Acne Scar Treatment Before & After | RF Microneedling and TCA Cross Peel

Acne scarring still showed years after the active acne had cleared — rolling and boxcar depressions with rough texture around them. Topical retinoids, peels elsewhere, and a single subcision session hadn't moved it enough.

Cheek and midface assessment showed bilateral mixed acne scarring with predominant rolling scars on the cheeks and shallow boxcar scars at the periphery. The surrounding skin showed mild post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and uneven surface texture. The scar bases were tethered, indicating dermal fibrotic anchoring rather than purely surface defects. The pattern was consistent with healed cystic acne with secondary scarring across multiple scar morphologies. The plan paired RF microneedling for broad dermal collagen induction with TCA Cross Peel applied focally to individual ice pick and deeper boxcar scars.

RF microneedling was performed across the cheek and jawline regions. TCA Cross Peel was applied to individual deeper scars using a wooden applicator at high concentration. Combined-mechanism acne scar treatment produces results that single-modality treatments cannot replicate — the RF stimulates broad collagen remodeling while the TCA addresses point-source defects. In the after image, results of this kind are typically observed over several months as collagen rebuilds, the scar depth has reduced across the treated areas, the surrounding texture is more even, and post-inflammatory pigmentation has lightened. Acne scar correction is a multi-stage commitment. Single-session expectations are the most common cause of patient disappointment in this category.

Individual results vary. The outcome shown reflects this patient's specific anatomy, health history, and treatment plan. Results shown are not guaranteed and are not necessarily typical. Photos used with patient consent.