Acne Scars: Frequently Asked Questions

Treatment can also help make crater-like acne scars less noticeable. At YAYOI CLINIC, we consider treatments such as Potenza or Dermapen 4 for shallow indentations, and subcision for cases where there is hard tissue beneath the skin. However, the degree of improvement and the course of treatment vary from person to person, and it is not always possible to fully restore the skin to its original condition.

Even when pores appear prominent due to acne scars, we can explore treatment options tailored to your skin’s condition. Sometimes, post-inflammatory scarring may resemble pores, while other times the pores themselves may be noticeably enlarged—and it can be difficult to distinguish between the two based on appearance alone. At YAYOI CLINIC, we’ll assess your condition during a consultation and recommend treatments such as Potenza.

If you have severe acne scars, it’s important not to apply multiple layers of harsh skincare products on your own—instead, have a doctor assess your skin condition. Crater-like indentations and long-lasting hyperpigmentation may be difficult to improve through self-care alone. At YAYOI CLINIC, we offer skincare consultations tailored to your skin type and recommend treatments as needed.

Acne scars occur when severe inflammation or infection from acne causes lasting damage to the skin. If the inflammation reaches the deeper layers of the skin, it can leave crater-like indentations. Acne scars can also manifest in various other forms, such as post-inflammatory redness or hyperpigmentation.

At YAYOI CLINIC, our doctors examine acne scars—including uneven skin texture and redness—and recommend treatment options based on your concerns and skin type. The VISIA skin analysis system visualizes redness and acne susceptibility, and serves as a valuable reference for comparing your skin condition before and after treatment. We review the results alongside your consultation findings to determine the best course of treatment.

While results vary depending on the symptoms and depth of acne scars, YAYOI CLINIC’s customized treatment plan aims to improve skin texture over a course of approximately six sessions. However, not all acne scars will improve after six sessions. We will examine the condition of your skin—including redness, pigmentation, and indentations—to determine the appropriate treatment and number of sessions.

The level of pain associated with acne scar treatment varies depending on the procedure you choose, such as Potenza or Subcision. At YAYOI CLINIC, we take measures to minimize discomfort during treatment—such as using numbing cream and adjusting the heat output—but we cannot guarantee that there will be absolutely no pain. If you are concerned about pain, please let us know during your consultation so we can discuss your treatment options and how we’ll address your concerns.

You can also consult with us about both your current acne and acne scars at the same time. If you experience recurring acne, it’s important to address not only the scars but also the current inflammation. At YAYOI CLINIC, we recommend treatments tailored to your skin condition. If you suffer from frequent breakouts, please consider visiting a dermatologist who accepts insurance as soon as possible.

For red acne scars, we will assess the condition before determining the appropriate treatment. At YAYOI CLINIC, we can treat red acne scars with the Advatex laser. Since redness may subside over time, our doctors will conduct an examination to determine whether laser treatment is appropriate and whether other treatments are necessary.

At YAYOI CLINIC, we consider treatments such as the Dermapen 4 for hyperpigmentation caused by acne scars. Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin, which has increased due to acne inflammation, remains in the skin. A doctor will assess your skin condition and the severity of the hyperpigmentation to determine if treatment is appropriate.