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A Fresh Start: How Lasers and Microneedling Help with Acne Scars
Acne is temporary, but the marks it leaves behind can last for years. Many clients come in feeling frustrated because their skin does not look smooth, even after breakouts have healed. The good news is that today’s advanced technology allows us to rebuild smoother, healthier skin from within using HELIX CO2 laser resurfacing, microneedling with the Dermaspark Twist, and additional resurfacing options like CoolPeel, DekaPulse, and Sultra.
Acne Scars vs Pigmentation: Understanding the Difference
Before choosing the right treatment, it is important to understand what you are actually seeing on your skin.
True acne scars are textural
They change the surface of the skin, creating pits, depressions, or raised areas. These are structural issues caused by damage to collagen.
Common acne scars include:
- Ice pick
- Boxcar
- Rolling
- Hypertrophic or raised scars
These require collagen remodeling through laser resurfacing or microneedling.
Brown or red marks are not scars
They are pigment issues left behind after inflammation.
- Brown spots are called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Red or pink marks are called post inflammatory erythema (PIE)
- White spots are hypopigmentation, where pigment has been lost
These are not scars and respond extremely well to pigment-focused lasers.
How We Treat Pigmentation from Acne
At 30 Hazelton, we use a selection of advanced technologies to clear discoloration:
- Q-Switch for deep brown post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Moveo VL for redness and post inflammatory erythema
- RedTouch for melasma-prone skin or stubborn pigment
- DekaPulse or CoolPeel for superficial brightening and texture
Understanding the difference allows us to choose the most effective treatment plan.
HELIX CO2 Laser Resurfacing: The Gold Standard for Texture
HELIX CO2 is our most powerful option for treating true acne scars. It removes damaged skin while stimulating new collagen deep below the surface, making it ideal for pits, depressions, and uneven texture.
Why Choose HELIX CO2
- Best for moderate to severe scarring
- Improves deep pits and etched texture
- Encourages significant collagen remodeling
- Smooths rough, uneven skin surfaces
HELIX Downtime
Expect 5 to 7 days of social downtime with redness, dryness, and peeling. Results continue to improve as collagen forms over several months.
Choose HELIX when you want transformative results in one strong session and can commit to a dedicated recovery period.
CoolPeel and DekaPulse: Light CO2 Resurfacing
CoolPeel and DekaPulse offer CO2 benefits with less downtime. They refine surface texture, minimize pores, brighten pigment, and improve mild acne scarring.
Why Choose CoolPeel or DekaPulse
- Perfect for mild textural scars
- Great for surface unevenness or dullness
- Helps with pigment, tone, and pore size
Downtime
Expect 1 to 3 days of redness and dryness. These treatments are ideal if you want steady improvement with lighter recovery.
Sultra: Non Ablative Collagen Remodeling
Sultra delivers heat deep into the dermis without removing the surface layer. It creates gradual collagen rebuild with no downtime.
Why Choose Sultra
- Safe for all skin tones
- Helps with fine texture irregularities
- Great for clients wanting collagen support without redness
Downtime
There is no social downtime, only mild pinkness for a few hours.
Microneedling with Dermaspark Twist and Regenerative Boosters
Microneedling creates microchannels that stimulate new collagen. When combined with high quality boosters, results are significantly enhanced.
Booster Options
- PDRN for healing and collagen formation
- Glutathione for brightening and evening tone
- NAD for cellular repair and smoother skin quality
- PRP for natural growth factors
- Hyaluronic Acid Boosters for hydration and plumping
Why Choose Microneedling
- Safe for all skin tones
- Great for mild to moderate texture issues
- Helps support ongoing collagen production
- Perfect between laser sessions for maintenance
Downtime
Expect 24 to 48 hours of redness and sensitivity. Makeup can usually be worn after day two.
How To Choose the Right Treatment
Choose HELIX CO2 if you want:
- Strongest correction
- Smoothness across deep, pitted scars
- One powerful treatment session
Choose CoolPeel or DekaPulse if you want:
- CO2 results without full downtime
- Improvement in texture, tone, and superficial scarring
Choose Sultra if you want:
- No downtime
- Gentle collagen remodeling
- Gradual refinement
Choose Microneedling with Boosters if you want:
- A safe, effective option with short downtime
- Hydration, brightening, and texture refinement
- Enhanced healing with PDRN, PRP, NAD, or HA
Choose Pigment Lasers (Moveo VL, Q-Switch, RedTouch) if you want:
- To treat brown or red marks left from acne
- Clearer, even-toned skin
- To correct PIH, PIE, or hypopigmentation
Your Path to Smoother, Clearer Skin
You do not have to live with uneven texture or discoloration from past breakouts. By accurately identifying whether you are dealing with true acne scars or pigmentation, we can build an effective, personalized treatment plan.
At 30 Hazelton Med Spa Toronto, we use leading technology to rebuild collagen, smooth textural scars, and clear post acne pigment safely.
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