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Acne Scars

Acne scars are the textural marks, dips or raised areas, left behind after inflammatory acne heals. A crucial first point: a scar is not the same as a post-acne mark. A scar is a change in the skin's collagen and relief, while a brown or red mark is a change in colour. Telling them apart guides the right care.

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Why a breakout leaves a dent

When an inflammatory breakout, especially a nodule or cyst, reaches deep into the dermis, it destroys collagen, the skin's structural framework. As the skin heals, how it rebuilds that collagen decides the result. Too little leaves a depressed scar, the most common kind; too much raises the skin. This is why calming acne early limits the scars left behind.

Depressed acne scars also come in recognizable shapes, often called ice pick, boxcar and rolling, depending on whether they are narrow and deep, wide with sharp edges, or broad and softly indented. The shape helps guide which treatment works best, which is why an assessment looks at the type, not just the presence, of scarring.

How do acne scars develop?

Acne scars form when deep inflammation damages collagen and the skin repairs unevenly. Whether a scar ends up sunken or raised, and what shape it takes, depends on how that repair unfolds. Understanding these factors matters, because scar type, not just its presence, determines which treatment helps and why active acne must be controlled first.

1
Deep inflammation

Scars begin with depth. Surface breakouts rarely scar, but when inflammation from a nodule or cyst reaches the dermis, it destroys collagen and disorganizes the skin's framework there. The deeper and stronger the inflammation, the more structural damage, which is why severe, inflammatory acne carries by far the highest scarring risk.

2
How the skin rebuilds

During healing, the skin lays down replacement collagen. If it rebuilds too little to fill the loss, the surface sinks into a depressed scar, the most common acne scar. If it overproduces, the skin rises into a raised scar. The same injury can heal differently from one person and one spot to the next.

3
Picking and squeezing

Manipulating a breakout deepens and prolongs the inflammation, which means more collagen destroyed and a higher chance of a permanent scar. Each squeeze can also push inflammatory contents further into the dermis. This is the direct biological reason behind not picking: it turns a temporary blemish into a lasting textural mark.

4
Scar versus mark

Not every leftover is a scar. A flat brown mark is post-inflammatory pigment, and a flat red or purple mark is dilated vessels; both are colour, not texture, and respond to different approaches. A true scar is a change in relief and collagen. Sorting the two is what points to the right treatment.

How to Prevent
1

Treat active acne first

Because every deep breakout can create a new scar, controlling active acne is the single most important step. Fewer inflammatory lesions mean fewer chances to damage collagen. Addressing the acne first also protects results, so that scar treatment is not undone by fresh breakouts forming alongside it.

2

Never pick or squeeze

Since manipulation deepens inflammation and collagen loss, leaving breakouts alone is one of the most effective ways to prevent scars. It will not improve an existing scar, but it stops new ones from forming and keeps marks as contained as possible. Professional extraction, when needed, is far safer than picking.

3

Seek assessment early

Because scar type determines treatment and because early scars can respond differently from old ones, a professional assessment helps. It identifies which scars are present, often a mix, and sequences care correctly: active acne controlled first, then the right combination, with timing adjusted if oral acne treatment has been involved.

4

Protect and support the skin

Daily sun protection limits the dark marks that follow breakouts and supports healing skin, while a gentle routine avoids adding irritation. These habits do not erase scars, but they create the calmest possible conditions for the skin to repair and reduce the colour marks often mistaken for scarring.

Personalized treatments for you.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid Injections
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Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) injections
Over time, skin loses volume, firmness, and elasticity due to a natural decline in collagen and elastin production. This can lead to facial wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of definition. Health Canada-approved injectable treatments can help restore lost volume and support the skin’s natural regenerative processes, contributing to improved structure and long-lasting results.

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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment is a science-backed way to naturally improve the health and appearance of your skin using your own biology. It starts with a simple and quick step: a small blood draw from your arm, done right in clinic. This sample is then placed in a specialized centrifuge that spins at high speed to separate the different components of your blood. What we keep is the platelet-rich plasma—a golden fluid rich in powerful molecules called growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and more. These messengers play a crucial role in skin regeneration, boosting collagen and elastin, improving circulation, and supporting tissue repair.

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Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is an advanced regenerative treatment that uses the healing power of your own blood to naturally improve skin health and support hair restoration. After a simple blood draw, the sample is placed in a centrifuge that spins at low speed to create a concentrated solution rich in platelets, white blood cells and growth factors. This forms a soft fibrin matrix that helps activate natural healing and tissue regeneration.

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Fractional Lasers
For close to 20 years, fractional laser resurfacing has been a cornerstone of aesthetic medicine for concerns related to skin texture, scars, spots and fine lines. Rather than treating the entire surface at once, the laser delivers its energy in a grid of microscopic columns and leaves the skin between them intact. This untouched tissue acts as a reservoir of healthy cells that speeds up the natural repair process: each treated micro-zone triggers the production of new collagen, the structural protein that keeps skin firm and smooth, while recovery stays shorter than with full-surface treatment.

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CO2 Laser
Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing is a highly effective and non-invasive procedure that belongs to the family of Fractional Laser technologies. Designed to treat a wide range of skin imperfections, this treatment is ideal for addressing acne scars, sun damage, age spots, and deeper wrinkles. This advanced laser technology utilizes fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) to remove damaged skin cells and stimulate collagen production.

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MicroLaserPeel
MicroLaserPeel is a treatment that removes a thin layer of damaged skin to improve its texture and restore a more youthful appearance. This treatment, performed with a laser, allows for ultra-precise control of the desired depth. Each treatment can be customized to your skin condition and desired results.

