Acne Scars Treatment in Edmonton

Acne scars can linger long after breakouts fade, leaving indentations, dark marks and uneven texture. At Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre in Edmonton, we specialize in comprehensive acne scar treatment and acne scar removal to help you regain clear, confident skin. Whether you are dealing with ice‑pick pits, rolling depressions or raised scars, our experienced medical team tailors solutions to suit your unique skin type and scar pattern. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and empowered throughout your journey to smoother skin.

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Understanding Acne Scars

Acne scars form when inflamed blemishes damage the skin’s underlying tissue. As your body heals, it produces too little or too much collagen, resulting in depressions (atrophic scars) or raised bumps (hypertrophic and keloid scars). The most common acne scar types include:

  • Ice‑pick scars: narrow, deep pits that extend into the dermis and look like small punctures.
  • Rolling scars: wide depressions with sloping edges that create a wavy texture.
  • Boxcar scars: round or oval depressions with sharp vertical edges, similar to chickenpox scars.
  • Hypertrophic & keloid scars: raised, firm bumps that occur when excess collagen forms during healing.

If you are unsure what type of scar you have, don’t worry—our trained providers will assess your skin during your consultation and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Acne Scar Treatment Summary

Cost And Pricing

Prices range from $300 to $1200 per session based on technology—Genesis, peels, microneedling, Fraxel, or CO2 laser.

Procedure Duration

Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes including numbing, treatment, and post-care; combination therapies might take slightly longer.

Treatment benefits

Improves skin texture, smooths acne scars, reduces discoloration, boosts collagen, and enhances confidence with minimal recovery time.

Expected Results

Visible improvements begin in 4–6 weeks, with deeper changes developing over months through multiple treatment sessions.

Side Effects And Downtime

Redness, swelling, dryness, and mild peeling are possible; laser treatments may require a few extra recovery days.

Discomfort and Pain Level

Mild to moderate; numbing cream minimizes pain. Lasers may feel hot—cooling and aftercare reduce discomfort effectively.
Infographic summarizing acne scar treatment details: prices range from $300 to $1,200 per session; sessions take 45–60 minutes including numbing; benefits include smoother skin texture and reduced acne scars; visible improvements start in four to six weeks; possible side effects include redness, swelling, dryness and mild peeling; lasers may feel hot but cooling and aftercare minimize discomfort.

Advanced Treatment Options

We offer a range of evidence‑based therapies to reduce and remove acne scars. Often, combining treatments yields the best results. During your personalized plan, we may recommend one or more of the following:

Microneedling

Also called collagen‑induction therapy, microneedling uses tiny needles to create controlled micro‑injuries in the skin. This stimulates new collagen and elastin growth, softening rolling and boxcar scars over several sessions. We may enhance results with platelet‑rich plasma (PRP) or radiofrequency (RF) for deeper collagen remodeling.

Laser Resurfacing

Fractional and CO2 lasers deliver pulses of light to remove scarred tissue and encourage healthy regeneration. This treatment can improve texture and pigmentation in a few sessions, though downtime of several days is common. Laser resurfacing is especially effective for boxcar and mixed scars.

Chemical Peels & TCA CROSS

Medical‑grade chemical peels remove the outer layers of skin, revealing smoother tissue beneath. For stubborn ice‑pick scars, our providers may perform TCA CROSS (chemical reconstruction of skin scars) by applying trichloroacetic acid directly into the scar to stimulate new collagen formation.

Subcision & Punch Techniques

Subcision is a minor surgical procedure that breaks up fibrous bands anchoring rolling or boxcar scars. A delicate needle releases the tethered tissue, allowing the skin to lift and flatten. Deep ice‑pick scars may require punch excision or punch elevation to remove or lift the scar base.

Dermal Fillers & Fat Transfer

Hyaluronic acid or collagen‑stimulating fillers can plump depressed scars, providing immediate improvement. For more lasting results, fat transfer uses your own fat to fill in large atrophic scars. Fillers are often combined with other treatments for synergistic effects.

Steroid Injections & Cryotherapy

For thick, raised hypertrophic or keloid scars, corticosteroid injections can reduce redness and flatten the bump. In some cases, cryotherapy (freezing therapy) may be used to shrink the scar tissue.

Because each scar pattern is unique, we will design a step‑by‑step plan that may include multiple visits. Most clients experience a noticeable improvement over a series of 3–6 sessions.

