoother, and appear less pigmented or red. Studies show that most people experience visible improvement—often 30% to 70% reduction in scar appearance after a few sessions, though results vary by scar type and treatment depth.

Types of Laser Treatments for Acne Scars

Laser Type	How It Works	Best For	Downtime
Fractional CO₂ Laser	Creates microcolumns of energy to stimulate collagen, resurfaces skin	Most atrophic scars (boxcar, rolling, some ice pick); moderate-severe scarring	5–14 days
Erbium YAG Laser	Less aggressive ablation, targets water in skin	Shallow scars, patients seeking milder resurfacing	3–7 days
Pulsed-Dye Laser (PDL)	Targets blood vessels, reduces redness & pigmentation	Fresh, red, or pigmented scars	Minimal to none
Non-Ablative Fractional Laser	Heats deeper layers of skin, spares upper layer	Mild-moderate atrophic scars, patients seeking minimal downtime	1–4 days

Which Scars Respond Best to Laser Therapy?

Laser treatments are most effective for:

Atrophic scars: Depressed or indented scars, including boxcar, rolling, and shallow ice pick scars.
Red or inflamed scars: Blood vessel-targeting lasers reduce redness and post-acne erythema.

Deep ice pick scars, keloids, or thick hypertrophic scars may require adjunctive or alternative treatments for best results.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Acne Scar Treatment?

People with persistent post-acne scarring who are in good general health
Individuals with realistic expectations about improvement, not complete scar elimination
Those without active acne outbreaks, skin infections, or recent isotretinoin use
Patients who can commit to the required healing time and aftercare

Darker skin tones may be at higher risk for pigment changes post-treatment and should see experienced providers who can tailor the laser technology and settings appropriately.

Laser Treatment Procedure: What to Expect

Consultation: A board-certified dermatologist evaluates your skin and medical history to determine the best type and settings for your treatment.
Preparation: The area is cleansed, and a topical anesthetic or numbing cream is applied to reduce discomfort.
The Procedure:
- The laser device passes over the scarred skin, creating either ablative or non-ablative micro-injuries depending on the technology.
- Treatment duration varies, but typically ranges from 10 to 45 minutes.
Related: Your Complete Guide to Fraxel Laser Treatment: What You Need to Know
Aftercare: Post-treatment, skin may feel hot and look red, similar to a sunburn or mild abrasion.

Most discomfort resolves within a couple of hours; redness often subsides within a week, sometimes lasting up to two weeks for deeper treatments.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

Most patients require a series of treatments—typically 3–6 sessions—spaced four to six weeks apart to see optimal improvement. The exact number depends on:

Scar severity and type
Laser type and settings
Your skin’s response and healing processes

Benefits and Effectiveness: Clinical Evidence

Clinical studies indicate fractional CO₂ lasers can result in a 30–70% reduction in the appearance of acne scars after multiple sessions.
Significant scar improvement, smoother texture, and reduced redness are common reported outcomes.
Patient satisfaction is high, but results vary and some deep scars may persist.

Effectiveness depends on scar type, laser technology, provider expertise, and patient adherence to aftercare.

Risks, Side Effects, and Downtime

Laser treatments for acne scars are generally safe with experienced providers, but they do carry some risk of side effects and a predictable recovery period.

Common short-term effects: Redness, swelling, mild discomfort, temporary peeling or scabbing
Potential complications: Hyperpigmentation (especially in deeper skin tones), hypopigmentation, infection, or scarring
Downtime: Ranges from 2–14 days depending on laser type and individual healing; fractional CO₂ lasers usually require 5–10 days of social downtime

Proper sun protection and aftercare are crucial to minimize risk and optimize results. Most side effects resolve within weeks, but pigment changes may take longer or become permanent without correct protocols and sunscreen.

How Much Does Laser Acne Scar Treatment Cost?

Pricing may vary dramatically based on provider experience, geographic location, type of laser, and number of sessions required. Typically, the cost per session ranges from $300 to $3,000, with most patients needing more than one session for visible improvement.

Average fractional CO₂ laser session: $1,000–$2,500
Less aggressive, non-ablative procedures: $300–$800 per session
Consultation and aftercare products may be additional costs

Most insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures, including laser scar revision.

Are the Results Permanent?

Laser treatments can produce long-lasting improvement in acne scars, especially for atrophic types, but they do not make scars disappear completely. Maintenance treatments may be required, and ongoing sun protection is essential to preserve results. New acne outbreaks can lead to new scars, so managing acne remains important after laser therapy.

Expert Tips for Maximizing Results

Always consult a board-certified dermatologist or qualified medical professional for evaluation and to create a treatment plan tailored to your skin type and scars.
Disclose any medications (especially those affecting healing or skin sensitivity) ahead of time.
Cease use of retinoids or photosensitizing agents as advised before treatment.
Avoid direct sun exposure before and after sessions, and use broad-spectrum SPF diligently during recovery.
Follow aftercare guidelines precisely to reduce risk of infection and pigment changes.

Comparing Alternatives: Laser vs. Microneedling for Acne Scars

Treatment	Effectiveness	Downtime	Side Effects	Best For
Fractional CO₂ Laser	High (30–70% scar reduction)	5–14 days	Redness, swelling, pigment changes	Atrophic, moderate-severe scars
Microneedling	Moderate; may require more sessions	2–5 days	Temporary redness, rare pigment changes	Milder scarring, darker skin types

While laser therapy often yields superior improvement, microneedling can be preferred for minimal downtime and lower risk of pigment changes, making it a better choice for certain skin types or those with limited recovery periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Laser Acne Scar Treatments

How painful is laser acne scar treatment?

Numbing creams are used to minimize discomfort. Most patients report mild to moderate prickling or heat sensations. Ablative lasers tend to be more uncomfortable than non-ablative types, but discomfort subsides within hours.

Can laser completely remove my acne scars?

Laser treatments significantly improve the appearance of acne scars, sometimes by 30–70%, but typically do not erase them completely. Results depend on scar type, depth, and skin healing.

Are laser acne scar treatments safe for all skin tones?

Laser can be used on all skin tones with appropriate settings, but people with darker skin are at higher risk for post-inflammatory pigment changes. Choose an experienced provider familiar with treating various skin types.

How long will it take to see results?

Noticeable improvement typically appears after 2–3 sessions, with full results developing over several months as collagen rebuilds and skin remodels.

Is there anything I should avoid post-treatment?

Avoid sun exposure, swimming, makeup on the treated area, exfoliants, and harsh skincare during the initial recovery as instructed by your provider.

Bottom Line: Is Laser Treatment Right for Your Acne Scars?

Laser therapy offers a proven, customizable path to smoother, more even skin for many people living with acne scars. While not a miracle cure, ongoing advances in laser technology, careful provider selection, and diligent aftercare can deliver impressive, confidence-boosting results. If you’re considering this route, schedule a thorough evaluation with a board-certified dermatologist to tailor a plan and set realistic expectations for your unique skin.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb