Rolling depressions
Broad, sloping indentations that create uneven contours.
The Bavary Approach · Concerns
Acne Scarring
Acne scars can be shallow, sharply defined, rolling, raised or mixed. Identifying the scar type and whether acne is still active is essential before choosing resurfacing or collagen-remodelling treatment.
Book a consultationThe concern
Understanding Acne Scarring
Acne scarring develops when inflammation disrupts normal tissue repair, leaving indentations, raised scars or textural irregularity after active acne has settled. Dark or red marks after a spot are not the same as structural scarring and often require a different plan.
Bavary Clinic assesses scar type, depth, skin tone, active breakouts and previous treatment before discussing options such as microneedling, RF microneedling or CO₂ resurfacing. No procedure removes every scar completely, and active inflammatory acne may need control before scar treatment begins.
Recognising the signs
What you may notice
The following features may occur individually or together. Their significance depends on the wider pattern and individual assessment.
Boxcar scars
More defined depressions with distinct edges.
Ice-pick scars
Narrow, deeper indentations.
Raised scars
Hypertrophic scars that remain elevated above surrounding skin.
Mixed texture
Several scar patterns may coexist.
Understanding the factors
Why it may happen
Several factors may contribute to this concern. The presence of one feature does not establish a diagnosis.
Inflammatory tissue injury
Deeper inflammation can disrupt normal collagen repair.
Severe acne
Nodules and cysts may carry greater scarring risk.
Picking and delayed control
Repeated trauma and delayed appropriate management can contribute to scarring.
Useful information
Explore the concern
Explore practical answers to common questions about this concern.
The detailed guide
A closer look
Understanding the underlying pattern helps explain treatment choices, limitations and realistic expectations.
How acne scars form
Inflammation can alter collagen formation and tissue repair, leaving depressions or raised areas.
Understanding scar types
Atrophic scars include rolling, boxcar and ice-pick patterns. Raised scars have a different structure and treatment considerations.
Active acne first
Ongoing inflammatory breakouts should be addressed before elective scar-remodelling procedures.
Microneedling and RF microneedling
These approaches may improve selected textural scars through controlled skin remodelling.
CO₂ resurfacing
Ablative resurfacing may be considered for selected patients following detailed assessment of healing and pigment risk.
Skin tone and pigment risk
Inflammation and procedures can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in susceptible skin.
Realistic improvement
Treatment may soften or reduce the appearance of scars but cannot guarantee complete removal.
Treatment sequencing
A staged plan may be more appropriate than combining multiple procedures at once.
Supporting your skin
Caring for your skin
A simple, consistent routine can support comfort and help reduce avoidable irritation.
Use daily broad-spectrum SPF
Sun protection helps reduce additional pigment change.
Maintain gentle skincare
Avoid strong actives during procedural recovery.
Follow recovery advice
Allow the skin to heal before restarting exfoliants or retinoids.
Professional skincare
Skincare to consider
Selected skincare can support a considered routine. Product associations will be added only after WooCommerce identifiers have been verified.
ObagiRetinol + PHA Refining Night Cream 50ml£105.00An exfoliating night cream; introduce cautiously and avoid combining with multiple irritating actives.
ObagiSmoothing Retinol 0.5% 28g£90.00A retinol product for suitable, retinoid-tolerant skin; introduce gradually and use daily sun protection.
ObagiSun Shield Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF50 85g£70.00Broad-spectrum mineral sun protection to support daily photoprotection.
ObagiProfessional-C 15% Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum 30ml£140.00A vitamin C antioxidant serum that may support a routine targeting dullness and uneven tone.Our philosophy
The Bavary Approach
A thoughtful plan begins with understanding the concern, not choosing a procedure.
We begin by understanding acne scarring in context, including scar type, depth, skin tone, active breakouts and previous treatment. Recommendations reflect your priorities, relevant history and individual suitability.
We explain what each option may and may not change, when a conservative approach is preferable and when medical advice should come first.
What happens next
Your consultation journey
Your plan is shaped around your concern, history and suitability, with time to review recommendations and realistic expectations.
Consultation
We begin by discussing your priorities, history and what you would like to change. We consider how long acne scarring has been present and what you have already tried.
You can ask questions and explain any previous treatment or concerns that may affect suitability.
Assessment
We assess scar type, depth, skin tone, active breakouts and previous treatment. We also review relevant skin, hair, medical and lifestyle factors.
If the pattern suggests a medical issue or a treatment outside the clinic's scope, appropriate further advice takes priority.
Recommendations
We explain which options may be relevant, their limitations and the reasons some treatments may not be suitable.
You receive a considered explanation rather than a recommendation to combine procedures unnecessarily.
Personalised Plan
If treatment is appropriate, we agree a staged plan based on your priorities, suitability and recovery requirements.
The plan includes realistic expectations and practical advice for preparation and aftercare.
Review
We review your response and discuss whether any further treatment is justified.
The plan can be adjusted as your needs and results become clearer.
Clinical considerations
When to seek further advice
Active severe acne, keloid tendency, infection, uncertain lesions or relevant recent medication history require appropriate clinical review before procedures.
Questions & answers
Common questions
These answers provide general information. Your individual recommendations depend on consultation and assessment.
Your appointment
Visit Bavary Clinic
Consultations for this concern are available at Bavary Clinic in Harrow and Sligo, subject to suitability and appointment availability.
Sligo
Sligo
Bavary Clinic
Office 9, Wine Street
Rathedmond, Sligo, F91 CC01
Ireland
Your next step
A considered next step
Arrange a consultation to discuss your concerns and explore suitable options.