How two of the most effective scar treatments compare, and how to decide which one is right for your skin.

Acne eventually clears, but the marks it leaves behind often do not. If you live on Hilton Head Island, you already know how unforgiving bright Lowcountry light can be when it comes to pitted scars and uneven texture. The good news is that acne scars can be improved. Modern treatments can smooth texture, soften discoloration, and restore a more even complexion.

Understanding the Types of Acne Scars

Not all acne scars behave the same way, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Depressed, or atrophic, scars form when tissue is lost during healing and can appear as boxcar, rolling, or ice pick scars. Some people also develop dark or red marks that linger long after the breakout itself has healed.

At OneCareSpa, the first step is a thorough evaluation with Dr. Andrew Binamira, a board-certified physician with more than 26 years of experience. Identifying the specific pattern of scarring matters because it determines which technology will give you the most meaningful improvement.

Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scars

Fractional laser resurfacing works by creating microscopic columns of heat in the skin. This prompts the body to replace older, damaged tissue with fresh collagen, which gradually softens the edges of depressed scars. The CO2 laser available at OneCareSpa is among the most powerful tools for deeper, more established scarring.

Because laser resurfacing can produce a more noticeable recovery period, it tends to be a strong choice for people who want meaningful improvement in fewer visits. After treatment, your skin may look red and feel tight for several days, followed by light peeling. We provide clear aftercare guidance, including strict sun protection, which matters year-round on the coast.

Microneedling and RF Microneedling

Microneedling uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen production. At OneCareSpa we offer Secret PRO, which combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. The added RF energy delivers heat beneath the surface, which can be especially useful for depressed scarring and textural concerns.

A major advantage of microneedling is that it is generally well tolerated across a wide range of skin tones, with less downtime than many laser treatments. Most patients describe the sensation as manageable, and a topical numbing cream is applied beforehand. The result is a smoother, more refined texture that improves gradually over the weeks that follow.

Acne Scar Treatment: Laser vs. Microneedling

Choosing between the two often comes down to scar depth, skin tone, and lifestyle. Laser resurfacing typically delivers more aggressive improvement for deep scars in fewer sessions, but it asks for more downtime and may not be ideal for every skin type. Microneedling is gentler, safer for darker skin tones, and easier to fit around a busy schedule on the island.

Many of our patients do not choose one or the other. A common plan is to use laser for the deepest scars and microneedling for overall texture, or to alternate treatments over several months. The right combination is something we map out together during your consultation rather than guessing in advance.

Treating the Root Cause First

If you are still experiencing breakouts, treating scars alone can feel like an endless cycle. New acne means the potential for new scars. OneCareSpa offers AviClear acne treatment to address active acne at its source before we shift focus to scar revision. Starting with clear skin gives scar treatments the best possible foundation to work from.

What to Expect at OneCareSpa

Every plan at OneCareSpa begins with a conversation, not a sales pitch. Dr. Binamira examines your skin, reviews your history, and explains what each treatment can and cannot realistically do. Because we are a physician-supervised medical spa, your care is guided by a medical professional who understands skin from a clinical perspective.

We also keep the Lowcountry climate in mind. Sun exposure between beach days and golf rounds can undo progress if it is not managed, so sun protection is a built-in part of every treatment plan we create.

Preparing for Your Acne Scar Treatment

A little preparation goes a long way toward a smoother recovery. We typically recommend avoiding direct sun exposure and tanning in the weeks before treatment, since tanned or sunburned skin is more reactive. Depending on your plan, we may also suggest pausing certain topical products, such as strong retinoids, for a few days beforehand.

You will receive a clear, written list of what to do before and after your session, so there is no guessing involved. Arriving with clean skin and a realistic understanding of your recovery timeline helps everything go more smoothly from start to finish.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Acne Scar Treatment?

Most healthy adults with acne scarring can be considered for treatment, but a consultation is the only way to know for certain. Factors such as your skin type, the depth of your scars, and whether you are still breaking out all influence the recommendation. If you are pregnant or have certain active skin conditions, we may suggest waiting until a better time.

The most important quality in a candidate is realistic expectations. Scar treatments improve texture and soften depressions, but no treatment erases scars entirely. Dr. Binamira will help you understand what a meaningful improvement looks like for your specific skin before any treatment begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best treatment for acne scars?

There is no single best treatment for everyone. The right choice depends on the type of scar, your skin tone, and how much downtime you can accept. At OneCareSpa, Dr. Andrew Binamira evaluates your skin and may recommend fractional CO2 laser, RF microneedling with Secret PRO, chemical peels, or a combination of approaches.

Is laser or microneedling better for acne scars?

Both work well, but in different ways. Laser resurfacing often treats deeper, pitted scars more aggressively, while microneedling is gentle enough for a wider range of skin tones and typically involves less downtime. During a consultation we review your specific scars and recommend the approach most likely to help.

How many sessions are needed for acne scars?

Most people benefit from a series rather than a single visit. Microneedling is often planned in three to six sessions spaced about a month apart, while a laser resurfacing treatment may require one or two sessions with a longer recovery window. Your provider will outline a realistic plan after examining your skin.

What is the downtime for acne scar treatment?

Downtime varies by treatment. Microneedling often leaves redness similar to a mild sunburn for a day or two, while fractional CO2 laser can involve several days of redness and peeling. We go over exactly what to expect, including Lowcountry sun precautions, before you commit to any plan.

Can I treat acne scars while I still have active breakouts?

It is usually better to calm active acne before focusing on scars, because new breakouts can create new scarring. OneCareSpa offers AviClear for active acne, which can be used to get breakouts under control before we begin scar treatments.

Ready to Smooth Your Skin?

Schedule a consultation at OneCareSpa and let Dr. Binamira build a personalized acne scar treatment plan for your skin.

Call (843) 342-3202
Book a Consultation
81 N Main St, STE 202, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926