 

Your Experience at Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre

Our Edmonton clinic offers a welcoming, judgement‑free environment. Your journey begins with a one‑on‑one consultation to discuss your goals and medical history. During treatments, our medical aestheticians and physicians ensure your comfort with topical numbing agents and aftercare guidance. Sessions generally last 30–60 minutes, and downtime varies from no visible effects to a few days of redness and peeling, depending on the procedure chosen.

After your treatment, we provide detailed instructions to promote healing and avoid complications. You will need to keep the area clean, moisturized and protected from the sun. Mild redness, swelling or peeling are common and usually resolve within a few days.

Why Choose Us for Acne Scar Removal in Edmonton?

  • Experienced team: Our clinic is led by physicians and nurses with extensive experience in dermatologic and cosmetic procedures.
  • State‑of‑the‑art technology: We invest in cutting‑edge lasers, microneedling devices and chemical peel formulations to provide safe, effective treatments.
  • Personalized care: No two faces are the same. We tailor each treatment plan to your scar type, skin tone, budget and lifestyle.
  • Comprehensive approach: We combine therapies—microneedling, lasers, fillers and more—to deliver the best possible results.
  • Focus on comfort: We prioritize your comfort and safety, using topical anesthetics, cooling systems and aftercare support.

Ready to start your acne scars treatment in Edmonton? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward renewed skin and confidence.

Which Treatment Is Best for Your Skin Type?

Your skin type plays a crucial role in determining the most effective and safest treatment for acne scars. Factors like melanin levels, sensitivity, oil production, and healing response influence how your skin reacts to certain procedures. Here’s how treatment selection may vary by skin type:

  • Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: May benefit from non-comedogenic treatments like microneedling and chemical peels, which help improve texture without clogging pores.
  • Dry or Sensitive Skin: Often responds better to gentler options like low-concentration chemical peels or dermal fillers, as aggressive treatments can worsen irritation or flaking.
  • Darker Skin Tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI): Require extra caution to avoid hyperpigmentation. Microneedling, subcision, and carefully selected laser treatments like Nd:YAG are often safer than ablative lasers or high-strength peels.
  • Lighter Skin Tones (Fitzpatrick I–III): Generally tolerate more aggressive resurfacing treatments such as fractional CO2 lasers and TCA Cross with lower risk of pigmentation issues.

At Albany Cosmetic and Laser Centre in Edmonton, we evaluate your skin type during consultation to customize a treatment plan that ensures maximum results with minimal risk.

Acne Scars Frequently Asked Questions

What causes acne scarring?

Acne scars develop when inflamed pimples or cysts damage the tissue beneath the skin. During healing, your body may produce either too little collagen, causing depressions, or too much, creating raised scars.
Most people need a series of 3–6 treatments spaced several weeks apart for optimal results. The exact number depends on your skin’s response and the modalities used.
Most people need a series of 3–6 treatments spaced several weeks apart for optimal results. The exact number depends on your skin’s response and the modalities used.
Discomfort varies by procedure. Topical numbing creams and cooling techniques help manage pain, making treatments generally comfortable.
Downtime varies by treatment: microneedling typically causes mild redness for a day or two; chemical peels may lead to peeling for several days; laser resurfacing can require up to one week of recovery. We will advise you on what to expect.
You may notice smoother texture after the first session, but the most significant improvements develop gradually over several weeks and months as new collagen forms.
Initial improvement is visible within a few weeks. However, the full effects of treatments often develop gradually over several months.
Once treated, existing scars will not regrow. However, new acne breakouts can cause new scars. Following a consistent skincare routine and treating acne early can help prevent recurrence.
Yes. Combining microneedling, lasers, subcision and fillers often produces synergistic results. Our providers design a customized plan to maximize your improvement.
Yes. We carefully select modalities and settings that minimize the risk of pigment changes in darker skin. Microneedling and certain lasers are particularly well‑suited for rich skin tones.
Avoid sun exposure, tanning products and retinoids for several days before treatment. Arrive with clean, makeup‑free skin. If you have a history of cold sores, let us know so we can prescribe preventative medication.
Avoid sun exposure, tanning products and retinoids for several days before treatment. Arrive with clean, makeup‑free skin. If you have a history of cold sores, let us know so we can prescribe preventative medication.

Author, Review and References

This page was created by the Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre team. It was most recently reviewed for medical accuracy on 19 July 2025 by Dr. Kamal Alhallak (Ph.D.) and Dr. Tomi (M.D.), who are both trained in laser and aesthetic medicine. We adhere to guidelines for reliable health information and encourage readers to consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.

References: [1] [2] [3]

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