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

She had been managing mixed acne scars with intermittently active acne for years — narrow, rolling, and deeper boxcar shapes, with flares in between. Other clinics had said scar treatment had to wait until the active acne fully cleared.

On full-face assessment, the cheeks and jawline showed mixed acne scar shapes — narrow icepick scars, rolling scars, and a few deeper boxcar scars. There were a few small active spots but no inflammatory cysts. Pigment change was visible at the scar borders. The pattern reflected the long-term aftermath of acne with low-level ongoing activity. The combined treatment plan suited this presentation because medical and cosmetic management can run together when the active acne is mild and controlled.

Treatment was performed across the cheeks and jawline using a microneedling-with-radiofrequency device. TCA Cross Peel was applied focally to the narrow icepick scars. The patient was also on a medical acne plan running in parallel. Improvements continue gradually over several months as the skin rebuilds. In the after image, the scar depth has reduced across the treated areas, the pigment around the scar borders has lightened, and the active acne reads well controlled. Acne scar correction does not require fully cleared acne to begin. The plan simply has to match the actual situation.

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.