Quick answer: The best acne scar treatment depends on the type of scar you have. Rolling scars and shallow boxcar scars respond well to microneedling, often boosted with PRP. Deeper boxcar scars and widespread texture usually need fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. Dark marks left behind by breakouts fade best with chemical peels such as the VI Peel or a TCA peel. Most people need a series of 3 to 6 sessions, and many get the best results from a combination plan.
Written by the Oxygen Med Spa team in Orland Park. We treat acne scars with microneedling, PRP, fractional CO2 and medical-grade peels, and we build each plan around the scars we see in your consultation.
Acne clears up, but the marks it leaves behind can stay for years. The good news is that most acne scarring improves with the right treatment. The key is matching the treatment to the scar, because a peel that fades a dark spot will do little for a deep pit, and a laser built for deep texture is more than you need for a light mark. This guide explains each type of acne scar, which treatments work best for it, how many sessions to expect and what treatment costs in Orland Park.
The Types of Acne Scars
| Scar Type | What It Looks Like | How Hard It Is to Treat |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling scars | Soft, wave-like dips that make skin look uneven, especially in side lighting | Responds well to treatment |
| Boxcar scars | Round or oval depressions with sharp edges, like a small chickenpox scar | Shallow ones respond well; deep ones need stronger treatment |
| Ice pick scars | Narrow, deep holes that look like large pores | The most stubborn type, often needs a combination plan |
| Dark marks (hyperpigmentation) | Brown or dark spots where a pimple used to be, flat to the touch | Very treatable, technically not a true scar |
| Red or pink marks | Flat redness that lingers after breakouts heal | Very treatable, fades with time and light-based treatment |
| Raised scars | Firm, raised bumps, most common on the chest, back and jawline | Needs a medical evaluation, often treated by a dermatologist |
Most people have more than one type. That is why a consultation matters: we look at your skin in different lighting, identify each type of scarring and plan treatments in the right order.
Which Treatment Works for Which Scar
| Treatment | Best For | Typical Sessions | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microneedling | Rolling scars, shallow boxcar scars, overall texture | 3 to 6, about 4 to 6 weeks apart | 1 to 3 days of redness |
| Microneedling with PRP | The same scars as microneedling, with added support for healing and collagen | 3 to 6, about 4 to 6 weeks apart | 1 to 3 days of redness |
| Fractional CO2 laser | Deeper boxcar scars, rolling scars and widespread texture | 1 to 3, spaced several weeks apart | About 5 to 7 days of peeling and redness |
| TCA chemical peel | Dark marks and mild surface texture | 2 to 4 | About 5 to 7 days of peeling |
| VI Peel | Dark marks and uneven tone | 1 to 3 | About 5 to 7 days of light peeling |
| IPL photo facial | Red and pink marks, sun damage on top of scarring | 3 to 5 | Little to none |
Session counts and downtime vary with your skin type, scar depth and the settings used. Your provider will give you a personal estimate at your consultation.
Microneedling for Acne Scars
Microneedling uses fine needles to create tiny controlled channels in the skin. Your skin responds by producing new collagen, which gradually lifts and smooths depressed scars. It is one of the most popular acne scar treatments because it works on rolling and shallow boxcar scars with only a day or two of redness.
- Best for: rolling scars, shallow boxcar scars and rough texture
- Good choice for: most skin tones, including medium and darker skin, because it does not rely on heat
- Results: build gradually over several months as new collagen forms
Wondering how it compares with gentler options? Read microdermabrasion vs. microneedling.
Adding PRP to Microneedling
PRP for facial treatments uses platelet-rich plasma prepared from a small sample of your own blood. Applied during microneedling, PRP is used to support healing and collagen production. Many clients choose it for acne scars because it can help each session do more. Learn more in PRP facial: how it is different from microneedling.
Fractional CO2 Laser for Deeper Scars
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is the strongest option we offer for acne scars. The laser removes thin columns of damaged skin and heats the deeper layers, which triggers significant collagen remodeling. It is the treatment we turn to for deeper boxcar scars and widespread texture that microneedling alone cannot fully improve.
- Best for: moderate to deep boxcar scars, rolling scars and overall texture
- Downtime: plan on about a week of peeling and redness
- Skin tone: darker skin tones carry a higher risk of pigment changes after CO2, so your provider will review whether CO2 or microneedling is the safer fit
Planning a CO2 treatment? Our CO2 resurfacing aftercare guide walks through recovery day by day, and our CO2 laser resurfacing cost guide covers pricing in detail.
Chemical Peels for Dark Marks and Surface Texture
Many of the marks people call acne scars are actually dark spots, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They sit flat on the skin and respond well to chemical peels. The VI Peel is a popular choice for evening out tone, while a TCA peel works a little deeper on dark marks and mild texture.
