Acne may come and go, but the scars it leaves behind often stay much longer. If you have been struggling with uneven skin texture or deep depressions caused by past breakouts, identifying your type of acne scars is the first and most important step before choosing the right acne scars treatment. In Singapore, professional medical aesthetic clinics offer advanced solutions but effectiveness depends heavily on matching the treatment to your specific scar type.
This guide breaks down the most common types of acne scars and highlights two of the most effective treatments used today: RF Microneedling and Subcision Treatment.
Atrophic vs Hypertrophic Acne Scars: What’s the Difference?
Acne scars generally fall into two categories:
1. Atrophic Scars (Depressed Scars)
These form when the skin cannot regenerate enough collagen after inflammation. They are the most common type treated in aesthetic clinics and include ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars.
2. Hypertrophic Scars (Raised Scars)
These appear when the body produces excess collagen, causing scars to look raised or firm. They are less common on the face but can appear on the chest, back, or shoulders.
Understanding which category your scars fall into will help you choose the most effective acne scars treatment.
Types of Atrophic Acne Scars
Ice Pick Scars
Ice pick scars are narrow, deep, and sharply defined. They look like tiny punctures that dip sharply into the skin. Because of their depth, they are one of the hardest scar types to treat and may require a combination of techniques for enhancement.
Boxcar Scars
Boxcar scars feature broad depressions with clear, defined edges. They can be shallow or deep, and their shape makes them responsive to treatments that boost collagen and remodel the skin’s texture.
Rolling Scars
Rolling scars create a wave-like appearance on the skin due to fibrous bands pulling the skin down from beneath. These scars are often widespread and require a treatment that can release the underlying tethering.
Identifying your scar type helps determine whether resurfacing, collagen stimulation, or scar release techniques are required for smoother skin.
Choosing the Right Acne Scars Treatment in Singapore
Not all scars respond the same way to the same treatment. Below are two of the most effective options offered in Singapore for atrophic acne scars.
Recommended Acne Scars Treatment #1: RF Microneedling Treatment
RF Microneedling is one of the most popular acne scars treatments in Singapore due to its ability to target multiple scar types, including rolling, boxcar, and shallow ice pick scars.
How It Works
Ultra-fine needles create micro-channels in the skin.
Radiofrequency energy is delivered deep into the dermis.
This stimulates collagen and elastin production, helping the skin repair itself from within.
Texture improves over time as new collagen fills in depressed scars.
Key Benefits
Suitable for multiple scar types
Minimal downtime compared to ablative lasers
Improves skin firmness and elasticity
Helps refine pore size, tone, and overall texture
For individuals with mixed scar types, RF Microneedling is often recommended as a core part of their acne scars treatment plan.
Recommended Acne Scars Treatment #2: Subcision Treatment
Subcision is a specialised minor surgical technique designed specifically to address tethered acne scars, such as rolling scars and deep boxcar scars.
How It Works
A fine needle is inserted beneath the scar.
The practitioner gently breaks the fibrous bands pulling the skin downward.
Once released, the skin lifts, reducing the depth of the scar.
The natural healing process then triggers new collagen growth in the released space.
Key Benefits
Extremely effective for rolling scars
Tight tethering can be visibly improved after just a few sessions
Can be combined with fillers, RF Microneedling, or lasers for enhanced results
Subcision is one of the most effective solutions in acne scars treatment Singapore clinics when dealing with scars caused by deep tethering.
Do You Need Both Treatments?
Many patients have more than one type of acne scar. In such cases, clinics often recommend a combination of Subcision + RF Microneedling for optimal improvement.
Subcision releases tethered scars.
RF Microneedling rebuilds collagen and smooths out overall texture.
Together, they offer a more dramatic and natural-looking improvement compared to using either treatment alone.
Final Thoughts: Identify First, Treat Smart
Effective acne scar revision begins with understanding what type of scars you have. Whether you struggle with ice pick, boxcar, or rolling scars, modern acne scars treatment Singapore clinics offer solutions that significantly improve texture, depth, and overall skin appearance.
If you’re unsure where to start, booking a detailed skin analysis can help you identify your scar type and receive a personalised treatment plan tailored to your skin.
Smoother, clearer skin is achievable with the right strategy.
@csaesthetics.sg 
