Acne Scar Treatment in Singapore

Acne scars can be a frustrating reminder of past breakouts. But don’t worry, there are solutions available. Dr Gerard Ee offers a range of pimple and acne scar removal treatments in Singapore, each designed to target specific types of scars, improve skin texture, and restore your skin’s natural radiance.

Dr Gerard Ee Profile Photo
Dr Gerard Ee

MBBS (UK), MRCS (Edinburgh), DP Dermatology (Cardiff)

What Are Acne Scars?

Acne or pimple scars are the lasting reminders of past breakouts, often leaving the skin with a rough-looking appearance and noticeably uneven texture, which can prematurely give the skin signs of ageing. However, with proper treatment, the appearance of acne scars could be minimised, leading to smoother skin and restored confidence.

These scars form after the skin tissue is damaged by the intense inflammation caused by severe or prolonged acne lesions. Essentially, when a deep pimple heals, the body tries to repair the damage, but sometimes produces too much or too little tissue.

This uneven healing process results in a permanent change in the skin’s surface texture. The severity and type of scarring you experience ultimately depend on the intensity and duration of the initial acne inflammation.

Types of Acne Scars We Treat

Rolling Scars

Rolling scars have gentle sloping edges and create a wave-like or rolling appearance on the skin's surface. They are often caused by the tethering of scar tissue to the underlying structures.

Ice Pick Scars

These are deep, narrow acne scars that extend vertically into the skin, resembling small ice pick punctures. They are often challenging to treat due to their depth and narrow shape.

Boxcar Scars

Resembling a boxcar or a U-shape, boxcar scars are broader, indented scars with sharply defined edges. They can vary in depth and size.

Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

These are raised acne scars. Hypertrophic scars remain within the boundaries of the original acne lesion, while keloid scars extend beyond these boundaries.

Our Acne Scar Removal Treatments in Singapore

AGNES RF Treatment

A minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to treat overactive sebaceous glands, reduce oil production, soothe inflammation, and stimulate collagen remodelling.

Suitable for addressing:

  • Active acne
  • Depressed acne scars
  • Overall skin texture improvement

Q Switch (Nd:YAG) Laser Treatment

A non-invasive acne laser procedure that delivers short bursts of laser energy to target and break down excess pigmentation in the skin.

Suitable for addressing:

  • Hyperpigmented acne and pimple scars, sunspots, and other forms of discolouration
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  • Uneven skin tone and texture

Fraxel Laser Treatment

Using non-ablative fractional laser technology to create a controlled thermal injury in the skin to stimulate its natural healing response, promoting collagen and elastin production for skin renewal.

Suitable for addressing:

  • Depressed acne scars (atrophic scars)
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Enlarged pores

V Beam Treatment

Using non-invasive pulsed dye laser technology that targets and reduces redness and vascular lesions in the skin. Helps in treating vascular concerns, evening out skin tone, and reducing redness.

Suitable for addressing:

  • Red acne scars (post-inflammatory erythema)
  • Rosacea
  • Broken capillaries

Secret RF Microneedling

Combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, tone, and scar appearance.

Suitable for addressing:

  • Depressed acne scars
  • Skin texture and tone irregularities
  • Skin tightening and improved elasticity

Subcision for Acne Scars

A minimally invasive procedure for releasing tethered scar tissue with a specialised needle. Breaks down fibrous bands, pulling the scar downwards, allowing the skin to lift and regain its natural contour.

Suitable for addressing:

  • Rolling acne scars
  • Boxcar acne scars
  • Depressed and tethered scars

TCA Cross

Involves the precise application of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to create a controlled chemical injury in individual scars, stimulating collagen production and lifting the depressed skin.

Suitable for addressing:

  • Ice pick scars
  • Deep boxcar scars
  • Stimulating targeted collagen production

Infini RF

Fractional microneedling treatment that uses microneedles to deliver radiofrequency energy deep into the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production.

Suitable for addressing:

  • Depressed acne scars
  • Skin texture and firmness
  • Enlarged pores and skin laxity

Fractional CO2 Laser

A treatment that uses an ablative laser to vaporise scarred tissue on the skin's surface, promoting significant skin resurfacing and collagen production.

Suitable for addressing: 

  • Atrophic, boxcar, and rolling acne scars
  • Enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles

Uneven skin tone, texture, and pigmentation

Dr Gerard Ee’s Personalised Approach to Acne Scar Treatment

With over 10 years of experience and over 8,000 cases handled, Dr Gerard Ee adopts the approach that effective acne scar removal goes beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Each individual’s scarring is unique and, therefore, requires a tailored strategy for optimal results.

Initial Assessment & Scar Analysis

Dr Gerard Ee begins with a thorough medical assessment of a patient’s acne scarring. This can involve:

  • Carefully classifying the types of acne scars present
  • Evaluating the patient’s skin type profile
  • Understanding the desired treatment outcomes
  • Considering the location of the acne scars

The assessment is key to identifying the most appropriate and effective acne scar removal treatment solutions for a patient’s unique skin and scar conditions.

Customised Treatment Plan

Acne scarring is a unique interplay of your skin’s biology, the nature of your past acne, and your individual healing response. Based on the consultation conducted, Dr Gerard Ee will develop a holistic and tailored acne scar treatment plan for you.

