Scars and acne

Acne scar treatment in Valencia

A face with acne scars rarely has just one type of scar. Ice-pick, boxcar and rolling scars each respond to different techniques. That is why I combine CO2 laser, TCA CROSS, subcision, radiofrequency and fillers in the same session. Treatment usually takes one to three sessions.

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Diagnosis

Three types of scar, three approaches

Narrow and deep

Ice-pick scars

Small and deep, like a puncture. Laser alone does not reach the base; they respond to TCA CROSS.

Defined edges

Boxcar scars

Depressions with vertical edges. CO2 laser and TCA CROSS can be combined to soften the edges.

Tethered beneath the skin

Rolling scars

Fibrous bands pull the skin inwards. They need to be released with subcision and the space filled.

Not scars

Red or brown marks

Marks left after a recent breakout are often inflammation or pigmentation. They are treated differently and often improve sooner.

My protocol

How I treat acne scars

Each technique addresses a different problem, so I combine them in the same session rather than trying one after another.

First session

CO2 laser, TCA CROSS and subcision

This is the main session and the one that produces the greatest change.

UltraPulse Alpha fractional CO2 laser. Remodels the surface and stimulates new collagen throughout the area. It is my main technique for acne scars.
TCA CROSS. Concentrated trichloroacetic acid is applied precisely to the base of each ice-pick scar to encourage it to fill from below.
Cannula or endolaser subcision. Releases the fibrous bands that pull rolling scars down. I use a Mark Taylor cannula or endolaser depending on the case.
Radiofrequency and fillers. Complement the effects on texture and lost volume.

One month later

Fillers, stimulators and picosecond laser

One month after the first session, once the skin has recovered, I refine the remaining areas. If another laser session is needed, I carry it out three to six months after the first.

Hyaluronic acid fillers for scars. Lift scars that remain depressed.
Collagen stimulators. Gradually improve skin firmness and thickness.
Picosecond laser. Treats fine texture and residual pigmented marks with very little downtime.

Afterwards

Recovery

Recovery mainly depends on the CO2 laser treatment.

CO2 laser: Redness and small crusts for five to fourteen days
Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia, usually with sedation. Anaesthetic cream alone is not enough
Intervals: Fillers after one month; another laser session after three to six months if needed
Sessions: Usually one to three
Combination: All techniques within a session are performed on the same day
Best time of year: Autumn and winter, with strict sun protection afterwards

Realistic expectations

What I will explain during your consultation

Acne and scarring, from the outset

We control active acne and address scarring early, including prevention before scars form.

Significant improvement, not complete removal

Deep scars can improve considerably, but the skin does not return to how it was before acne. I will explain what improvement is reasonable to expect in your case.

Collagen takes time

Some results become visible within weeks, but the skin continues to remodel for months after each session.

Real cases

Before and after

Pending: real patient cases with signed consent for promotional use, including dates, number of sessions and techniques used.

Frequently asked questions

Acne scars

How many sessions are needed?

Usually one to three. The first session, with CO2 laser, TCA CROSS and subcision, produces the greatest change. One month later I carry out the session with fillers, stimulators and picosecond laser. If another laser session is needed, I perform it after three to six months.

How much recovery time will I need?

After CO2 laser, expect five to fourteen days of redness and small crusts. Sessions with fillers, stimulators and picosecond laser involve very little downtime.

Does it hurt?

The session with CO2 laser, TCA CROSS and subcision is performed at the clinic under local anaesthesia, usually with sedation. Anaesthetic cream alone is not enough for this treatment.

Can scars be treated if I still have acne?

Yes. We control active acne and address scarring from the outset, with early treatment. Even before scars form, we act to prevent them: this early, combined approach is how we achieve the best results.

What is TCA CROSS?

A drop of highly concentrated trichloroacetic acid is applied to the base of each ice-pick scar. This creates a controlled injury that encourages the scar to fill with collagen from below.

What is subcision?

It releases the fibrous bands beneath rolling scars that pull the skin inwards, using a fine cannula or endolaser.

How much does it cost?

It depends on the type and extent of the scars. The initial consultation costs €150, and you leave with a treatment plan and a quote.

Would you like to know how much your scars could improve?

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Content reviewed by Dr. Ignacio Torres Navarro, dermatologist (registration no. 46-24-287). Last reviewed: October 2026. This information does not replace a medical consultation; results vary from patient to patient.