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Request An AppointmentSmooth Your Skin with Expert Acne Scar Treatment in NYC by Dr. Debra Jaliman
Say goodbye to stubborn acne scars with advanced treatments in New York City that can restore smooth, clear, and radiant skin. Dr. Debra Jaliman is a board-certified dermatologist and nationally recognized acne scar specialist, offering advanced, customized treatments to help you achieve smoother, healthier skin. With over 25 years of experience and recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2004, Dr. Jaliman has helped thousands of patients in Manhattan reduce and improve stubborn acne scars—even those that other doctors find challenging.
At her Upper East Side practice, Dr. Jaliman combines cutting-edge lasers, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), chemical peels, microneedling, fillers, and medical-grade skincare to target all types of acne scars, including ice-pick, rolling, and boxcar scars. Each treatment plan is customized to your skin type, scar severity, and cosmetic goals for optimal results.
Don’t let acne scars affect your confidence. Call Dr. Jaliman’s office today at (212) 517-8855 to schedule your personalized acne scar consultation. Discover why so many New Yorkers trust Dr. Jaliman for expert acne scar removal and clear, radiant skin.
Acne Scar Causes: Why They Develop and How to Prevent Them
Acne scars form when deep breakouts damage the skin and the tissue beneath it. As your skin works to repair itself, it may produce too much or too little collagen, leaving behind visible scars. You are more likely to develop acne scars if you pick or squeeze pimples, experience deep cystic breakouts, leave acne untreated for too long, or have a family history of scarring.
Some marks that resemble scars are actually dark spots—known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—which can fade over time, especially with the right skincare. The good news is that there are many effective ways to improve or even erase acne scars.
At our Upper East Side dermatology practice, we offer customized acne scar treatments tailored to your skin type and the specific type of scarring you have. Choosing a dermatologist experienced in treating all types of acne scars is essential for achieving the best results. During your consultation with Dr. Debra Jaliman, she will explain the latest treatment options, including fillers like Juvederm, light chemical peels, laser resurfacing, microneedling, subcision, and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) derived from your own blood. She will review potential risks, side effects, and benefits of each procedure, helping you choose the most effective option for your scar type and severity. You’ll also receive detailed information about the healing process, expected discomfort, pain management options, and downtime requirements—ranging from minimal recovery to about a week.
During your consultation, Dr. Debra Jaliman and her team will take a complete medical history, address all your questions and concerns, and provide expert guidance on skincare and aftercare for the treatment area. With extensive experience in advanced acne scar treatments, Dr. Jaliman has achieved outstanding results in reducing acne scars and rejuvenating acne-scarred skin. She will design a personalized skincare regimen to help prevent future acne breakouts and cysts, control excess oil (sebum), reduce acne-causing bacteria, and prevent clogged pores from dead skin cell buildup.
Staying at the forefront of dermatology research, Dr. Jaliman reviews the latest global studies to offer the most effective acne scar solutions. After determining the underlying cause of your acne—whether hormonal, genetic, or product-related—she will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific type of scarring.
There is no single “best” acne scar treatment; often, the most effective results come from a combination of therapies, such as laser resurfacing, microneedling, subcision, PRP, fillers, and chemical peels. Dr. Jaliman will explain the benefits, risks, downtime, and costs of each option. Since acne scar removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by health insurance, and pricing will be discussed in detail so you can make an informed decision.
Why Do Acne Scars and Skin Depressions Form?
Acne scars develop when inflammation from a breakout damages the underlying skin tissue. During the body’s natural wound-healing process, collagen is produced to repair the area. If too little collagen is formed, the result is a depression or “pitted” acne scar. If too much collagen is produced, the scar may become raised.
Dark spots that remain after an acne breakout—known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—are not true scars. These pigmented marks can fade naturally over time, but with the right in-office treatments and dermatologist-recommended skincare products, they can improve more quickly.
Some people are more prone to acne scarring due to genetics, family history, or the severity of their breakouts. Cystic acne, in particular, carries a higher risk of permanent scarring, which is why it is essential to treat acne promptly to prevent long-term skin damage.
What Are the Different Types of Acne Scars?
Acne scars generally fall into two main categories: atrophic scars and hypertrophic scars. Atrophic scars are characterized by a loss of collagen and elasticity, resulting in depressions or indentations in the skin. Hypertrophic scars, on the other hand, are raised scars caused by excess collagen buildup forming thick nodules.