In some cases, a single therapy may be the most suitable option. However, a combination of therapies is often the most common approach to addressing complex acne scars, as different modalities can manage various scar types and layers of the skin simultaneously for optimal results.

Step-by-Step Treatment

Dr Gerard Ee and his team will plan your acne scar removal treatments in strategic stages to potentially maximise effectiveness, while prioritising your comfort and minimising downtime. This phased approach allows your skin to heal progressively between sessions, potentially ensuring optimal results while you are able to return to daily activities without prolonged disruption.

The clinic team will closely monitor your responses throughout the acne scar removal treatment process, adjusting the plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.

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Trusted Care by Dr Gerard Ee

MBBS (UK), MRCS (Edinburgh), DP Dermatology (Cardiff)

Dr Gerard Ee earned his medical degree (MBBS) from St George’s University of London. He worked at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH), the National University Hospital (NUH) and Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. He then pursued further training and became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) in Edinburgh.

Dr Ee is a fully trained and certified aesthetic surgeon with accreditation in Botox applications, fillers, acne lasers and light therapy. He has over 10 years of experience in conducting aesthetic procedures, acne scar removal, and acne treatment in Singapore. With a commitment to helping patients make informed decisions about their skin health, he provides a comfortable and supportive environment for all.

How Soon Can You See Results from Acne Scar Treatment?

The timeline for seeing visible improvement after pimple scar treatment varies significantly, making it essential to set realistic patient expectations from the start. Results depend heavily on factors like the scar type, severity, your skin type, and the pimple scar removal treatment chosen. Improvement is also generally gradual, and multiple sessions are almost always needed to achieve optimal outcomes.

Here is a general breakdown of when you might expect to see results from different treatments:

  • Laser Resurfacing (Fractional/CO2): Initial redness subsides in 1-2 weeks; however, the noticeable collagen remodelling that improves scars begins 4–8 weeks post-treatment and continues improving over 3–6 months.
  • Microneedling (with/without RF): You may see subtle textural changes after the first session, but improvement is usually visible after 2–3 sessions, with collagen building continuing for up to 6 months.
  • Dermal Fillers (for volume loss): Results for depressed scars are immediate, as volume is restored, but the final settled appearance is seen after initial swelling resolves (typically 1–2 weeks).
  • Subcision: This technique offers immediate lifting of tethered scars, but final, long-term results are assessed after bruising and swelling fade (2–4 weeks), with continued improvement from underlying collagen production.

Ultimately, committed patients should anticipate a treatment journey lasting several months to see substantial, lasting improvement as the skin needs time to heal and rebuild collagen.

How Much Do Acne Scar Removal Treatments Cost?

Treatment Cost per Session
AGNES RF $XX
Q Switch (Nd:YAG) Laser $XX
Fraxel Laser $XX
V Beam $XX
Secret RF Microneedling $XX
Subcision $XX
TCA Cross $XX
Infini RF $XX
Fractional CO2 Laser $XX

The final cost of treatment may vary based on your specific scar type, severity, and the number of sessions required for optimal results. Book a consultation today for a personalised quote.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acne Scar Treatments

Our clinic prioritises your comfort during all acne scar removal treatments. Most acne or pimple scar removal procedures involve minimal discomfort, and a topical numbing cream is typically applied before treatments to minimise any potential discomfort. Other treatments may involve a brief, localised sensation.

Following treatment, you may experience mild redness, swelling, or a temporary sunburn-like sensation, which usually subsides within a few days. Dr Gerard Ee and our team will ensure your comfort throughout the process and provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to manage any temporary side effects.

As with any medical procedure, acne scar removal treatments at our clinic carry potential risks and side effects. These can include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, and changes in pigmentation. More severe side effects, such as infection or scarring, are rare but possible. Dr Gerard Ee will thoroughly discuss all potential risks and side effects associated with your recommended pimple scar removal plan before commencing treatment and will take all necessary precautions to ensure optimal safety and minimise these risks.

While the acne scar removal treatments we offer may improve the appearance of your scars, the results may not always be entirely permanent. The longevity of the improvement depends on factors such as the type and severity of your acne scars, your skin condition, and your lifestyle habits. Maintaining a good skincare routine and protecting your skin from sun exposure can also help prolong the results.

Dr Gerard Ee will discuss your long-term expectations during the initial consultation and subsequent follow-up sessions. He may also recommend maintenance treatments to help sustain the improvements achieved through your acne scar removal treatment(s).

Yes. However, the downtime varies based on the chosen treatment’s intensity. Less aggressive options like superficial peels or lighter microneedling may involve only minor redness lasting a day. More intensive procedures, such as ablative laser resurfacing, may require 5 to 14 days for the skin to fully heal and recover.

Most effective pimple scar treatments require a course of multiple sessions to achieve lasting improvement. The exact number depends on the severity of the acne scars and the treatment type.
No, it is generally advised to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before applying makeup, especially after treatments that break the skin barrier, like microneedling or aggressive lasers. Sunscreen, however, should be applied immediately after most procedures to protect the healing skin.

There is no single “best” pimple scar removal treatment, as the most effective approach is highly personalised. Dr Ee determines the optimal plan by assessing your specific scar types, which might require a combination of therapies to address all textural issues.

Don’t let past acne define your present appearance. Contact us today to schedule your personalised consultation and start your journey toward smoother, clearer skin.