Results speak for themselves
Why choose Alinea Medical Spa?
- We are dedicated to 100 percent patient satisfaction with results you will see and feel.
- We have perfected the science and art of acne scar removal.
- We are a specialty acne scar removal clinic in New York City , where privacy and patient-centered care is what we do.
- Your treatments will be performed by a board-certified medical doctor.
- We offer free comprehensive analysis, a limited time offer for new patients.
Laser Treatment for acne scars
- Industry-leading laser acne scar removal technology
- Minimally invasive Fraxel non-ablative laser
- Narrow wavelength IPL technology
- The most advanced, clinically proven systems
Board-certified, experienced medical doctors
- Member of the American Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgery
- Member of the American Society of Cosmetic Surgeons
- Administered by our board-certified physician
Limited time offer!
Schedule a FREE one-on-one consultation
As a new patient, you will receive a free comprehensive acne scar consultation with Dr. Ammar to ensure your scar reduction in NYC will produce excellent results for you.
We offer both CareCredit and Med Loan financing for a convenient and flexible way to pay for your acne scar treatments.
Best acne scar treatment in New York City
We use the most advanced acne scar removal modalities to personalize each patient’s acne scar treatment to reflect their unique skin type and scar concerns.
Before & After Acne Scar Removal
Advanced acne scar laser treatments
Nordlys Ellipse Fraxel Laser is an innovative medical aesthetic treatment solution that changes lives. Our cutting-edge lasers remove ice pick acne scars, rolling acne scars, boxcar acne scars, surgical scars as well as atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars.
Comprehensive treatments for acne scarring in NYC
We combine Fraxel Laser treatment with SWT® IPL for comprehensive laser acne scar removal in NYC , or non-energy treatments such as the ViPeel, Hydrafacial, and the finest medical-grade skincare products scientifically proven to smooth acne scars.
Red and brown pigmented acne scars: Our treatment
Our Ellipse SWT® IPL system with unique narrowband technology targets pigmented scars (containing melanin) and red acne scars which have been challenging to remove with older laser skin care technologies. We make scars a thing of the past with one of the world’s most innovative holistic acne scar removal treatments in NYC .
Fillers for acne scars
We treat deep-pit acne scars with soft-tissue filler such as Juvéderm® and Restylane® to smooth and fill the acne scar surface and create a more attractive look.
Advanced acne treatment for darker skin
Dr. Ammar is a medical doctor and acne scar expert who understands how to lighten acne scars with a custom treatment involving skin peels and topical retinoids, a group of medications derived from vitamin A.
Stopping future acne breakouts
Before treating acne scars, any active or “live” breakouts need to be brought under control first to ensure the infected areas do not spread or worsen. At Alinea Medical Spa, we use the world’s leading acne laser treatment technologies, including the Acne Laser, ViPeel skin peels and medical skincare products to reduce active blemishes. Call us today to book a free analysis and consultation to evaluate your active acne problems.
How to remove acne scars
The best acne scar treatment depends on the type of scar. At Alinea Medical Spa we successfully treat all types of acne scars using the Nordlys Ellipse Fraxel 1550 Laser and its sister technology the Selective Waveband (SWT®) IPL device by Candela, as well as any array of other acne scar treatments including:
- HydraFacial
- Microdermabrasion
- Chemical peels
- Fillers such as Restylane® or Juvéderm® for volume improvement
- Topical skin-lighteners such as retinol, salicylic acid, lactic acid, resorcinol, kojic acid, mandelic acid, tretinoin.
Fraxel 1550 non-ablative fractional laser
This innovative device targets icepick scars, rolling scars, boxcar scars, surgical scars as well as atrophic and hypertrophic scars. This laser acne scar treatment works by creating tiny islands of controlled heat damage, surrounded by healthy, untouched skin. The heat stimulates fibroblasts and collagen, the building blocks of healthy tissue.
As the body repairs these micro-inquiries, it triggers skin cell production, which causes acne scars to fade and become less visible. The huge advantage of non-ablative laser resurfacing, in contrast to ablative resurfacing, is that there is minimal downtime post-procedure. Additionally, the Fraxel 1550 laser is gentle, has very few side effects, and is virtually painless.
Ellipse Selective Waveband IPL (SWT®)
The Ellipse Selective Waveband IPL is an ideal way to treat red or brown spots and significantly reduce the appearance of acne scars. This device emits controlled pulses of specific light into the upper epidermis, where it is absorbed by the red or brown pigment. After a series of sessions, the pigment will become less visible. In many cases, it clears up completely.
Subcision scar removal
Subcision is a minor outpatient surgical procedure used to correct a type of scar called a “depressed scar.” This is normally characterized by a defect in the volume of the skin at the site of the scar. The main objective of subcision is to correct the decrease in volume and help smooth the scar and surrounding tissue.
During this procedure, a special needle is inserted subcutaneously to break down fibrous strands and release the underlying scar tissues that are tethered in the dermal structures. As the strands are released, new collagen forms as a healing response to the needle punctures, resulting in a noticeable reduction in the appearance of depressed acne scars.
How subcision scar removal is performed
- The treatment area is identified and marked.
- Local anesthetic is injected to numb the surrounding tissue for your comfort.
- A special Nokor needle is inserted into the skin at an acute angle and adjacent to the scar and parallel to the skin’s surface.
- The needle is inserted through the dermis in a fan-like motion, rotating at 90 degrees. (As the fibrotic strands are released, it is normal to hear a “snapping” sound indicating that the treatment is working).
- After the needle is removed, the exit point is squeezed in circular motions to prevent a hematoma related to excessive bleeding.
