Laser Acne Scar Removal: Procedure, Cost, Results & Recovery

Every scar responds in a  different way to the treatment. Acne scars vary in depth, shape, and severity, and different skin types react differently to resurfacing procedures. That is why laser acne scar removal is always customized after a detailed skin evaluation rather than performed using a standard method for everyone.

In acne scar laser treatment, lasers are generally classified into ablative fractional lasers and non-ablative fractional lasers. Both aim to improve scars by stimulating collagen production, but they work in different ways and involve various levels of downtime.

Before understanding the types, it helps to clarify one common term seen in laser names. The word “Er” stands for erbium, a rare-earth element used in specific dermatologic lasers. Erbium lasers are designed to target water within the skin tissue. Because skin contains a high percentage of water, erbium-based lasers can precisely remove or heat-damaged tissue with controlled depth, making them effective for acne scar laser treatment while supporting smoother healing.

• Ablative Fractional Lasers

Ablative fractional lasers resurface the skin by removing microscopic columns of damaged skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This “fractional” pattern allows the skin to heal faster than older full-surface resurfacing methods, while still triggering substantial collagen remodeling beneath the surface.

These lasers are commonly recommended for:

• Deep or pitted acne scars
• Atrophic scars
• Long-standing scars that have not improved with creams or peels
• Uneven or rough skin texture

Because ablative lasers remove part of the outer layer of skin, downtime is typically longer compared to non-ablative options. However, they often provide more dramatic improvement in moderate to severe scarring.

CO2 Fractional Laser (CO2 Laser Scar Removal)

CO2 laser scar removal is considered one of the most effective treatments for deeper acne scars. It works by creating controlled microscopic injury zones in the skin, which stimulate the body’s natural healing response and encourage new collagen production.

As collagen rebuilds over the following weeks and months, depressed scars gradually appear shallower, and skin texture becomes smoother. Since CO2 lasers penetrate deeper layers of the skin, temporary redness, swelling, peeling, or sensitivity may occur. Recovery time depends on treatment intensity, but improvement in scar depth can be significant when performed by an experienced provider.

Er: YAG Fractional Laser

Er: YAG stands for erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, a type of erbium laser that precisely removes damaged skin tissue. Because erbium energy is strongly absorbed by water in the skin, it allows accurate resurfacing with less heat spread to surrounding tissue compared to traditional CO2 lasers.

This often translates to:

• Effective treatment of moderate acne scars
• Improved surface texture
• Potentially shorter recovery time in selected cases

While it may not always penetrate as deeply as CO2 lasers in aggressive settings, it remains a strong option for patients needing visible improvement with somewhat reduced downtime.

• Non-Ablative Fractional Lasers

Non-ablative fractional lasers do not remove the outer layer of skin. Instead, they deliver controlled heat energy into the deeper dermal layers, stimulating collagen remodeling while keeping the surface largely intact.

Because the top layer of skin remains preserved:

• Downtime is shorter
• Redness and peeling are milder
• Patients can often resume routine activities sooner

However, multiple sessions are usually required, and results appear gradually as collagen rebuilds over time.

Er: Glass Fractional Lasers (Erbium Glass Lasers)

Erbium glass lasers are non-ablative lasers that gently heat the deeper layers of skin to stimulate collagen production without removing surface skin. Since erbium energy specifically targets water within the dermis, it allows controlled heating that encourages long-term tissue remodeling.

These lasers are commonly used for:

• Mild to moderate acne scars
• Early textural irregularities
• Patients who prefer minimal downtime
• Maintenance treatments after stronger resurfacing procedures

Most patients experience mild redness or swelling that subsides within a few days. Because the surface remains intact, healing is typically faster compared to ablative treatments, though results develop progressively over several sessions.

When people search for what is the best laser for acne scars, the most accurate answer is that the best laser depends on individual scar type, skin tone, and expectations. A consultation with an experienced acne scar specialist ensures the safest and most effective laser treatment plan for long-term improvement