Not sure which strength you need? Read chemical peel strengths explained and VI Peel vs. TCA peel. For more on dark marks, see our skin pigmentation treatment page.
IPL for Red Marks
Red or pink marks that linger after breakouts are caused by small blood vessels near the surface. An IPL photo facial targets that redness with light and has very little downtime. Learn more in what IPL actually does for sun spots and redness.
Why a Combination Plan Often Works Best
Because most people have a mix of scar types, the best results often come from combining treatments in the right order. A common plan looks like this:
| Phase | Goal | Example Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Fade dark and red marks so the true scarring is easier to see | Chemical peels or IPL |
| Phase 2 | Rebuild collagen to lift depressed scars | Microneedling, with or without PRP |
| Phase 3 | Resurface deeper scars that remain | Fractional CO2 laser |
| Maintenance | Protect results and keep skin healthy | Periodic facials, peels and daily sunscreen |
Not every client needs every phase. Some see the results they want after microneedling alone, while others go straight to CO2. Your plan is built around your skin.
Acne Scar Treatment Cost in Orland Park
Here are approximate price ranges for acne scar treatments in the Orland Park area. Your exact price depends on the treatment area, the severity of your scarring and the number of sessions you need, and it will be confirmed at your consultation.
| Treatment | Approximate Range per Session | Typical Number of Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Microneedling | $250 to $500 | 3 to 6 |
| Microneedling with PRP | $500 to $900 | 3 to 6 |
| Fractional CO2, full face | $1,200 to $2,500 | 1 to 3 |
| Chemical peels, including VI Peel and TCA | $150 to $450 | 2 to 4 |
| IPL photo facial | $250 to $500 | 3 to 5 |
Packages and memberships can lower the cost per session for treatment plans that run over several months. Check our current hot deals, view our med spa pricing and read is an Oxygen membership worth it?
Before You Start Acne Scar Treatment
- Get active acne under control first. Scar treatments work best on skin that is not actively breaking out. If you still get regular breakouts, we will talk about that first.
- Tell us about your medications. Some acne medications, including isotretinoin, affect when it is safe to start microneedling, peels or laser treatment. Your provider will advise you on timing.
- Protect your skin from the sun. Daily SPF helps prevent new dark marks and protects your results.
- Plan around events. Leave at least two weeks after a peel or CO2 treatment before a big event, and longer if you can.
- Take photos. Scar improvement is gradual, and before and after photos make progress easier to see.
New to med spa treatments? Read how to prepare for your first med spa visit.
Acne Scar Treatment FAQ
What is the best treatment for acne scars?
It depends on the scar type. Microneedling works well for rolling and shallow boxcar scars, fractional CO2 works best for deeper scars and texture, and chemical peels fade dark marks. Many people get the best results from a combination plan.
Can acne scars be removed completely?
Most acne scars can be improved significantly, but complete removal is not always realistic, especially for deep ice pick scars. The goal is smoother, more even skin that you feel confident in.
How many sessions will I need?
Most clients need 3 to 6 microneedling sessions or 1 to 3 CO2 sessions. Dark marks often fade in 2 to 4 peels. Your provider will give you an estimate at your consultation.
When will I see results?
Dark marks often look lighter within a few weeks. Depressed scars improve gradually as new collagen forms, so the biggest change usually shows 3 to 6 months after a treatment series.
Is microneedling or CO2 better for acne scars?
Microneedling has less downtime and suits most skin tones, so it is a great starting point for rolling and shallow scars. CO2 is stronger and better for deep scarring, but it requires about a week of recovery. Some clients use both at different stages.
Are acne scar treatments safe for darker skin?
Yes, with the right choice of treatment. Microneedling is generally a safe option for darker skin tones. CO2 and some peels carry a higher risk of pigment changes in darker skin, so your provider will choose settings and treatments carefully.
Does acne scar treatment hurt?
A numbing cream is typically applied before microneedling and CO2 to keep you comfortable. Most clients describe the feeling as pressure, warmth or mild prickling.
How much does acne scar treatment cost in Orland Park?
Approximate ranges are $250 to $500 per microneedling session, $500 to $900 with PRP and $1,200 to $2,500 for a full face CO2 treatment. Your exact price is confirmed at your consultation.
Can I treat acne scars while I still have breakouts?
It is best to get active acne under control first. Treating scars while new breakouts are forming can slow your progress, and some treatments should not be done over active acne.
Book Your Acne Scar Consultation in Orland Park
Oxygen Med Spa serves Orland Park, Tinley Park, Frankfort, Mokena, Palos Heights and the southwest suburbs from our studio at 14360 South La Grange Road. At your consultation, we will identify your scar types, recommend a treatment plan and confirm your pricing. Book your appointment online, contact us or call (708) 229-8800.