Among atrophic scars, there are several common subtypes:
- Ice pick scars: Deep, narrow, and pitted scars that resemble small holes.
- Boxcar scars: Broad, round or oval depressions with sharp edges.
- Rolling scars: Wide depressions with a wave-like, uneven skin surface.
In addition to visible scars, some patients experience overall skin texture concerns such as enlarged pores, roughness, and uneven skin tone. Advanced laser treatments can help improve these issues along with scar appearance.
Is Acne Scar Removal Permanent?
Many types of acne scars can be significantly improved or even eliminated with the right treatments over time. However, deeper scars—such as ice pick and boxcar scars—often require multiple sessions and a combination of therapies like laser resurfacing, microneedling, and dermal fillers to achieve the best results.
While acne scar removal can provide long-lasting improvements, no treatment can guarantee complete or permanent elimination of all scars. Early intervention and consistent skincare can greatly enhance outcomes and prevent new scars from forming.
Are Acne Scars Treatable?
Yes, acne scars can be effectively treated using a variety of safe and proven methods. Dr. Debra Jaliman will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique skin type and scar severity. With numerous options available—such as laser therapy, microneedling, chemical peels, fillers, and PRP—she can help you achieve smoother, clearer skin.
Can You Achieve Flawless Skin After Acne Scarring?
While acne scar treatments can lead to significant improvements in skin texture and appearance, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations. Complete “flawless” or picture-perfect skin is rarely achievable once scarring has occurred. However, many patients are very satisfied with the visible reduction in scars and overall skin rejuvenation.
Non-ablative laser treatments offer ongoing improvements in skin texture and tone, with minimal downtime, and are safe for all skin types and colors. Additionally, techniques like the electric needle method can help reduce enlarged oil glands and smooth rough skin when performed carefully by an experienced physician.
How Are Acne Scars Treated?
Treatment for acne scars depends on the scar type and severity. For example, ice-pick scars respond best to punch excision, a minor in-office surgical procedure. During this, the skin is numbed with a local anesthetic (lidocaine), and the scar is removed and closed with sutures. This leaves a linear scar, which can then be improved with silicone scar bandages or laser treatments.
For shallower scars, microdermabrasion and various laser therapies help stimulate collagen and elastin production, reducing pore size, enhancing skin radiance, and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles—beneficial for both acne scars and aging skin. Sometimes, antibiotics are prescribed before aggressive laser treatments to minimize infection risk.
What Is the Best Way to Treat Acne Scars?
There is no one-size-fits-all best treatment for acne scars. Because scars vary widely in type and severity, a personalized approach by a specialist is essential. A dermatologist will evaluate your skin and recommend a customized treatment plan using the most effective options for your scars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acne Scar Treatment
Injectables and Injections
Can fillers be used to treat acne scars?
Yes, dermal fillers like Juvederm can be used to raise depressed acne scars, especially rolling scars, improving skin texture and appearance.
Can cortisone injections help with acne scars?
Cortisone injections are effective for reducing raised hypertrophic scars and keloids by softening and flattening the scar tissue.
Can Botox help with acne scars?
While Botox is primarily used for wrinkles, it may help relax muscles around scars to improve their appearance in some cases, though it’s not a primary acne scar treatment.
Subcision with dermal fillers
Subcision breaks down fibrous scar tissue, and combining it with fillers can lift depressed scars for smoother skin. This combination is often recommended for rolling scars.
Laser and Light-Based Treatments
What types of lasers are used for acne scars?
Common lasers include fractional CO2, erbium, Nd:YAG, and pulsed dye lasers. Each targets different scar types and skin concerns.
Are there lasers that don’t require downtime?
Yes, non-ablative lasers like Laser Genesis or certain IPL treatments have minimal downtime but may require multiple sessions for best results.
Can laser treatments cause skin cancer?
There is no evidence that medically supervised laser treatments cause skin cancer. They work by stimulating collagen and resurfacing skin.
Can I undergo laser treatment if I have eczema?
Laser treatments can be safe with controlled eczema, but your dermatologist will assess skin condition to avoid irritation or flare-ups.
Can I have a laser to decrease the hyperpigmentation?
Yes, certain lasers and IPL can effectively reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne.
Does lightwave help with this type of treatment?
Lightwave therapies (LED, red/blue light) can reduce inflammation and support healing but are generally adjunct treatments for acne scars.
Can radiofrequency help with acne scars?
