Acne scars may improve without surgery. Learn how ResurFx laser resurfacing and IPL can help smooth texture and fade discoloration in Jacksonville, FL
If acne scars have outlasted the breakouts that caused them, you are not alone, and you do not need surgery to do something about them. At Jacksonville Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Beal offers non-surgical acne scar treatments that can help smooth texture, soften discoloration, and improve the overall look of your skin.
Ready to talk about your skin? Request an appointment through our online form or call our office at (904) 420-7372.
Why Acne Scars Form
Acne scars develop when a breakout damages the deeper layers of the skin. As the skin heals, it may produce too little collagen (leaving a depression) or heal unevenly (leaving raised or textured areas). Inflammation from picking or squeezing blemishes often worsens scarring, which is one reason early acne treatment matters so much.
Not every mark left behind is a true scar. Many people also deal with post-inflammatory discoloration, the red or brown spots that linger after a blemish heals. These are treated differently than textural scars, and an in-person evaluation is the best way to know which you have.
Common Types of Acne Scars
Acne scars generally fall into a few categories:
- Atrophic scars sit below the surrounding skin. These include ice pick scars (narrow and deep), boxcar scars (broader with defined edges), and rolling scars (wavy, uneven texture).
- Raised scars sit above the skin surface and are more common on the chest, back, and jawline.
- Post-inflammatory redness or dark spots are color changes, not texture changes.
Most patients have a combination, which is why a single approach rarely addresses everything. A treatment plan tailored to your specific scar types often yields the most noticeable improvement.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options in Jacksonville
ResurFx Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing
ResurFx is often the cornerstone of acne scar treatment at our practice. This non-ablative fractional laser delivers energy into the deeper layers of the skin without removing the surface, stimulating your body’s own collagen production. Over a series of treatments, this new collagen can help fill in depressed scars and smooth uneven texture.
Because ResurFx leaves the skin surface intact, downtime is minimal compared to ablative resurfacing. Many patients experience some redness for a day or two and can return to normal activities quickly. Results build gradually as collagen remodels over the weeks following each session, and a series of treatments is typically recommended for meaningful improvement. Individual results vary.
M22 IPL for Post-Acne Redness and Dark Spots
If your main concern is the color left behind rather than texture, intense pulsed light (IPL) with the M22 platform may be an appropriate option. IPL targets redness and brown discoloration in the skin, helping fade the lingering marks that can make skin look uneven even after acne has cleared.
For patients with both discoloration and textural scarring, IPL and ResurFx can be discussed together as part of a staged treatment plan.
Medical Acne Treatment to Prevent New Scars
Treating existing scars while breakouts continue is like repainting a wall that is still being damaged. If you have active acne, getting it under control is an essential first step. Dr. Beal offers medical dermatology care for acne, including prescription topical and oral therapies tailored to your skin. Preventing new scars is often the most valuable part of any scar treatment plan.
Why Choose Jacksonville Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery
Our practice is physician-owned and independently operated, which means your care plan is built around your skin, not a corporate protocol. Patients throughout the Jacksonville area visit our Southpoint office for medical dermatology, cosmetic treatments, and advanced laser and light therapies in one convenient location.
Take the First Step Toward Smoother Skin
Acne scars do not have to be permanent, and treating them does not have to mean surgery. Request an appointment using our online form, or call (904) 420-7372 to schedule your consultation.