Living with acne scars affects more than just your appearance. It impacts how you see yourself every time you look in the mirror. Maybe you’ve tried every cream and serum promising scar reduction, only to see minimal improvement. Or you’re tired of covering up pitted skin with layers of makeup that never quite hides the texture.
Acne scars don’t have to be permanent. At Manhattan Laser Spa in Hallandale Beach, we use medical-grade treatments to improve the appearance of ice pick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars, and post-acne dark spots. This includes fractional laser resurfacing, microneedling with PRP, chemical peels, and combination therapies customized for your specific scar type.
Living in South Florida’s humid climate can make acne worse, which often leads to more scarring. If you’ve dealt with severe acne and are left with textured, uneven skin, there are proven treatments that actually work.
Acne scars form when your skin tries to heal from inflammatory acne. When a pore swells with bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells, it can break the follicle wall. If the rupture happens deep in the skin, the infected material spills into surrounding tissue, creating deeper lesions.
Your skin attempts to repair this damage by producing collagen. But sometimes it produces too much collagen (creating raised scars) or too little (creating depressed scars). The result is permanent textural changes that don’t respond to topical products.
Here’s the thing: over-the-counter creams can’t fix structural damage to your skin. Scars involve changes to the dermal layer, which sits beneath the surface where creams can reach. This is why professional treatments that penetrate deeper actually work.
Ice pick scars are deep, narrow scars that extend into the dermis. They look like someone punctured your skin with a tiny ice pick (hence the name). These are the most difficult scars to treat because they’re so deep.
Boxcar scars are round or oval depressions with steep vertical sides. They’re wider than ice pick scars and give skin a pitted appearance. Think of them as tiny craters on your skin’s surface.
Rolling scars create a wave-like, undulating appearance. They happen when fibrous bands of tissue develop between the skin and underlying tissue, pulling the epidermis down and creating an uneven surface.
Hypertrophic scars are raised, thick scars that stay within the boundary of the original acne lesion. They form when your body produces too much collagen during healing.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) aren’t true scars but flat, dark spots left after acne heals. These are especially common in people with darker skin tones and respond well to treatment.
Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) are red or pink marks that remain after acne clears. These represent damaged blood vessels and can last for months without treatment.
Florida’s humidity creates perfect conditions for acne. More oil production means more clogged pores and breakouts. If you’ve lived near the beach your whole life, you’ve probably dealt with persistent acne at some point.
The intense South Florida sun also makes post-acne marks darker and more noticeable. UV exposure triggers melanin production, which means those dark spots from old breakouts just won’t fade on their own.
Many of our Hallandale Beach clients come to us after years of dealing with scarring from teenage or adult acne. They’ve tried everything at the drugstore without seeing real improvement. Sound familiar?
We customize treatment based on your scar type, skin tone, and how much downtime you can handle.
This is our most effective treatment for moderate to severe acne scars. Fractional CO2 or Erbium lasers create thousands of microscopic wounds in your skin. This triggers your body’s healing response, which produces new collagen and gradually fills in depressed scars.
The laser doesn’t treat your entire skin surface. Instead, it targets small fractions of skin in a scattered pattern, leaving healthy tissue between treatment zones. This speeds healing and reduces complications compared to older, non-fractional lasers.
Results develop over three to six months as new collagen forms. Most people need one to three treatments spaced about four to eight weeks apart.
You’ll have about a week of downtime with noticeable redness and peeling. But the improvement in texture and scar depth is significant, especially for boxcar and rolling scars.
Medical-grade microneedling uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in your skin. This stimulates collagen production naturally, which helps fill in depressed scars over time.
When we add PRP (platelet-rich plasma from your own blood), we supercharge the healing response. PRP contains growth factors that accelerate tissue repair and new collagen formation.
Microneedling works well for all scar types but is especially effective for rolling scars and shallow boxcar scars. It’s also safer for darker skin tones than some laser treatments, with lower risk of hyperpigmentation.
You’ll need three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. There’s minimal downtime, usually just two to three days of mild redness. Results develop gradually over several months.