Radiofrequency devices stimulate collagen remodeling and can improve acne scars, often combined with microneedling for enhanced results.
Microneedling and Skin Resurfacing
Can microneedling help acne scars?
Yes, microneedling stimulates collagen production to improve texture and reduce scar depth, effective for various scar types.
Can microdermabrasion help with acne scars?
Microdermabrasion is better suited for mild surface texture issues; it’s less effective on deep acne scars but can improve overall skin tone.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels remove damaged skin layers to improve texture, tone, and mild scarring, often used with other treatments for better results.
Do peels help hyperpigmentation?
Yes, chemical peels can lighten dark spots and improve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Other Procedural Treatments
Can subcision help scars?
Subcision releases fibrous bands beneath depressed scars, allowing skin to lift and smooth out. It’s effective for rolling scars.
Can PRP (platelet-rich plasma) improve acne scars?
PRP uses growth factors from your blood to boost healing and collagen production, enhancing results when combined with microneedling or lasers.
Can surgery help acne scars?
Surgical options like punch excision or grafting can remove deep, ice pick scars not responsive to other treatments.
Other treatment options
Additional options include dermabrasion, fillers, and emerging therapies tailored to your scar type and skin.
Post-Treatment Care and Support
Can Arnica help with bruising after acne scar treatment?
Arnica is a natural remedy often used to reduce bruising and swelling post-treatment, though evidence is mainly anecdotal.
Do silicone scar bandages help with acne scars?
Silicone bandages or gels can help flatten and soften raised scars but are less effective on atrophic (depressed) scars.
Pigmentation and Redness
What can I do if I’m left with residual pigmentation from acne?
Treatments include topical lightening agents, chemical peels, laser therapy, and consistent sun protection to fade pigmentation.
What can I do if I don’t have scars but just have residual redness from acne?
Redness can be treated with vascular lasers, IPL, or calming skincare to reduce inflammation and visible blood vessels.
What ingredients should I look for if I have hyperpigmentation from acne?
Look for ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, hydroquinone, azelaic acid, and retinoids to lighten dark spots.
Can drugs be taken orally for hyperpigmentation?
Some oral medications, like tranexamic acid, may help certain pigmentation issues but should be prescribed by a dermatologist.
Treatment Combinations and Efficacy
Can treatment modalities be combined?
Yes, combining treatments like lasers, microneedling, fillers, and chemical peels often provides superior acne scar results.
How do dermatologists treat scars?
Dermatologists customize treatments based on scar type, severity, and patient skin type, often combining procedures for best outcomes.
What is the best way to treat acne scars?
The best approach depends on scar type and severity, typically involving a tailored combination of therapies for optimal improvement.
Which skin irregularities are easy to treat?
Surface texture issues, mild scars, and pigmentation are generally easier to treat than deep, ice pick, or hypertrophic scars.
Is treatment worth it?
Most patients find acne scar treatment highly rewarding, with noticeable improvements in appearance and confidence.
Insurance and Coverage
Is acne scar treatment covered by insurance?
Acne scar treatments are generally considered cosmetic and not covered by health insurance. Costs vary by treatment type and number of sessions.
Special Concerns
Can I get treated while I have active acne?
Some treatments can be safely done during active acne, but controlling inflammation first often improves scar treatment outcomes.
Can I receive a facelift if I have acne scars?
Yes, but your surgeon will evaluate skin texture and scarring to plan the best approach for optimal results.
Ready to Improve the Appearance of Your Acne Scars? Schedule a Personalized Consultation with a Leading NYC Acne Scar Specialist Today!
Acne scars can be difficult to treat and often affect confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, a variety of safe, non-invasive treatments are available to reduce the appearance of acne scars and improve your skin’s texture and tone. At Dr. Debra Jaliman’s dermatology practice in New York City, we offer customized, effective acne scar treatments tailored to your unique skin type and scar patterns.
Most patients achieve the best results through a personalized combination of therapies designed to target their specific scar types. Dr. Jaliman, a renowned cosmetic dermatologist and board-certified expert, will collaborate with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan. We monitor your progress with before-and-after photos to ensure optimal outcomes.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward smoother, clearer skin, contact Dr. Jaliman and her experienced team at Debra Jaliman MD. Call us at or fill out our online form to schedule your private consultation at our New York City office.
When choosing a dermatologist, always look for the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) certification to ensure you’re receiving care from a board-certified professional.
