Do Pitted Acne Scars Fill in on Their Own Over Time? Solutions from BonBoz

Do atrophic acne scars heal on their own over time?

The straightforward answer is no, atrophic acne scars will not fill in on their own over time. When acne leaves "pits" on the skin, it is a sign of lost collagen and underlying connective tissue. Without intervention, these pits will remain permanently and may even become more noticeable as you age.

Why does acne leave atrophic scars?

Atrophic scars form due to the following reasons:

• Deep inflammatory acne disrupts the collagen structure in the dermis.
• Prolonged inflammation or squeezing and popping pimples worsens the damage.
• The wound healing process lacks sufficient collagen to fill the gap, resulting in small "pits".
• As the skin ages, further collagen loss causes the scars to appear even deeper.

Therefore, it is crucial to manage acne early and avoid squeezing or picking at breakouts to prevent deep-tissue damage.

How to improve atrophic acne scars?

Although scars do not heal on their own, there are many ways to stimulate the skin's natural collagen production and smooth out the surface:

• Collagen remodeling treatments: Methods such as lasers, microneedling, or radiofrequency stimulate the skin to produce new collagen. These techniques help fill in the depressions and gradually smooth the skin.
• Chemical peels: Using acids (glycolic, salicylic) to exfoliate the outer layer of skin, allowing it to regenerate with fresh collagen.
• Dermal fillers: Injecting fillers to lift the skin surface and reduce the depth of the scars.
• Daily skincare: Using retinol, vitamin C, and sunscreen to support the collagen regeneration process from within.

Each method has its own advantages. Depending on the depth of the scars and individual skin condition, the doctor will recommend the most effective combination. For intensive subcision and resurfacing methods like TCA Cross, CO2 laser, or peeling treatments, the treated area will experience temporary swelling and bruising after the procedure—this is an expected reaction to release the scar base and stimulate the skin to fill in, not a complication. Scabs and subcision points typically flake off naturally within 4–7 days; you should not pick or scratch them off prematurely.

Do mild and severe atrophic scars differ?

Yes, mild and severe scars require different approaches:

• Mild scars: Typically only require consistent topical retinol, combined with mild chemical peels or light microneedling. Consistent treatment and care for 3 to 6 months are needed to see visible improvement.
• Severe and deep scars: Require stronger modalities such as lasers, radiofrequency, or combination therapy. The process is longer, usually requiring 3 to 5 treatment sessions spaced several weeks apart.

The level of improvement depends on the initial severity of the damage, skin type, age, and adherence to post-treatment care.

Prevention is better than cure

Instead of waiting to treat scars, early prevention will save you time and money:

• Control acne as soon as it appears. Use serums, toners, or products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
• ABSOLUTELY DO NOT squeeze or pop pimples, no matter how "ripe" they look.
• If acne persists or becomes severely inflamed, consult a doctor for targeted acne treatment to prevent breakouts from turning into severely damaged lesions.
• Protect your skin from the sun (SPF 30+) to prevent further damage and facilitate a better healing process.

What should you do next?

If you have atrophic acne scars, visit BonBoz for a consultation and a personalized treatment plan. The doctor will assess your scar depth and skin type, then recommend a combination of the most effective collagen-remodeling techniques. There is no need to rush, but you should not wait too long either, as scars become more prominent and harder to treat as you age. Message BonBoz or visit our clinic at 66–68 Võ Văn Tần, Phường Xuân Hòa, TP.HCM. We are ready to listen and find the right solution for your scars.

This content is compiled and reviewed by the medical team at BonBoz Clinic.