Acne scars can be a persistent reminder of past skin struggles, affecting both your complexion and your self-confidence. Fortunately, Singapore is a global hub for advanced aesthetic dermatology, offering a variety of medical-grade treatments designed to smooth indentations and even out skin tone. For those ready to begin their skin transformation, exploring professional acne scar treatment SG options can help you find a tailored solution for your specific scar type.
Here are the 10 best acne scar treatment options available in Singapore for 2025.
1. Fractional CO2 Laser (The Resurfacing Gold Standard)
The Fractional CO2 laser is widely considered the gold standard for treating depressed scars like boxcar and rolling scars. It works by delivering microscopic columns of laser energy into the dermis, vaporizing damaged tissue and triggering a powerful collagen-remodelling response.
- Best For: Deep atrophic scars and overall skin texture improvement.
- Downtime: 5–7 days of redness and “grid-like” scabbing.
2. Pico Laser with MLA (The Minimal Downtime Choice)
Pico lasers utilize ultra-short picosecond pulses to create “micro-bubbles” beneath the skin surface without damaging the top layer. This stimulates collagen production through a photoacoustic effect rather than heat, making it safer for Asian skin types prone to pigmentation.
- Best For: Mild to moderate scars and post-acne pigmentation.
- Downtime: Minimal; usually 1–2 days of mild redness.
3. TCA CROSS (For Targeted Deep Pits)
TCA CROSS (Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) involves applying high-concentration Trichloroacetic Acid directly into the base of deep, narrow “ice pick” scars. This localized chemical reaction causes the scar to “close” from the bottom up.
- Best For: Ice pick scars and deep, narrow boxcar scars.
- Downtime: 3–5 days for small scabs at the application sites to fall off.
4. Subcision (Releasing the Anchors)
Many rolling scars are “tethered” to deeper tissues by fibrous bands. Subcision involves using a specialized needle or cannula to manually break these bands, allowing the skin to lift and flatten. It is often combined with other treatments for optimal results.
- Best For: Rolling scars and deep tethered depressions.
- Downtime: 3–7 days of localized swelling or bruising.
5. RF Microneedling (Energy-Enhanced Needling)
Devices like Sylfirm X or Morpheus8 combine traditional microneedling with Radiofrequency (RF) energy. The needles penetrate deep into the dermis while the RF heat further stimulates collagen contraction and tightening.
- Best For: Sagging skin with scarring and broad atrophic scars.
- Downtime: 2–3 days of redness and slight swelling.
6. Dermal Fillers (The Instant Lift)
For immediate results, biocompatible fillers (like Hyaluronic Acid) can be injected directly under depressed scars to “plump” them up to the level of the surrounding skin. This is an excellent temporary fix for rolling and boxcar scars.
- Best For: Individual deep depressions and rolling scars.
- Downtime: Almost none; possible minor bruising at injection sites.
7. Rejuran S (The Healer)
Rejuran S is a more viscous version of the popular Rejuran Healer, specifically formulated for scar repair. It contains Polynucleotides (PN) that act as a scaffold for new cell growth and tissue regeneration.
- Best For: Atrophic scars and helping the skin heal after more aggressive treatments.
- Downtime: 1–2 days of small bumps at injection points.
8. Chemical Peels (Surface Refinement)
Medical-grade chemical peels (using acids like Glycolic or Salicylic) remove the outermost layer of dead skin. While they won’t fix deep pits, they are excellent for smoothing out shallow textural irregularities and fading post-acne marks.
- Best For: Shallow scars, congested pores, and post-acne marks.
- Downtime: 0–3 days of light flaking.
9. Intralesional Steroid Injections (For Raised Scars)
Unlike the other treatments on this list, steroid injections are meant for raised (hypertrophic or keloid) scars. The medication breaks down excess collagen to flatten and soften the lumpy tissue.
- Best For: Keloids and raised, thickened scars along the jawline or chest.
- Downtime: None, though multiple sessions are often required.
10. Punch Excision (Surgical Removal)
For very deep or stubborn “ice pick” scars that don’t respond to lasers, a dermatologist may surgically remove the individual scar using a small punch tool. The site is closed with a tiny stitch, replacing a deep pit with a much less noticeable, flat linear mark.
- Best For: Severe, isolated ice pick or deep boxcar scars.
- Downtime: 5–7 days until stitches are removed.
Comparison of Common Acne Scar Treatments in SG
| Treatment | Best Scar Type | Intensity | Typical Sessions |
| Fractional CO2 | Boxcar / Rolling | High | 3–5 sessions |
| Pico Laser | Texture / Pigment | Moderate | 4–6 sessions |
| TCA CROSS | Ice Pick | Targeted | 3–4 sessions |
| Subcision | Rolling | Moderate | 2–3 sessions |
| Rejuran S | Atrophic / Healing | Low | 3 sessions |
Next Steps
Acne scar revision is rarely a “one-size-fits-all” process. Most successful outcomes in Singapore involve a multi-modal approach—combining treatments like Subcision with Lasers or Fillers to address different layers of the skin.
If you are ready to reclaim your skin’s smoothness, the best next step is to schedule a consultation with a certified aesthetic doctor or dermatologist. They can perform a clinical assessment to determine which combination of these 10 options is the fastest and safest route for your skin.
