Acne scar treatment can help patients regain confidence and love their skin. Struggling with acne for any period of time at any age can be challenging, and scarring can make you feel self-conscious despite your general confidence. The desire to remove acne scars is understandable, and luckily, laser acne scar removal in Oakville makes it possible for you to achieve beautifully improved, clearer, healthy skin with an easy treatment.

ICLS Dermatology is a leader in acne scar treatment, servicing the Greater Toronto Area, located in Oakville. Our experienced dermatologist, Dr. Sheetal Sapra, has helped hundreds of patients boost their confidence and enhance their appearance with the most advanced and clinically proven acne scar removal treatments.

Am I a Good Candidate for Acne Scar Removal?

You may be eligible for acne scar treatments if:

  • You currently do not have active or severe acne breakouts.
  • You are in good overall health.
  • You have visible acne scarring that you want to reduce or eliminate.
  • You have realistic expectations about how much laser acne scar removal can do for you.

It is important that your acne is under control or no longer causing breakouts or flare-ups before undergoing treatment. If you still have struggles with acne, then it is ideal to first work with a dermatologist who can help you get it under control. Then, you can focus on removing scars and enhancing your skin’s clarity.

Not sure if acne scar treatment is the best option for you? Explore our full range of Scar Revision treatments.

How Much Does Acne Scar Treatment Cost?

At ICLS, we use a revolutionary 3-step acne scar removal treatment program that breaks down the cost of treating acne scars. This makes it more affordable for patients with different budgets and expands the number of people who are able to improve their skin appearance with our services. Please contact us to learn more.

How to Prepare for Acne Scar Treatment?

Your doctor will help you prepare for treatment ahead of time, so you do not have to worry. The general preparations for laser acne scar treatment include:

  • Avoiding certain medications or supplements that could negatively affect skin healing.
  • Avoiding certain skincare products for two to four weeks before treatment, such as ones that contain retinol or glycolic acid.
  • Limiting sun exposure for at least two weeks before treatment.
  • Cleansing and moisturizing the skin according to the doctor’s recommendations.
  • Applying a prescribed solution to your skin for at least four weeks before treatment if you have a darker complexion.

Dr. Sapra will work closely with you to come up with a skin preparation plan and ensure you are 100% prepared for treatment. At every step of the way, you will be able to contact him or our office for guidance and answers to any questions.

How Are Acne Scars Treated at ICLS?

We take a different approach to acne scar removal than other clinics. Our unique 3-step customized acne scar treatment program personalizes treatment to the deepest level, specifically addressing concerns like deep acne scars. We consider every detail of your skin, from your age and complexion to the type and degree of acne scarring.

Our program works in three stages to give you beautiful, glowing skin:

  • Step 1: Subcision & TCA Cross. Dr. Sapra treats each ice pick and boxcar scar individually, releasing the scar tissue to induce an inflammatory reaction that helps the body naturally heal by stimulating collagen production and increasing its formation.
  • Step 2: Laser Treatments. We use laser removal to trigger deeper healing and a more profound collagen response. Our state-of-the-art lasers include Fractora, Profractional, and Erbium for maximum safety, precision, and results.
  • Step 3: Injectables & Collagen Stimulators. Dr. Sapra’s final stage of treatment involves further enhancing collagen production to enhance skin clarity. Injectables like Sculptra or Radiesse are common, but Botox can also be used.

New collagen is the key to healthier skin! By combining various procedures to trigger collagen products at different levels, the ICLS approach gives patients a 360-degree treatment plan that diminishes scarring and enhances skin quality.

*Botox injections are priced separately from the 3-step program.

How Long Does It Take?

Acne scar treatment takes three months to over two years depending on the depth, type, color and size of the scar. Tailoring the treatment method to each individual’s skin type and concerns is the best way to enhance results.

Acne Scar Treatment Alternatives

There are several options for patients who want to explore alternatives to acne scar treatments:

  • Home skin care treatments prescribed by a dermatologist.
  • Exfoliating chemical peels to remove dead skin cells and brighten your complexion.
  • Soft tissue fillers to treat depressed acne scars.
  • Laser skin resurfacing procedures.
  • Dermabrasion treatment.
  • Microneedling.

Treatment effectiveness varies by procedure and patient. Those who have milder scarring may be able to achieve ideal results through less intensive treatment. Patients with moderate to severe acne scarring benefit greatly from a personalized acne scar removal treatment plan that uses a combination of products and techniques to rejuvenate the skin.