Ice pick scars need special treatment because they’re so deep and narrow. TCA Cross (trichloroacetic acid chemical reconstruction of skin scars) involves applying high-concentration TCA directly into each ice pick scar.
The acid causes controlled injury that stimulates collagen production specifically where you need it. Over several weeks, the scar fills in from the bottom up.
This is precise work that requires an experienced provider. Done correctly, it significantly improves ice pick scars that don’t respond to other treatments.
You’ll need multiple sessions, usually three to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. Each session targets the same scars as they gradually improve.
Rolling scars happen because fibrous tissue underneath pulls your skin down. Subcision is a minor surgical procedure that releases these bands of tissue.
We use a specialized needle to break up the fibrous bands holding your skin down. Once released, your skin can bounce back to a more even level. We often combine subcision with filler injection to immediately lift the depressed area while your body produces new collagen.
This technique works beautifully for rolling scars and deep boxcar scars. You might have bruising for a week or two, but the improvement in contour is worth it.
Medium-depth chemical peels (like TCA peels or Jessner’s peel) help improve superficial scarring and post-acne discoloration. The acid removes damaged outer skin layers and triggers collagen remodeling.
Peels work well for shallow boxcar scars, overall texture improvement, and fading dark spots. They’re less effective for deep scars but make a good addition to combination therapy.
You’ll need a series of peels spaced four to six weeks apart. Downtime ranges from five to seven days of visible peeling.
For deep, isolated boxcar scars or rolling scars, we sometimes use dermal fillers to immediately lift the depressed area. This gives instant improvement while you’re working on long-term collagen remodeling with other treatments.
Fillers last six to 18 months depending on the product used. They’re a great option if you have a special event coming up and want immediate improvement.
Here’s what most people don’t realize: you rarely fix acne scars with just one type of treatment. Different scar types respond to different therapies.
A typical treatment plan might include:
For mixed scar types (the most common situation): Start with fractional laser to improve overall texture and shallow scars, then use TCA Cross for any ice pick scars, and finish with subcision for rolling scars.
For darker skin tones: Focus on microneedling with PRP to avoid pigmentation risks from aggressive lasers, combined with chemical peels for discoloration.
For severe scarring: Use subcision first to release deep tethering, followed by fractional laser for remodeling, with possible filler for immediate improvement.
We space treatments strategically so your skin has time to heal and produce new collagen between sessions. The whole process typically takes six to 12 months, with continued improvement for up to a year after your last treatment.
Let’s be honest about expectations. We can significantly improve acne scars, but we probably can’t make your skin look like you never had acne.
Most people see 50 to 80 percent improvement in scar depth and appearance. Shallow scars often improve more dramatically than very deep scars. Texture becomes smoother, and skin looks more even overall.
Your exact results depend on:
Results develop gradually over months, not overnight. Each treatment builds on the previous one, creating cumulative improvement.
We start with a detailed skin assessment. Our medical aesthetician examines your scars under special lighting to classify them by type and severity. We also evaluate your skin tone using the Fitzpatrick scale, which helps us choose safe, effective treatments.
We’ll discuss your medical history, including:
Then we create a customized treatment plan with realistic timelines and expected results. No overpromising, just honest assessment based on what we’ve seen work for similar scars.
Two to four weeks before: Start using medical-grade skincare to prepare your skin. This usually includes gentle retinoids and vitamin C to support healing.
One week before: Stop using any harsh exfoliants or active ingredients that might irritate your skin.
Day of treatment: Come with a clean face. No makeup, moisturizer, or sunscreen on treatment areas.
For some treatments, we’ll prescribe antiviral medication if you’re prone to cold sores. Trauma to the skin can trigger outbreaks.
Most acne scar treatments involve topical numbing cream applied 30 to 45 minutes before we start. This makes the procedure much more comfortable.
Laser treatments take 30 to 60 minutes depending on treatment area. You’ll feel heat and some discomfort, but the numbing helps significantly.
Microneedling takes about 45 minutes. It feels like sandpaper moving across your skin, with some areas more sensitive than others.
