For anyone who has struggled with stubborn acne scars, the mirror can sometimes feel like a reminder of the struggles of the past. Even after the breakouts fade, the uneven skin texture and marks can affect one’s confidence, making it harder to feel completely at ease. Many people try countless creams or home remedies, hoping for improvement, only to see minimal change. That’s when the question arises — what truly works, and how much does effective acne scar treatment cost in Chennai?
Acne scar revision offers medically proven options that go far beyond surface-level fixes. These treatments are made to target the root cause of scarring and gradually restore smoother skin. In this guide, we will explain the most effective treatment options and their costs so you can make an informed decision.
Quick Overview
- Identify Your Scar Type: Knowing whether scars are ice pick, rolling, boxcar, or pigmentation helps choose the most effective treatment.
- Treatment Choice Matters: Subcision, lasers, RF microneedling, and combination therapies target different layers and types of scarring.
- Costs vary by Multiple Factors: Scar severity, number of sessions, technology used, and clinic expertise all influence pricing.
- Dermatologist-Led Care Ensures Safety: Professional guidance minimises risks like pigmentation, uneven results, or prolonged recovery.
- Maintenance Supports Results: Skincare, sun protection, and follow-up sessions are crucial for sustaining improvements.
Understanding Types of Acne Scars
Acne scars form when inflammation from acne damages layers of the skin on a deeper level, leaving behind uneven texture or pigment changes. While acne itself may heal with time, the marks it leaves can persist for months or even years, depending on how the skin responds to injury and healing. Below are the different types of acne scars:
1. Ice Pick Scars
These are narrow, deep scars that resemble small holes on the skin’s surface. They occur when intense inflammation from cystic or nodular acne destroys skin tissue, leaving behind vertical pits that extend deep into the dermis.
2. Rolling Scars
Rolling scars create a wave-like texture on the skin, most noticeable under certain lighting. They form when long-standing inflammation causes fibrous bands to tether the skin to underlying tissue, pulling it downward. Picking or squeezing acne lesions can worsen this tethering.
3. Boxcar Scars
Boxcar scars are round or oval depressions with well-defined edges. They result from a loss of collagen following moderate to severe acne inflammation. When acne is left untreated or frequently manipulated, the skin’s healing response weakens, leading to these box-like indentations.
4. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
While not a true scar, PIH is a common aftermath of acne, especially in individuals with darker skin tones. It appears as brown or red spots after acne heals and is caused by excess melanin production triggered by inflammation or frequent touching and picking of lesions.
With each scar type comes a treatment approach designed to address its specific depth and texture.
Also Read: Laser Toning Treatment for Radiant Skin.
Top Acne Scar Revision Treatments
Acne scar revision is rarely a one-size-fits-all process. Each scar type responds differently to treatment, which is why dermatologists often combine multiple techniques to achieve the most balanced results. Below are the most effective, evidence-based procedures commonly used for acne scar correction.
1. Laser Treatments
Laser treatments use focused light energy to resurface the skin and stimulate collagen production.
- Ablative lasers (such as CO₂ and Erbium YAG) remove the outer skin layers, making them suitable for deeper scars like boxcar and rolling scars.
- Non-ablative lasers heat the underlying skin without removing its surface, encouraging collagen remodelling with minimal downtime.
- Fractional lasers target microscopic zones, leaving surrounding areas intact for faster healing.
- Hybrid systems combine both ablative and non-ablative benefits, improving texture and tone simultaneously.
2. RF Microneedling (MNRF)
Microneedling with radiofrequency energy delivers controlled heat through fine needles, stimulating deeper collagen formation without damaging the surface. The procedure tightens and smooths the skin while minimising pigmentation risks—especially valuable for Indian skin tones.
3. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use controlled exfoliation to remove damaged surface layers and encourage new, healthier skin to emerge. The type of peel, superficial, medium, or deep, is selected based on the severity of scarring and pigmentation.
4. Subcision
Subcision is a minor in-clinic procedure that targets tethered scars by releasing the fibrous bands pulling the skin downward. Using a fine needle, the dermatologist carefully breaks these strands beneath the scar, allowing the skin to lift and smooth out naturally.
