Skin Concerns
Acne Scar Treatment in Brickell, Miami
Acne scars are structural: collagen was lost (or over-built) while a breakout healed, which is why creams alone rarely change them. The right plan depends on the scar type, your skin tone and how much downtime you can take, and most patients do best with a sequence of two or three complementary technologies rather than a single device. Treatments are designed to make scars noticeably smoother and less visible; complete removal is not a realistic goal.
- Session time: 30–60 min
- Downtime: None to 5–10 days, by treatment
- Sessions typically needed: 1–6, by treatment
$50 deposit, applied to your treatment
- ★ Google 4.9 (218)
- Licensed medical providers
- Medical director oversight
- Consultation before every treatment
The Concern
Understanding acne scars & texture
Atrophic (indented) scars — the majority.
- Ice pick: narrow, deep pits; the hardest type; respond to focal techniques (e.g., TCA CROSS, where offered), full CO2 and sometimes excision.
- Boxcar: wider depressions with defined edges; respond to fractional CO2, RF microneedling, non-ablative fractional laser.
- Rolling: broad, wave-like depressions tethered beneath; respond to RF microneedling, microneedling, subcision (where offered) and CO2.
Raised scars. Hypertrophic (within the original spot) and keloid (growing beyond it). These are managed differently, often with injections and gentle lasers; keloid tendency also changes which devices we use elsewhere.
Marks that are not scars. Red marks (post-inflammatory erythema) and brown marks (PIH) are flat and usually fade with IPL/Laser Genesis or brighteners/Pico; see Pigmentation and Acne pages.
Texture. Rough, "orange-peel" or uneven skin without distinct scars, often with enlarged pores, responds to lighter resurfacing (CoolPeel, SpectraionX, peels).
Why skin tone matters. Medium to deep tones have a higher risk of post-treatment darkening with ablative lasers and strong peels, so we favor RF microneedling, microneedling, Pico and conservative fractional settings, with pre-treatment and test spots when indicated.
Treatment Options
How we treat it
1. Full fractional CO2 resurfacing (DEKA Tetra) — for moderate to severe boxcar, rolling and ice-pick scars
- What it does for this concern
- Microscopic columns of ablation plus controlled heat trigger strong collagen remodeling; the deepest, most powerful option for scar depth. Pulse shape and depth are adjustable per scar area.
- Sessions
- 1–3, spaced 2–3 months apart.
- Downtime
- 5–10 days of swelling, oozing and peeling; pinkness for 2–6 weeks.
- Who it suits
- Lighter to medium tones with significant scarring who can plan downtime (often scheduled around travel/low-sun periods); deeper tones only with provider judgment and pre-treatment.
2. CoolPeel (DEKA Tetra) — for mild scarring and overall texture with little downtime
- What it does for this concern
- A superficial CO2 "peel" that smooths the top layer and softens shallow scars, pores and roughness, with limited heat. Often layered in the same session with deeper fractional passes on scar clusters.
- Sessions
- 3, spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
- Downtime
- 2–5 days of pinkness and sandpaper texture.
- Who it suits
- Mild scars and texture; patients who cannot take a week off.
3. Morpheus8 (InMode RF microneedling) — for rolling and boxcar scars across most skin tones
- What it does for this concern
- Insulated microneedles deliver radiofrequency heat at set depths (adjustable from superficial to several millimeters), remodeling tethered scar tissue from below while sparing the surface. Because it does not target pigment, it is a core option for medium and deeper skin tones.
- Sessions
- 3 (up to 4 for deeper scars), spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
- Downtime
- 2–5 days of redness, mild swelling and pinpoint marks; makeup usually after 48 hours.
- Who it suits
- Rolling/boxcar scars, scars with laxity (e.g., cheeks), skin tones where CO2 is riskier; not for active cystic acne, keloid history, pregnancy or recent isotretinoin.
4. SpectraionX (1550-type non-ablative fractional) — for scars and texture without open skin
- What it does for this concern
- The deeper 1550-type wavelength creates columns of heat in the dermis to rebuild collagen beneath scars; the 1927-type wavelength can be added for brown post-acne marks in the same visit. The surface is not ablated.
- Sessions
- 3–5, spaced 4 weeks apart.
- Downtime
- 3–5 days of redness and swelling; no peeling wounds.
- Who it suits
- Mild to moderate scars, scars plus PIH, patients wanting a middle ground between CoolPeel and full CO2.
5. Microneedling with PRP — collagen induction for rolling scars and texture, any tone
- What it does for this concern
- Controlled micro-injuries stimulate collagen; platelet-rich plasma from your own blood is applied or injected to support healing. Lower PIH risk than ablative options.
