Depressions and an uneven skin “texture” after acne can stay for years — but they can be visibly reduced. We rebuild the skin layer by layer: with a fractional laser and with microneedling. At your consultation we will assess the type of scarring (depressed, “ice-pick”, rolling) and match the technology and the number of treatments.
Acne scars are a permanent trace of acne inflammation — the result of faulty collagen remodelling during healing. In some people they are narrow, deep “ice-pick” marks, in others wider depressions with sharp edges, or undulating, “rolling” irregularities. They are often accompanied by generally uneven texture, enlarged pores and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
The good news is that skin texture really can be rebuilt. A controlled, microscopic injury — from a fractional laser beam or from microneedles — triggers the production of new collagen, which gradually fills and smooths the scar. At Velvet Skin Clinic we match the method to the type of scarring, and we often combine techniques within a single plan. If acne is still active, we calm it down first — and this is helped by active acne therapy.
We work on the principle of controlled regeneration: the Er:YAG fractional laser (Fotona) vaporises microcolumns of the epidermis and the dermis, while microneedling radiofrequency and microneedling deliver the stimulus deeper down. In response the skin produces new collagen and elastin, which fill the depressions and even out the surface. The effect builds over the weeks after the treatment and accumulates across a course — which is why we speak of visibly shallower scars rather than of a one-off “removal”.
We have the Fotona Er:YAG fractional laser, Vivace microneedling radiofrequency and the Dermapen 4 device — which lets us match the technology and the working depth to the type of scarring.
Source: Versum and Booksy reports, as at 30.06.2026 (total treatments performed for acne scars and skin texture; client numbers and return rates — data for the whole clinic).
The deeper and longer the inflammation (papules, cysts, cystic lesions), the greater the risk of permanent collagen damage and of scarring.
Mechanical damage to the lesions — squeezing, picking — deepens the injury and encourages both scarring and pigmentation.
The tendency to scar varies from person to person. The longer scars go untreated, the more firmly their structure sets.
Narrow and deep, like pinpricks. They call for the deepest, most targeted approach — a fractional laser, sometimes combined techniques.
Wider depressions with fairly sharp edges. They respond well to Er:YAG fractional resurfacing, which evens out the surface.
A diffuse “waviness” of the skin caused by connective-tissue tethering. Microneedling radiofrequency and microneedling work well here.
Most often scars of different types coexist — which is why we agree the plan and the choice of technology individually at your consultation.
We rebuild skin texture with energy and microneedling — matching the technology to the type and depth of the scarring. We often combine methods. Each one has its own dedicated page.
Fractional Er:YAG vaporises microcolumns of skin and stimulates collagen rebuilding — it smooths depressions and evens out the surface, especially in boxcar scarring.
Microneedles deliver energy deep into the skin, stimulating remodelling — effective for rolling scars and for improving overall texture.
Mechanical microneedling stimulates regeneration and improves skin texture — often combined with other methods within a course.
A comprehensive laser approach to scars of various origins — for when, alongside acne scarring, we are also working with other marks on the skin.
| Method | Works best on | Result | Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Er:YAG fractional laser | boxcar scars, overall texture | smoothing and remodelling of the surface | a course of 3–5 treatments |
| Vivace microneedling RF | rolling scars, texture | remodelling of the deeper layers | a course of treatments |
| Dermapen 4 | texture, shallower irregularities | stimulation of regeneration | a course, often combined |
| Laser scar removal | mixed and post-traumatic scars | an individual combined plan | as assessed |
Fractional lasers and microneedling are among the best-documented methods for improving atrophic scars. Below are the publications on which we base our choice of technology.
A review of energy-based methods in the treatment of atrophic acne scars — it confirms improvement in skin texture.
Liu et al., 2024 · PubMed →A review of the use of fractional lasers in improving the surface and texture of facial skin.
Carniol et al., JAMA Facial Plast Surg 2015 · PubMed →A review of the evidence on microneedling in improving scars and skin texture.
Atiyeh et al., Aesthetic Plast Surg 2021 · PubMed →Informational and educational material — it does not replace a medical consultation. The studies cited concern the methods as a group; results are individual.
Once we have assessed the type of scarring, we choose the technology and the settings. The treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic (cream); the sensation is one of warmth and tiny pricks. Afterwards the skin may be red and slightly swollen for a few days, and the remodelling effect builds over weeks.
Establishing the type of scarring and the condition of the skin, taking a history and choosing the technology.
Cleansing of the skin and local anaesthetic for comfort.
A controlled micro-injury that stimulates collagen remodelling.
The skin heals over a few days; the effect accumulates across a course of treatments.
After remodelling the skin needs to recover and to be protected. The right aftercare speeds up healing and consolidates the improvement in texture.
SPF 50 every day — freshly remodelled skin is sensitive to the sun, which encourages pigmentation.
For a few days, soothing and moisturising products only, with no retinoids, acids or scrubbing.
We do not pick off scabs or flaking skin — this is the key to smooth healing.
New collagen forms over weeks — we assess the full effect after the course, not after the first treatment.
If acne flares from time to time, we manage it in parallel so that new scars do not form.
Informational and educational material. Detailed recommendations are given by your specialist; results are individual.
“I warmly recommend it, complete professionalism. The procedure for laser treatment of acne scars was explained in detail. A great result, I am very pleased.” (translated from Polish)
Karolina P. · 2024review from Google“My problem skin is no longer a problem :) The team dealt brilliantly with my acne scarring and with my oily skin.” (translated from Polish)
Dorota B. · 2025review from Google“I have got rid of the thing I was self-conscious about — my acne scars. I highly recommend it.” (translated from Polish)
Lena J. · 2024review from GoogleScar treatment is always preceded by a medical history. The main contraindications and situations calling for caution:
In people prone to keloids and after isotretinoin we plan treatment with particular care, working with a dermatologist where needed.
Scars usually cannot be removed 100%, but they can be visibly reduced and the skin texture evened out — often by more than half over a course of treatments. The realistic goal is markedly smoother, far less noticeable skin, rather than a “zero” scar.
Most often a course of 3–5 treatments every few weeks, depending on the type and depth of the scarring. We agree the exact plan at your consultation, after assessing your skin.
We work under local anaesthetic (cream), so the treatment is well tolerated — you feel warmth and tiny pricks. Afterwards the skin may be red and slightly swollen for a few days.
We calm active acne first — we begin rebuilding the scars once the skin is settled. If you have taken isotretinoin, we leave an appropriate gap after the course.
The fractional laser works mainly at the surface and in the dermis (excellent for boxcar scars and for texture), while microneedling radiofrequency reaches deeper (better for rolling scars). We often combine the two methods for a fuller result.
The price depends on the method, the size of the area and the number of treatments in the course. We provide a quote at your consultation, and full rates are available in the price list. The consultation includes a scar assessment.
Treatments at Velvet Skin Clinic are performed by certified cosmetologists with many years of experience in laser therapy, hi-tech devices and skin care treatments. After a consultation we match the method and the specialist to your skin and your goal.








00-116 Warszawa · opposite the Palace of Culture and Science
tel. 500 53 30 30