Recovery From Acne Scar Treatment

If you opt for acne scar treatments in Toronto, you can expect redness and skin irritation for seven to 10 days following treatment. You will need to limit sun exposure and avoid public showers, hot tubs, and activities that induce sweating.

The exact recovery time varies by procedure. For example, laser treatment has a recovery period of 10 to 21 days, while downtime for a deep chemical peel can last 7 to 14 days.

Working with a dermatologist at a reputable laser clinic can help you choose the best type of acne scar removal treatment for your budget and lifestyle.

How Many Sessions Does It Take to Remove Acne Scars?

Patients who experience mild acne may only need one or two treatments to help their acne scars fade, while those with depressed acne and atrophic acne scars may require more. The exact number of sessions will vary depending on the patient’s level of scarring and the type of treatment they receive.

For example, laser acne scar treatment takes three to six sessions spaced out by a few months. Microneedling acne scar treatment can take anywhere from 3 to 12 sessions spaced four to six weeks apart.

Injectables for acne scars only take one session. Achieving your ideal results will ultimately depend on the level of treatment you need and the skill of the dermatologist you work with.

Are Acne Scar Treatment Results Permanent?

Yes, results from acne scar treatments are typically long-lasting and should last a lifetime. If you experience future breakouts, then the new acne could lead to new scarring. But if you undergo acne scar treatment and maintain a good skincare routine, old scar tissue will not reappear.

What Are the Side Effects?

Depending on the technique, acne scar treatment can cause temporary redness, skin irritation, peeling, itching, and discomfort. These symptoms typically reside within several days to two weeks.

Your dermatologist will discuss all potential side effects of treatment with you before you undergo any procedure. At ICLS, we want you to feel 100% confident about your treatment and not go into any procedure with unanswered questions or concerns.

In addition to preparing you for treatment, we also provide comprehensive aftercare instructions that will guide you through recovery to improve your comfort and reduce side effects.

Before and After

Genesis Laser & Accutane

Accutane and Laser Toning

Laser Toning

Laser Toning

Accutane and Laser Toning

Accutane and V-Beam Laser

Accutane and V-Beam Laser

Accutane and V-Beam Laser

Accutane and V-Beam Laser

Acne Scarring Genesis Treatment

Acne Scarring Laser Toning

Acne Scarring VBeam Laser

Patient A 1 of 2
Acne Scarring Laser Treatment

Patient A 2 of 2
Acne Scarring Laser Treatment

Patient B 1 of 3
Laser resurfacing & TCA Cross Subcision

Patient B 2 of 3
Laser resurfacing & TCA Cross Subcision

Patient B 3 of 3
Laser resurfacing & TCA Cross Subcision

Patient C 1 of 2
Acne Scarring by using 6 treatments of Fractora.

Patient C 2 of 2
Acne Scarring by using 6 treatments of Fractora.

Photos are for educational purposes only.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Causes Scarring from Acne?

    As skin pores have become inflamed with bacteria, excess oil and dead skin cells, the surrounding tissue area is damaged. Acne scars are a result of your body’s attempt to fight the acne, just as your body tries to repair a wound.

  • Can Acne Scars Be Removed Completely?

    In some cases, yes, but some acne scars may still leave some residual scarring. Even severe acne scars can be treated and drastically reduced, leaving you with greater confidence in your skin.

Why Choose ICLS for Acne Scar Treatments?

Patients come to us at ICLS for acne scar treatment from Oakville and entire Greater Toronto Area, including Toronto, Mississauga, Burlington, and Hamilton. Dr. Sapra is an experienced dermatologist and skin expert with decades of success treating patients with mild to severe acne scarring.

Our team wants you to feel supported and cared for before, during, and after treatment. We know that acne scar removal is so much more than a procedure for you — it’s a doorway to greater confidence, improved self-image, and a greater quality of life.

With our unique 3-step process for treating acne scars, we take a customized approach that leads to enhanced results.

Our unwavering commitment to patient satisfaction ensures you always have the support and guidance you need. We are always here to answer questions or respond to concerns. If you want to learn more or book a consultation, please contact us today.

Our Nurses & Specialist

At ICLS, you will be under the care of some of Canada’s most experienced registered nurses. ICLS is one of the only practices in the country (maybe even the world!) to employ only registered nurses to deliver treatments. Our all-female nursing staff consists of hard-working, internationally-trained medical professionals.

Our nurses perform your treatment under our medical director, Dr. Sheetal Sapra, who is a top dermatologist and pioneer of new technologies aimed at improving the lives and looks of his patients. Dr. Sapra has practiced medical dermatology for more than 35 years and has made significant contributions to the field.