5. Dermal Fillers
Fillers temporarily restore lost volume beneath depressed scars, softening their appearance. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are most commonly used because they blend naturally with the skin and can be safely dissolved if needed.
6. Punch Excision, Elevation, and Grafting
For well-defined, deep scars like ice pick or sharply edged boxcar scars, punch techniques are highly effective.
- Punch excision removes the scar completely and sutures the site.
- Punch elevation lifts the scar base to align with the surrounding skin.
- Punch grafting replaces the excised scar with a small graft of normal skin.
7. Adjunctive and Supportive Therapies
In addition to in-clinic procedures, supportive options play an important role in maintaining results and preventing new scars. These may include:
- Topical retinoids and lightening agents to improve texture and pigmentation.
- Silicone gels or sheets to soften elevated scars and improve healing.
- Medical-grade skincare and sun protection to maintain collagen renewal and prevent post-procedure pigmentation.
Each acne scar type responds differently to treatment, making expert guidance essential for lasting results. Velantis Dermatology offers customised treatment plans under the care of Dr Janani Sree C M, ensuring every step is suited to your skin. Connect with us to begin your tailored acne scar revision journey.
Now, let’s weigh the pros and cons of every treatment to see which options suit your skin and goals best.
Recommended: Hydrafacial Treatment in Chennai: Benefits and Procedure.
Pros and Cons of Acne Scar Revision Treatments
Each acne scar treatment works differently based on how it repairs the skin and stimulates healing.
Beyond standard procedures, newer innovative treatments offer enhanced results and can be combined with traditional methods for more effective scar revision.
Also Check: Comedonal Acne: Causes and Dermatologist Treatments
Innovative Treatment Options
Advancements in acne scar revision have made it possible to treat scars more precisely and comfortably than before. Modern techniques aim to rebuild collagen, smooth uneven texture, and improve overall skin tone with reduced recovery time.
1. Fractional Resurfacing and Its Benefits
Fractional resurfacing forms numerous tiny treatment areas in the skin, triggering natural healing and promoting collagen regeneration.
Key Benefits:
- Targets scars without damaging the entire skin surface.
- Improves texture, pore size, and tone gradually.
- Shorter recovery compared to traditional resurfacing.
- Suitable for boxcar and rolling scars.
Common technologies include:
- Fractional CO₂ laser for deeper resurfacing for significant texture correction.
- Er:YAG laser that gives precise and less heat-intensive, ideal for lighter scarring.
- Non-ablative fractional devices for minimal downtime with progressive results.
2. Combination Techniques for Enhanced Results
Because acne scars vary in depth and type, combining procedures often yields the best outcome. Dermatologists design customised plans that may include:
- Subcision followed by RF Microneedling: releases tethered scars and stimulates deeper collagen repair
- Fractional laser with PRP therapy: accelerates healing and enhances texture refinement
- Chemical peels or fillers as finishing treatments: address pigmentation or volume loss
3. PRP Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy extracts your own blood plasma, enriched with platelets, to speed up skin repair and rejuvenation. It can be performed alone or combined with other treatments for stronger results.
Benefits of PRP in acne scar care:
- Promotes faster healing after laser or microneedling
- Enhances collagen formation naturally
- Reduces redness and recovery time
- Improves overall skin tone and vitality
PRP is especially effective for those seeking a natural, biologically driven method to support skin recovery and enhance the results of scar revision procedures.
Read: Best Treatments for Dark Circles Under Eyes.
With the right treatment approach in mind, let’s take a look at the associated costs to help you plan your acne scar revision journey effectively.
Cost of Acne Scar Treatments in Chennai
Generally, non-invasive or superficial treatments like chemical peels or light microneedling are more affordable, while advanced procedures such as fractional lasers, subcision, or combination therapies tend to be higher in price.
Typical price ranges in Chennai (indicative):
- Chemical Peels: ₹1,500 – ₹4,000 per session
- Microneedling / RF Microneedling: ₹2,000 – ₹6,000 per session
- Laser Treatments (Fractional / Ablative / Hybrid): ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 per session
- Dermal Fillers: ₹5,000 – ₹12,000 per area, temporary results
- Subcision: ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 per session (focus treatment; more details below)
These ranges are indicative and can vary depending on scar type, number of sessions needed, and the clinic’s technology and expertise.
