Scar Types & Matched Treatments
Different scar types require different approaches — no single treatment works for all.
Ice Pick Scars
AtrophicDeep, narrow channels. Most difficult to treat.
Best treatment: TCA CROSS (high-concentration TCA applied precisely). Pico laser as adjunct.
Boxcar Scars
AtrophicWide, defined edges. Common in Filipino patients.
Best treatment: Fractional CO2 laser or RF microneedling (Morpheus8). Subcision for tethered scars.
Rolling Scars
AtrophicUndulating, wave-like texture caused by fibrous tethering.
Best treatment: Subcision + Sculptra/Radiesse filler for volume + fractional laser for surface.
Hypertrophic / Keloid
RaisedRaised scars. More common in Asian skin.
Best treatment: Intralesional corticosteroid injection + silicone gel. Nd:YAG or pulsed dye laser.
PIH (Dark Flat Marks)
PigmentationPost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — not true scars, fades faster with treatment.
Best treatment: Pico laser + topical tranexamic acid + kojic acid + strict SPF 50.
Available Procedures in BGC
| Procedure | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pico laser (fractional mode) | 1–3 days | PIH, shallow rolling scars, maintenance |
| Fractional CO2 laser | 5–7 days | Multiple atrophic scar types simultaneously |
| RF Microneedling (Morpheus8) | 2–4 days | All atrophic scar types |
| Subcision | Bruising 5–10 days | Tethered rolling and boxcar scars |
| TCA CROSS | Minimal (3–5 days frosting) | Ice pick scars specifically |
| Chemical peels (TCA, Jessner) | 3–7 days | Surface texture and mild scarring |
| PRP therapy | Minimal | Adjunct to laser/needling, healing acceleration |
| Dermal fillers (Sculptra, Radiesse) | Minimal | Volume replacement for depressed rolling areas |
Treatment Timeline: What to Expect
Month 1–2
Initial consultation, skin prep (tretinoin + hydroquinone), first subcision or peel session
Severe scarring may require 12–18 months and 6–8+ sessions. No single session resolves moderate to severe acne scarring.
Cost of Acne Scar Removal in BGC (2025)
| Treatment | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation (dermatologist) | ₱800 – ₱2,500 |
| TCA CROSS (per session) | ₱3,000 – ₱8,000 |
| Fractional CO2 (full face) | ₱15,000 – ₱40,000 |
| RF Microneedling / Morpheus8 (full face) | ₱20,000 – ₱50,000 |
| Pico laser fractional (full face) | ₱8,000 – ₱18,000 |
| Subcision (per session) | ₱5,000 – ₱15,000 |
| PRP + microneedling | ₱10,000 – ₱25,000 |
| Sculptra filler (per vial) | ₱25,000 – ₱45,000 |
| Chemical peel (TCA) | ₱3,000 – ₱8,000 |
FAQ: Acne Scar Removal BGC
Find an Acne Scar Specialist in BGC
Browse BGC dermatologists with scar treatment expertise.