TCA Cross is quick, maybe 15 to 20 minutes, since we’re treating individual scars. You’ll feel stinging as the acid works.
Subcision involves minor injections to numb the area, then the actual release of fibrous bands. The whole process takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Recovery varies by treatment type:
Fractional laser: Expect five to seven days of significant redness, swelling, and peeling. Your skin will feel tight and look obviously treated. Most people take time off work during peak healing.
Microneedling: Two to three days of mild redness and sensitivity, like a sunburn. You can usually return to normal activities quickly.
TCA Cross: Treated spots will form dark crusts that fall off over seven to ten days. The surrounding skin looks normal.
Subcision: Bruising lasts one to two weeks. You can cover it with makeup after a few days if needed.
During healing, you’ll use gentle cleansers, heavy moisturizers, and strict sun protection. No active skincare ingredients until your skin is fully healed.
Your results depend heavily on how you care for your skin after treatment.
Sun protection is absolutely critical. Your healing skin is vulnerable to hyperpigmentation from UV exposure. Wear SPF 30+ physical sunscreen every day. Reapply every two hours if you’re outside. Wear a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid direct sun when possible.
Living in Hallandale Beach makes sun avoidance challenging, but it’s not negotiable. One day of sun exposure can cause dark spots that take months to fade.
Keep skin moisturized constantly. Use bland, heavy moisturizers multiple times daily. Healing skin needs hydration.
Be gentle. Use only mild, fragrance-free cleansers. Pat your skin dry, don’t rub. No scrubbing or picking at peeling skin.
Avoid heat and sweat. No hot showers, saunas, or intense exercise for at least 48 hours (longer for laser treatments).
Don’t use active ingredients until your provider gives you the all-clear. That means no retinoids, acids, or vitamin C during healing.
Attend all follow-up appointments. We need to monitor your healing and adjust your treatment plan based on how you respond.
You’re a good candidate if:
You might need to wait if:
If you have darker skin (Fitzpatrick types IV-VI), we’re extra careful about treatment selection. Certain lasers can cause hyperpigmentation in darker skin if not used correctly. We have specific protocols and safer treatment options that work beautifully on all skin tones.
At-home treatments like retinoids, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids can help prevent new scars and slightly improve very superficial scarring. But they can’t fix structural damage. If you’ve been using these for months without seeing improvement, professional treatment is your next step.
Dermabrasion is an older technique that sands down skin layers. It’s been largely replaced by fractional lasers, which offer better control and fewer complications.
Dermal rolling (at-home microneedling) doesn’t penetrate deep enough to create real change. Medical-grade microneedling uses longer needles and proper technique for actual results.
Makeup can camouflage scars but doesn’t improve them. If you’re tired of relying on heavy foundation to hide texture, treatment gives you freedom to wear less makeup or none at all.
Acne scar treatment isn’t cheap. You’re paying for medical-grade technology, physician supervision, and multiple treatment sessions over months.
Pricing varies based on:
A single microneedling session costs less than fractional laser resurfacing. A complete treatment plan spanning multiple modalities and six months of care costs more than a single-treatment approach.
We offer package pricing that reduces the per-session cost when you commit to a treatment series. Since acne scars always require multiple sessions, packages make financial sense.
During your consultation, we’ll give you specific pricing based on your customized treatment plan. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Many clients tell us it’s one of the best investments they’ve made. The confidence that comes from finally improving scars you’ve lived with for years? That’s worth a lot.
Medical expertise. All treatments are performed under physician supervision by licensed medical professionals. We follow strict safety protocols and medical standards.
Customized protocols. We don’t use the same treatment on everyone. Your plan is designed for your specific scar types, skin tone, and goals.
Advanced technology. We use medical-grade, FDA-cleared devices, not cheap alternatives. Our equipment is properly maintained and calibrated.
Experience with all skin types. We safely treat light skin, dark skin, and everything in between. Our expertise with diverse skin tones matters in our South Florida community.
Realistic expectations. We’re honest about what’s achievable. No overpromising or false claims.
Comprehensive care. From consultation through final results, we support you at every step. You’re not just a transaction.
