Acne scars are one of the most challenging skin concerns we treat at Assurance Skin, Laser & Aesthetics. Unlike post-acne dark marks that fade with time, true acne scars represent permanent structural changes to the skin caused by collagen disruption deep in the dermis. Without targeted medical treatment, they do not resolve on their own.
MBBS (Singapore) | MRCP (UK) | FAMS (Singapore) |
Dr Wong connects well with his patients & he is a specialist with over 30 years of experience.
Our specialist listens & explains well to his patients on their skin issues and their queries.
We offer carefully curated FDA & HSA-approved treatments that give effective results.
Acne scars form when moderate to severe acne inflammation causes damage to the deeper layers of the skin, disrupting the normal collagen network. As the skin attempts to repair itself, it either produces too little collagen, leaving a depressed scar or too much, resulting in a raised scar.
This is an important distinction: acne scars are not the same as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), the flat dark marks left behind after a pimple heals. PIH is a pigmentation issue that can fade on its own over months, and is addressable with topical or light-based therapies. Acne scars involve a textural change — a physical alteration in the skin’s architecture — that requires targeted structural treatment to correct.
Important: Post-acne dark spots (PIH) and true acne scars are fundamentally different conditions requiring different treatments. Treating them incorrectly — or assuming they will resolve without intervention — is one of the most common mistakes patients make.
Acne scars are broadly divided into two categories: atrophic scars (depressed, caused by collagen loss) and hypertrophic scars (raised, caused by excess collagen). Over 80% of acne scars are atrophic. Most patients present with a mix of scar types — which is precisely why a one-size-fits-all approach does not work.
Dr Wong conducts a detailed clinical assessment of your scar types before recommending any treatment protocol. Each scar type responds to a different set of treatments:
Broad, shallow depressions with soft sloping edges; create a wavy, undulating skin texture. Most common on cheeks and jawline.
Depth: Superficial to mid dermis
Wide, rectangular or oval depressions with sharp, well-defined vertical edges. Can be shallow or deep.
Depth: Mid to deep dermis
Deep, narrow, V-shaped channels that extend into the lower dermis. The hardest type to treat due to depth.
Depth: Deep dermis
Raised, thickened, firm scars from excess collagen. Keloids extend beyond the original wound boundary.
Depth: Above surface
Flat, dark (brown) discolouration at the site of a healed pimple. Not a true scar — no textural change.
Depth: Epidermis / superficial dermis
Flat, pink or red marks caused by damaged blood vessels after acne heals. More visible in fairer skin tones.
Depth: Vascular / epidermal
Note: Most patients present with multiple scar types simultaneously. Dr Wong’s assessment identifies your specific combination and designs a sequenced treatment plan accordingly.
Assessment of acne history, previous treatments, medications, skin sensitivity, and lifestyle factors, including sun exposure habits.
Identify each scar type presented on the face — rolling, boxcar, ice pick, hypertrophic, and any concurrent PIH or PIE.
Assessment of overall severity and to set realistic treatment benchmarks and track progress.
In order to select safe energy parameters to minimise the risk of post-treatment PIH
Manage ongoing acne to minimise flare that may occur with acne scar treatments.
Acne scar treatment is never a single procedure. Effective outcomes require matching the right modality — or combination of modalities — to each patient’s specific scar types, skin tone, downtime tolerance, and treatment goals. The following treatments are available at our clinic and are selected, calibrated, and performed personally by Dr Wong.
TCA CROSS involves the precise, focal application of high-concentration TCA (80–100%) directly into the base of deep, narrow scars. This controlled chemical trauma stimulates collagen production within the scar, gradually raising the scar floor toward the skin surface. It is one of the most effective treatments available for ice pick scars.
RF Microneedling combines fine microneedles with radiofrequency energy delivered precisely into the dermis, triggering a collagen remodelling response that tightens and smooths acne-scarred skin. Because RF energy is delivered below the skin surface, there is minimal disruption to the epidermis — making this a lower-downtime option with a favourable safety profile for darker skin tones.
For very deep, isolated ice pick scars that do not respond to TCA CROSS, punch excision surgically removes the full-thickness scar tissue and closes the site with a small suture or skin graft. The resulting small linear scar is significantly less visible than the original ice pick channel and can be further refined with fractional laser several months later.
For raised, thickened hypertrophic or keloid scars, intralesional corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and suppress excess collagen production, gradually flattening and softening the scar. Multiple sessions are typically required, and these injections are often combined with vascular laser or surgical revision for optimal outcomes.
Subcision is a surgical procedure that uses a fine needle or cannula inserted beneath the skin to physically sever the fibrous bands tethering depressed scars to the underlying tissue. Once released, the skin is free to rise to its natural level, and the micro-trauma stimulates localised collagen production.
Injectable fillers are often needed to add collagen/volume expansion to prop up the depressed atrophic scars. Used in combination or alone, it is highly relevant in addressing the volume lost in soft, distensible atrophic scars, rolling scars and even box scars. Fillers that Dr Wong uses include PDLLA (Poly-D, L-Lactic Acid), PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), Linerase and Hyaluronic Acid.
