Understanding and Treating Acne Scars with Advanced Technology

Acne may fade with time, but the scars it leaves behind can last much longer. For many people, acne scars serve as a daily reminder of past breakouts, affecting self-confidence and skin texture. If you’ve searched for ‘acne scars treatment’ and want real, lasting results rather than temporary fixes, you’re in the right place.

At Donnybrook Cosmetic Clinic, we specialise in clinically proven, non-surgical acne scar treatments that promote natural skin regeneration. Two of the most effective technologies we use are Morpheus8 RF microneedling and Lumecca IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). Together, they target both texture and pigmentation — giving you a smoother, clearer, more even complexion.

This in-depth guide will explain:

• What acne scars are and why they form

• The different types of acne scarring

• How RF microneedling and Lumecca IPL can help

• What to expect from treatment

• Recovery, results, and aftercare

Let’s start by understanding what’s really happening beneath the surface of scarred skin.

What Are Acne Scars?

Acne scars develop when breakouts penetrate deeply into the skin and damage the tissue beneath. As your body tries to repair this damage, it produces collagen — but sometimes too little, or too much. This imbalance leads to visible irregularities.

The main types of acne scars include:

• Atrophic scars – Indented scars caused by collagen loss. Subtypes include:

  • Ice pick scars: Deep, narrow scars that resemble small punctures.

  • Boxcar scars: Round or oval depressions with sharp edges.

  • Rolling scars: Shallow, wave-like depressions across the skin.

• Hypertrophic and keloid scars – Raised scars formed by excess collagen during healing.

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – Dark marks or redness that remain after acne has healed. While not technically “scars”, PIH can make scarring appear worse.

Most people experience a combination of these, which is why personalised treatment is essential.

Learn more about scar removal in Dublin

Why Treating Acne Scars Properly is Important

Many people turn to over-the-counter creams or home devices promising quick fixes, but these rarely reach the deeper layers where scars form. True improvement requires controlled skin regeneration, safely stimulating your body’s healing processes to remodel collagen and even out pigmentation.

That’s exactly what Morpheus8 RF microneedling and Lumecca IPL offer: comprehensive renewal for both skin texture and tone.

Advanced Acne Scars Treatment Options

At Donnybrook Clinic, we focus on science-backed, results-driven treatments that improve skin health from within. For acne scars, two treatments stand out:

1. Morpheus8 RF Microneedling – for texture, depth, and collagen remodelling

2. Lumecca IPL – for pigmentation, redness, and post-acne discolouration

1. Morpheus8 RF Microneedling:

What Is Morpheus8?

Morpheus8 is a next-generation treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy. It uses ultra-fine needles to penetrate deep into the dermis, delivering controlled heat to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This dual action helps remodel old scar tissue and encourage new, healthy skin cells to form.

Why It’s Ideal for Acne Scars

Acne scars are not just surface issues; they affect the deeper structure of the skin. Morpheus8 works precisely in those layers, offering benefits such as:

• Reduced scar depth and irregular texture

• Improved skin firmness and elasticity

• Smoother, more even complexion

• Long-lasting collagen stimulation for months after each session

Unlike traditional microneedling, Morpheus8’s RF energy allows it to treat deeper scar tissue safely, even in patients with darker skin types, where laser resurfacing might be risky.

What the Treatment Involves

Dr Sami Hameid will begin with a consultation and cleanse the area to be treated. A topical numbing cream is applied for comfort. During treatment, the Morpheus8 handpiece glides across the skin, delivering tiny, controlled pulses of RF energy through microneedles.

You may feel mild warmth or pressure, but the procedure is generally well tolerated.

• Treatment time: Around 30–60 minutes, depending on the area

• Downtime: 1–3 days of mild redness or swelling (make-up can usually be worn after 24 hours)

• Sessions required: Typically 2–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart

Results and Recovery

Results develop gradually as collagen remodelling continues for several months. You’ll notice smoother skin texture, reduced scar visibility, and a more refined appearance.

In clinical studies, RF microneedling has been shown to significantly improve acne scars with minimal risk and shorter recovery compared to ablative lasers.

2. Lumecca IPL: Restoring Clarity and Even Tone

What Is Lumecca IPL?

While Morpheus8 targets the structural scars beneath the surface, Lumecca IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) focuses on the visible discolouration and redness that often accompany acne scars. It is one of the most powerful IPL devices on the market, designed to target:

• Redness from broken capillaries or inflammation

• Brown spots and hyperpigmentation

• Uneven tone caused by past acne lesions

By using controlled bursts of high-intensity light, Lumecca gently heats the skin and breaks down unwanted pigment, allowing the body to naturally clear it away.

What the Treatment Involves

Lumecca IPL sessions are quick, comfortable, and require no anaesthesia. You may feel a brief warm “snap” sensation as pulses of light are delivered to the skin.

• Treatment time: 20–30 minutes

• Downtime: Minimal; mild redness for a few hours post-treatment

• Sessions required: 2–4, depending on pigmentation and severity

After treatment, dark spots may temporarily darken before flaking off naturally — revealing a more even skin tone.

Results and Recovery

Within one to two weeks, you’ll notice a visible reduction in redness and pigmentation. Over time, skin clarity and radiance improve further.

What to Expect During Your Treatment

1. Comprehensive Skin Assessment

   Your journey begins with a full consultation, where we analyse your skin type, scar pattern, and goals to create a bespoke treatment plan.

2. Treatment Sessions

   Depending on your needs, your clinician may recommend Morpheus8 or Lumecca sessions.

3. Aftercare & Recovery

   • Avoid sun exposure and use high-SPF sunscreen daily.

   • Keep the skin clean, hydrated, and avoid harsh actives for a few days.

   • Redness may persist for 24–48 hours after Morpheus8; mild warmth after Lumecca is normal.

4. Visible Results

   • Texture improvements develop gradually over 3–6 months.

   • Pigmentation fades within 1–2 weeks of Lumecca treatment.

   • Skin looks smoother, more radiant, and more even-toned.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

Most patients require a course of 3–4 Morpheus8 sessions and 2–3 Lumecca IPL sessions, though this varies based on scar severity and skin condition. Dr Sami Hameid will tailor your plan to achieve optimal improvement while maintaining safety and comfort.

Long-Term Results and Maintenance

One of the main advantages of these technologies is that they stimulate your body’s natural collagen production, so results continue to develop long after treatment ends.

To maintain your results:

• Schedule annual maintenance sessions (1–2 per year).

• Follow a medical-grade skincare routine to support skin renewal.

• Protect your skin from UV damage daily.

By maintaining good skin health, you can preserve your improvements and keep your complexion bright, smooth, and youthful.