Unfortunately, acne scar treatment is considered cosmetic surgery in the UK and is not available through the NHS. Acne scarring is a specialist area of dermatology, requiring a bespoke plan for optimum treatment response. Since most people present with more than one type of scar, a combination of therapies is often required to achieve the best outcome.

At PHI Clinic London on Harley Street, our dermatologists and acne scarring experts create tailored treatment plans to address all types of scarring, including atrophic acne scarring, hypertrophic scars, and ice pick scarring. We use advanced medical procedures such as fractional laser therapy, fractional photothermolysis, CO₂ laser resurfacing, and subcision alongside non-invasive methods like chemical peels, skin needling, and dermal fillers.

Collagen-stimulating injectables such as Poly-Lactic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid Gel can also be used to improve skin defects by supporting dermal repair. In some cases, Botox may be considered for scar softening when muscular activity affects the skin.

Our approach to scar management combines clinical precision with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that every patient receives safe, effective treatment for their unique skin type and scar presentation.

Secret RF PRO combines fractional CO2 laser resurfacing with radiofrequency skin needling to regenerate collagen, improve tissue remodelling, and minimise scar tissue. This dual approach ablates the epidermis while stimulating deeper dermal repair. It is particularly effective for rolling scars, boxcar scars, and other atrophic acne scarring.

Patients may experience redness, swelling, or crusting during the healing process. Local anesthesia and cooling devices are used for comfort.

UltraClear is a ground-breaking new laser that can be used to treat acne scarring, among many other skin concerns. It stimulates tissue regeneration to smooth out pitted skin safely and effectively. It is the first resurfacing laser to be FDA approved for treating all skin types and tones. It uses a new wavelength developed to be more comfortable for the patient, as well as safe for all skin tones.

UltraClear is a unique ‘cold laser’ beam which minimises post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and other thermal-induced side effects which are common in darker skin types. The deeper setting is used to treat acne scarring as well as deep lines and wrinkles. The laser ablates the surface layer of the skin, which triggers a healing response. This stimulates new collagen production to fill in pitted scars, which gives skin a smoother appearance and texture. Downtime for acne scar treatments with UltraClear is far less than traditional ablative laser therapy.

V Beam is a pulsed light source treatment designed to reduce redness in scar tissue. It is especially effective for erythematous scars, hypertrophic sternotomy scars, and newly formed hypertrophic burn scars. This non-ablative laser treatment uses targeted pulses to shrink damaged vessels without harming surrounding skin.