- Pressure is applied to the area for several minutes to minimize bleeding.
Subcision for all types of scars
- Depressed acne scars
- Depressed surgical scars
- Depressed chickenpox scars
- Depressed skin grafts
- Cellulite dimples
How many sessions are needed?
The exact number of subcision treatments will vary. Typically, anywhere from one to three visits to our center may be required for optimal results. Please note that subcision surgery may not completely remove your scars but will lead to considerable and noticeable improvements.
What causes acne scars?
Acne is an inflammatory response to acne lesions, papules, pimples, or cysts. It tends to occur when pores and hair follicles filled with pus, excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria rupture the skin’s surface. The infected pore contents spill out and damage the surrounding skin tissue, creating the perfect conditions for an acne scar. The body’s natural healing instinct is to repair the damaged skin tissue by generating new collagen.
During the healing stage the body can overproduce collagen, resulting in uneven or discolored scar tissue. Icepick scars are more serious and tend to occur when there is a rupture deep in the follicular wall. With current advances in acne scar removal technologies, however, even these deep ice pick scars can be treated very effectively and affordably.
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Who is a good candidate for acne scar treatment?
Patients who no longer have active acne and are wondering how to get rid of acne scars or marks are excellent candidates for acne scar removal with laser, IPL, and other innovative treatments. Since the Fraxel laser targets the water structures in the skin and not pigment, it is well-suited for treating patients with skin types 1 to 3 on the Fitzpatrick scale.
How laser acne scar removal works
A topical anesthetic is applied for approximately 45 to 60 minutes to numb the skin prior to treatment. Then 3 or 4 passes of the Fraxel Laser are performed over the treatment area. The procedure takes about 15 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated. Most patients find the procedure quite comfortable and are pleasantly surprised that they can resume their regular activities immediately following the treatment.
Following the Fraxel Laser treatment for acne scars, the skin typically takes 3 to 5 days to regenerate. Once the acne scars are removed and will not return. If your acne comes back, however, there is a possibility that new acne scars could develop, and additional laser treatments may be necessary. If you have acne-prone skin, we recommend a series of ViPeels and other highly effective treatments to keep acne under control.
Different grades of acne and best treatment options for each
Grade 1 acne scars
The treatment options include IPL, HydraFacial, Microneedling, Microdermabrasion in combination with chemical peels and topical skin-lighteners such as retinol, salicylic acid, lactic acid, resorcinol, kojic acid, mandelic acid, and tretinoin.
Grade 2 acne scars
Mostly surface marks with mild depressions or slightly thickened epidermis. These scars are best addressed by gentle surfacing and slight volume improvement. Treatment options include: IPL, Fraxel non-ablative resurfacing lasers in combination with chemical peels Microneedling and Microdermabrasion.
Grade 3 acne scars
This is considered “moderate scarring” with the presence of atrophic (depressed) scars or hypertrophic (thickened) scars.This type of scar needs a multi-device or combination approach to resurface the skin using FRAXEL laser, IPL to address pigment issues and dermal fillers such as Restylane® or Juvederm® for volume improvement.
Icepick acne scar treatments are treated with a specialized process. Punch excision and punch grafting involves cutting out the scar then suturing or gluing the opening together. A small scar may be left from the procedure but because it is smaller and level with the surrounding skin’s surface, it’s much less noticeable than the original ice pick scar.
Grade 4 acne scars
This is considered “severe scarring” with severe atrophic (depressed or pitted) scars or hypertrophic (very thick) scars that remain raised even when the skin is stretched. These are the deep boxcar scars, icepick scars and deep-pit acne scars. Severe conditions like this require a series of Fraxel, IPL, and chemical peels to improve the skin’s surface. Deep depressions can be addressed with dermal fillers such as Restylane® or Juvéderm®.
Candela Nordlys
Acne Scar Removal FAQ
How much is laser acne scar removal in NYC?
On average laser acne scar removal in NYC costs $850 per session. Patients usually need three or more treatments depending on the severity of the acne scars. We also offer a world-class chemical peel called the ViPeel which costs $450 per treatment. Purchasing a package of treatments comes with a 10 percent discount off the entire package.
How long does it take for acne scars to fade?
It depends on the type of acne scar. Most acne scars are the result of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This type of pigmented lesion can take up to two years to fade without treatment; however, eventually they will become less noticeable. True acne scars in contrast have considerable tissue damage and will need medical intervention to repair the skin.
How to get rid of butt acne scars and scars on the chest?
Treatment for acne scars on the body is similar to treating facial acne scars. This may involve Fraxel Laser, IPL photo-rejuvenation treatments, microneedling, chemical peels and medical-grade skincare products.
Does microneedling for acne scars work?
Microneedling is excellent for treating Grade 1 and Grade 2 type scarring (mild to moderate). A series of four to eight microneedling sessions may be required for noticeable improvement in skin smoothness and acne scar amelioration. For deeper or more severe scars, Fraxel non-ablative laser resurfacing, IPL and chemical peels be ideal.
Can I use a dermaroller for acne scars?
A dermaroller is a manual microneedling device sold for home use. Although these devices may have some benefit, in amateur hands they are more likely to cause complications such as infections and skin tearing. For serious acne scar treatments, we advise you to seek guidance from a qualified skincare professional.
How many microdermabrasion treatments do I need for acne scars?
In most cases microdermabrasion alone is not sufficient to resolve acne scars. You may first need to undergo deeper resurfacing techniques such as Fraxel laser or IPL photo-rejuvenation to resolve texture and pigmentation issues. A series of four to six microdermabrasion sessions can be used as a maintenance program after your laser treatments to keep skin smooth and healthy.