Modified trichloroacetic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and lactic acid peels exfoliate the outer skin layers, accelerating cell turnover to fade PIH and improve superficial skin texture. Used as an adjunct to laser and energy-based treatments — not as a standalone scar treatment — they help maintain improvement between sessions and are particularly suited to patients with post-acne discolouration.
You are likely a suitable candidate if you:
Acne scar treatment is a technically demanding discipline requiring precise diagnosis, accurate scar classification, and the clinical judgement to select and calibrate the correct combination of treatments safely. Inappropriate or aggressive energy-based treatments on Asian skin — particularly darker Fitzpatrick types — carry a real risk of worsening pigmentation, burning, or creating additional scarring.
Accredited Skin Specialist / Dermatologist by the Ministry of Health, Singapore
Over 30 years of specialist dermatology practice, with extensive experience in acne scar treatment
MRCP (UK) — Member of the Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom
Laser dermatology and procedural dermatology
FDA & HSA-approved laser and energy-based technologies
Known for clear, thorough explanations of diagnosis, treatment options, expected outcomes, and realistic timelines
Note: Most patients present with multiple scar types simultaneously. Dr Wong’s assessment identifies your specific combination and designs a sequenced treatment plan accordingly.
The cost of acne scar treatment in Singapore varies based on the type and number of scars, the treatment modalities required, the size of the treatment area, and the number of sessions in your programme. As a general reference:
| Treatment / Modality | Est. Cost Per Session | Typical Sessions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF Microneedling (Face) | S$1200 – S$1500 | 3–5 sessions | Lower downtime alternative; preferred for darker skin tones |
| Subcision | S$500 – S$600 | 2–4 sessions | Cost depends on number of scar sites treated per session |
| TCA CROSS | S$250 – S$500 | 3–8 sessions | Targeted at ice pick or narrow boxcar scars; per session |
| Fillers | S$1000 | 3–4 sessions | Cost may vary and depend on the type of filler being used |
| Punch Excision | S$600 – S$1000 | Single procedure | Surgical; per scar or per session; laser follow-up additional |
During your consultation, Dr Wong will provide a fully transparent, itemised treatment plan with clear pricing. There are no hidden fees or pressure to proceed.
Acne scar treatments are classified as aesthetic procedures and are generally not claimable under private or corporate insurance in Singapore. Please confirm with your insurer. Prices shown are indicative reference ranges for the Singapore market — your exact quote will be provided during consultation.
The number of sessions depends on your specific scar types, depth, severity, and how your skin responds to treatment. As a general guide, most patients begin to see meaningful improvement after 3–4 sessions of RF microneedling, with the best results visible 3–6 months after completing a full course. Ice pick scars treated with TCA CROSS typically require 3–6 sessions. Subcision for rolling scars may show early improvement from the first session, with progressive results over subsequent treatments. Most comprehensive programmes involve 4–6 sessions across 3–6 months.
There is no single ‘best’ treatment — the most effective approach depends on your scar types. RF microneedling or fractional CO₂ laser is widely regarded as the most powerful option for rolling and boxcar scars. TCA CROSS and punch excision are most effective for ice pick scars. Subcision is essential for tethered rolling scars. Most patients achieve the best results through a combination programme tailored by Dr Wong following a full clinical assessment.
True acne scars — those involving structural collagen damage and textural change — cannot be completely eliminated, but they can be significantly improved. Most patients with a well-designed combination treatment programme achieve 50–70% improvement in scar depth and texture. This translates to skin that looks and feels noticeably smoother, with scars that are far less visible — particularly in photographs and under different lighting conditions.
Yes — when performed by an experienced dermatologist using appropriate protocols. Asian skin types, prevalent across Singapore’s Chinese, Malay, and Indian populations, are at higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) if treated with incorrectly calibrated energy parameters. Dr Wong has over 30 years of experience treating the full spectrum of Asian skin and uses carefully calibrated, skin-type-specific protocols to ensure safety is never compromised.
Acne scar treatments are classified as aesthetic procedures and are generally not claimable under Medisave, private or corporate insurance in Singapore, as they are considered cosmetic by the insurance company.
Session duration varies by treatment: TCA CROSS sessions are typically 10-20 minutes; RF microneedling and subcision sessions run 30–45 minutes. Downtime similarly varies: subcision may cause bruising for 3–5 days; RF microneedling requires 5–7 days of peeling and recovery.
Dark spots or marks left after a pimple heals — known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — are a pigmentation issue, not a true acne scar. PIH is flat with no textural change and can fade on its own over time, or be accelerated with topical treatments or laser. True acne scars involve a change in the skin’s texture — indentations (atrophic) or raised areas (hypertrophic) — caused by collagen disruption, and require targeted structural treatments like RF microneedling, fillers, subcision, or TCA CROSS to correct.
Acne scars do not have to be permanent. With the right diagnosis, the right treatment sequence, and the clinical expertise to execute it safely for your skin type, meaningful — often transformative — improvement is achievable. Whether you are dealing with deep ice pick scarring, widespread rolling scars, or post-acne pigmentation affecting your confidence, Dr Wong Soon Tee has the specialist expertise to guide your journey safely and effectively.
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+65 6690 2971
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