You can also check our blog for Effective Stretch Mark Removal Options and Treatments.
Factors Influencing Treatment Cost
The cost of acne scar revision can vary widely because several factors influence both the choice of treatment and its effectiveness. Understanding these factors can help set realistic expectations.
- Treatment Type and Scar Severity: Deeper or mixed scars often require advanced procedures like fractional lasers or combination techniques, which can increase cost compared to superficial treatments.
- Number of Sessions Required: Most treatments need multiple sessions for optimal results. The total cost rises with the number of visits.
- Clinic Expertise and Equipment Quality: Dermatologist-led clinics with modern, well-maintained equipment may charge more, reflecting precision, safety, and predictable outcomes.
- Skin Type and Risk Factors: Patients with darker skin tones or sensitive skin may require customised protocols to minimise pigmentation risks, affecting cost.
- Pre- and Post-Treatment Care: Costs may include consultation, topical agents, sun protection, and follow-up visits, all essential for successful results.
However, when it comes to achieving real, lasting improvement, personalised care and evidence-based guidance make all the difference. This is where Velantis Dermatology in Chennai can help!
Velantis Dermatology: Science-Backed Acne Scar Treatment
When it comes to acne scar revision, a dermatologist-led, science-driven approach is essential. This approach focuses on the root causes of scarring, using evidence-based treatments that restore skin health while addressing texture, tone, and overall appearance.
At Velantis Dermatology, our MD Dermatologist, Dr Janani Sree C M, combines advanced diagnostics, FDA-approved technologies, and personalised aftercare to ensure safe, lasting results. Every treatment plan is tailored to your skin type, scar severity, and long-term skin health goals.
Why Choose Velantis:
- Comprehensive Medical Analysis: Advanced skin assessments, hormonal evaluations, and bacterial testing help identify the underlying causes of scarring.
- Personalised Treatment Plans: Customised protocols using subcision, lasers, RF microneedling, and PRP ensure treatments match your unique needs.
- FDA-Approved Technology: Only clinically validated devices are used, ensuring precision, safety, and predictable results.
- Ongoing Support and Aftercare: Regular follow-ups, progress tracking, and maintenance routines help sustain results and protect skin health.
Book your consultation today to get advice on which acne scar treatments best suit your skin.
Conclusion
Acne scar treatment is a journey that depends on multiple factors, including the type and severity of scars, the number of sessions required, and the choice of procedure. How much is acne scar subcision in Chennai? The costs can vary accordingly, reflecting the complexity and precision needed to achieve optimal results.
A dermatologist-led approach is essential to ensure treatments are safe, effective, and tailored to your unique skin. Professional guidance not only maximises improvement but also minimises risks like pigmentation changes or incomplete healing.
At Velantis Dermatology, our MD Dermatologist, Dr Janani Sree C M, provides personalised, science-backed acne scar solutions using FDA-approved technologies. We also offer structured aftercare, helping patients achieve smoother, healthier skin with confidence.
Start your treatment at Velantis today to get refined, radiant skin.
FAQ’s
Q1. How much is acne scar subcision in Chennai?
A1: The cost of acne scar subcision varies based on scar severity, number of sessions, and clinic expertise. At Velantis, pricing is personalised after a detailed dermatologist consultation.
Q2. Which acne scar treatment works best for deep scars?
A2: Deep scars like ice pick or boxcar scars often respond well to punch excision, subcision combined with fillers, or fractional laser treatments, depending on the skin type and scar pattern.
Q3. How many sessions are typically required for noticeable improvement?
A3: Most treatments, including laser, microneedling, or subcision, require 3–6 sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Your dermatologist will recommend a plan tailored to your scars and skin type.
Q4. Are acne scar treatments safe for all skin types?
A4: Yes, with proper dermatologist evaluation. At Velantis, treatments like RF microneedling and fractional lasers are carefully selected and customised to minimise risks such as pigmentation changes in darker skin tones.
Q5. Can results be maintained long-term?
A5: Results last longer when combined with proper aftercare, sun protection, and follow-up visits. Velantis provides ongoing maintenance guidance to help sustain smoother, healthier skin.
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