Convenient location. We serve Hallandale Beach residents plus clients from Aventura, Hollywood, Sunny Isles Beach, and throughout Broward County. Whether you’re near Golden Isles, Gulfstream Park, or the beach, we’re accessible.
We’re conveniently located to serve clients throughout Hallandale Beach, including Golden Isles, Three Islands, Diplomat Landing, and areas near the beach and Gulfstream Park. We also see clients from nearby Aventura, Hollywood, North Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Pembroke Pines, and throughout Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.
Results develop gradually over three to six months as your skin produces new collagen. You’ll notice some improvement after your first treatment, but real change happens cumulatively over your entire treatment series. Fractional laser results continue improving for up to 12 months after your final session because collagen remodeling is a slow process. Microneedling shows progressive improvement with each session, with best results visible three to six months after completing your series. This isn’t like Botox where you see results in days. Scar treatment requires patience, but the improvement is worth the wait.
Most treatments involve topical numbing cream that makes the procedure tolerable. Fractional laser is the most uncomfortable, with patients describing it as heat and snapping sensations. Microneedling feels like sandpaper or scratching. TCA Cross stings for a few seconds per scar. Subcision involves numbing injections, then you feel pressure but not sharp pain. After treatment, your skin will feel tender and sensitive for several days, like a sunburn. Most people manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs. It’s not fun, but it’s manageable for the results you get.
Honestly, probably not completely. We can significantly improve scars, often by 50 to 80 percent, which makes a dramatic difference in how your skin looks and feels. Very shallow scars might improve to the point where they’re barely noticeable. Deep ice pick scars are the hardest to treat and might always have some visible depression, even after multiple treatments. The goal is substantial improvement that gives you smoother, more even skin, not necessarily perfect skin. During your consultation, we’ll give you realistic expectations based on your specific scars.
Most people need three to six treatment sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart, depending on scar severity and treatment type. Mild scarring might improve significantly in three sessions. Severe scarring often requires six or more sessions, possibly combining different treatment modalities. Ice pick scars typically need the most sessions because they’re so deep. Your treatment plan will outline recommended session numbers, but we adjust based on how you respond. Some people need additional touch-up treatments six to 12 months later to maintain results.
Yes, but treatment selection is critical. Darker skin (Fitzpatrick types IV-VI) has higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if treated aggressively. We use specific protocols designed for darker skin, including microneedling with PRP (which is very safe), lower-energy fractional lasers, and carefully selected chemical peels. We avoid certain wavelengths and high-energy settings that can trigger pigmentation problems. The key is working with providers experienced in treating diverse skin tones. We’ve successfully treated hundreds of clients with darker skin without complications.
This depends on the treatment. After microneedling, wait 24 to 48 hours before applying makeup. After fractional laser, wait at least five to seven days until active peeling is done and your skin has re-epithelialized. After TCA Cross, you can wear makeup on untreated areas immediately, but avoid the actual treated spots until crusts fall off naturally. Use only clean brushes and non-comedogenic, mineral-based makeup when you do start wearing it again. Your skin will look good enough that you might not feel like you need as much coverage anyway.
Once we improve a scar, that improvement is permanent. Your skin has remodeled with new collagen, and that doesn’t reverse. However, if you continue getting severe acne, you can develop new scars. This is why controlling active acne before and during scar treatment is so important. Maintain good skincare, protect your skin from sun damage, and address breakouts quickly to prevent new scarring. Some people do maintenance treatments every year or two to keep their skin looking its best, but the scars we’ve already improved won’t suddenly revert to how they looked before treatment.
Stop living with textured, scarred skin that affects how you feel about yourself. Acne scar treatment at Manhattan Laser Spa offers Hallandale Beach residents proven solutions backed by medical expertise and advanced technology.
Schedule your consultation today. We’ll evaluate your scars, explain which treatments will work best for you, and create a realistic plan for improvement. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just honest assessment from licensed professionals who’ve helped hundreds of clients improve their acne scarring.
Call us or book online. The smoother, more confident skin you want is achievable.