- Sessions
- 4–6, every 4–6 weeks.
- Downtime
- 1–3 days of redness, like a sunburn.
- Who it suits
- Rolling scars and general texture; deeper skin tones; patients building toward or maintaining after Morpheus8/CO2.
6. Pico laser (fractional handpiece) — for shallow scars plus discoloration
- What it does for this concern
- Picosecond micro-beams create tiny zones of injury beneath the surface to stimulate remodeling, with less heat than other lasers, while the standard mode clears brown marks. Manufacturer-cleared for acne scars (device-specific).
- Sessions
- 3–6, every 4–6 weeks.
- Downtime
- Minimal; redness for hours to a day.
- Who it suits
- Shallow scars with PIH, deeper skin tones, low-downtime preference.
7. Chemical peels (medium-depth TCA blends; superficial series)
- What it does for this concern
- Medium peels smooth shallow boxcar scars and overall texture; superficial series brighten marks and refine texture between device sessions.
- Sessions
- Medium 1–2 a year; superficial series of 4–6.
- Downtime
- Medium 5–7 days of peeling; superficial 1–3 days.
- Who it suits
- Lighter tones for medium peels; all plans for maintenance.
Facial-based options: Microneedling and Microneedling + PRP are planned as a series for texture and shallow scarring.
Your Visit
What to expect
- Consultation: scar mapping by type, skin tone assessment, history of keloids, isotretinoin, cold sores, pregnancy; photos; downtime tolerance; sequencing of treatments (active acne first).
- Preparation: skin-prep routine for 2–4 weeks on deeper tones; antiviral prophylaxis if cold-sore history for CO2; stop retinoids 3–5 days before; no tan.
- During: Numbing cream for CO2, Morpheus8 and microneedling; sessions 30–60 minutes.
- After: Swelling peaks at 24–48 hours; crusting/peeling with CO2; pinpoint marks with needling.
Aftercare
Aftercare basics
Occlusive, bland healing ointment for CO2 as instructed; gentle cleanser; no actives for 5–7 days (longer for CO2); strict SPF and sun avoidance for 4 weeks; no gym, sauna or pools for 48–72 hours (longer for CO2); do not pick; call for signs of infection.
Results
Results timeline
- Early smoothing at 4–6 weeks; most visible change between 2 and 4 months as collagen matures; continued improvement to 6 months after the last session.
- Series are usually assessed at 3 months after completion before deciding on additional sessions. Individual results vary.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Pricing: Pricing confirmed at consultation
No treatment removes scars entirely. Many patients see substantial smoothing and reduced visibility over a series; the consultation sets realistic goals by scar type.
By scar type, skin tone and downtime: CO2 is the most powerful for deep scars in lighter skin; Morpheus8 and microneedling suit rolling/boxcar scars across tones; SpectraionX and CoolPeel sit in between. Your provider maps your scars at consultation.
RF microneedling, microneedling/PRP and Pico are typically favored, with CO2 and medium peels used cautiously or avoided. Pre-treatment and test spots reduce the risk of dark marks.
Yes. Treating scars during active breakouts risks spreading inflammation and creating new scars. See our Acne page.
Typically 3–4 for Morpheus8 or SpectraionX, 4–6 for microneedling/PRP, 1–3 for full CO2. Individual results vary.
From none (Pico) to 2–5 days (CoolPeel, Morpheus8, microneedling) to 5–10 days (full CO2). Many Brickell patients schedule CO2 before a low-sun week.
Numbing cream and cooling are used; most patients describe heat and pressure that is tolerable. Comfort measures are discussed before treatment.
Often, in sequence or in staged sessions, under provider direction. Combination plans are common for mixed scar types.
Many resurfacing treatments are postponed for a period after finishing isotretinoin; tell your provider the dates.
Collagen built through treatment is long-lasting, but skin continues to age; maintenance sessions and sun protection help preserve results.
Keep Exploring
Related pages
- Skin rejuvenation guide
- Deka CO2
- Cool Peel
- Morpheus8
- Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Microneedling
- Chemical Peels
- IPL
- Laser Genesis
- Acne
- Pigmentation
- Enlarged Pores & Oily Skin
- Skin Concerns
- Rosacea
- Pigmentation
- Acne
- Stretch Marks
- Fine Lines & Wrinkles
- Loose Skin
- Enlarged Pores & Oily Skin
- Dark Circles Under the Eyes
- Double Chin
- Dull & Dehydrated Skin
- All Skin Concerns
- Monday – Friday
- 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday
- By appointment only
- Sunday
- Closed