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Clear + Brilliant and Perméa
This laser has 2 different wavelengths: Perméa is more superficial (1927 nm) and Clear + Brilliant deeper (1440 nm). Depending on skin needs, Dermapure professionals will guide you in your choice between these two treatments.

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ClearLift Plus
ClearLift Plus is a non-invasive laser treatment that helps refresh and rejuvenate your skin—without the need for recovery time. It’s ideal for softening fine lines, improving firmness, and evening out skin tone, all while remaining gentle enough for delicate areas like the eyes, neck, and hands.

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HALO Hybrid Fractional Laser
Halo, the world’s first hybrid fractional laser, is a revolutionary technology that improves the overall appearance of the skin. Restore your youthful glow and address numerous skin conditions such as wrinkles and fine lines, scarring, stretch marks, sun damage, texture, and enlarged pores.

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PicoSure Laser
Achieving a more youthful appearance without the typical discomfort and downtime is now possible with PicoSure. This breakthrough technology removes unwanted pigment, as well as reduces wrinkles and acne scars. PicoSure gently delivers short bursts of energy to target problem areas. This innovative technology can help you achieve a more youthful appearance.

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Laser Genesis
During the Laser Genesis procedure, the laser delivers precise heat to the dermis, the layer of skin just below the surface. This gentle heating stimulates the production of collagen, a key protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness. The process also targets dilated capillaries, which can cause redness and uneven skin tone, helping to reduce these visible signs.

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Vbeam Laser
Vbeam is a non-invasive vascular laser treatment that helps reduce facial redness, visible blood vessels, and other signs of vascular imbalance in the skin. It uses Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) technology, which delivers light energy in gentle pulses. This laser light is absorbed by hemoglobin—the red pigment in your blood—making it especially effective for treating unwanted redness and dilated blood vessels.

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Advanced Fluorescence Technology (AFT)
AFT is an advanced light-based treatment that targets a range of common skin concerns—pigmentation, redness, acne, and early signs of aging—with no downtime. It’s a comfortable, non-invasive option for patients looking to visibly improve skin tone, texture, and clarity.

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Plasma Fibroblast Therapy
Your skin evolves with you—reflecting the moments you live, the expressions you make, and the time that passes. Over the years, it’s natural to notice a gradual loss of skin firmness, changes in texture, or the appearance of fine lines, especially in delicate areas like the eye contour, where the skin tends to be thinner and more reactive. Plasma Fibroblast Therapy is a non-surgical skin-tightening treatment designed to support your skin’s natural ability to regenerate, providing an effective alternative to surgical procedures for restoring a firmer, smoother, and more refreshed appearance.

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Carbon Laser Peel
The best candidates for this treatment are those with dull or oily skin, acne, uneven tone, fine lines, or those seeking a reduction in pore size.

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AviClear
Treating acne efficiently, safely and permanently without the use of medication is now possible thanks to AviClear, the first and only laser approved by the FDA and Health Canada for the treatment of mild to severe acne.

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Dermapure Signature Peel
Dermapure Signature Peel uses glycolic acid to chemically exfoliate a thin layer of dead cells to refresh the complexion. This treatment can be used to reduce the appearance of dark spots and restore overall radiance to the skin.

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Jessner Peel
The Jessner peel is a medium-depth chemical peel that combines salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol. This unique blend exfoliates the outer layers of the skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing fresh, younger-looking skin. It effectively treats a variety of skin concerns, including acne, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging.

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MeLine Peel
MeLine offers a targeted approach to treating various forms of hyperpigmentation, including melasma, sun-induced spots, and post-inflammatory discolouration. Designed for both fair and richly pigmented skin tones, this treatment delivers powerful yet controlled results, improving skin clarity while respecting its natural balance.

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Custom Chemical Peel
The Custom Chemical Peel is a professional exfoliation treatment designed to promote healthy skin renewal with no downtime. Using targeted active ingredients such as Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), this peel helps to remove dead skin cells, decongest pores, and improve overall skin clarity.

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RF Microneedling
RF Microneedling Intensive is an innovative technology that combines microneedling and radiofrequency to stimulate skin cells both on the surface and in depth. Using a tip fitted with very fine gold-plated needles, the micro-needle creates microperforations at different depths depending on the treated area - in tenths of a millimeter - in a controlled and precise manner. At the same time, there is an increase in thermogenesis due to the heat emitted by the needles. This initiates the natural process of skin regeneration and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin fibers, while allowing better permeability of the skin to professional serums used after the treatment.

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Sylfirm X
The Sylfirm X is a Health Canada-approved Pulsed & Continuous Wave Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling system and the only RF device with Dual Wave technology that can safely treat a wide range of skin concerns across almost all skin types. It works by generating an electromagnetic field, creating precise thermal coagulation zones using 24 evenly-leveled electrodes that penetrate the dermal layer at controlled depths. This stimulates collagen production to improve skin texture, acne scars, and fine lines. Additionally, Sylfirm X is uniquely effective in treating abnormal blood vessels and improving neovascularity, making it highly effective for challenging conditions such as melasma and rosacea.

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Microneedling
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses fine needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin, reaching up to 3 mm in depth. The needle length is adjusted to the treatment area, the skin type and the goals of each session. These tiny, controlled punctures act on the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin) and signal the skin to launch its natural repair process. Deeper treatments are performed by a trained specialist, with the depth always tailored to your skin and your goals.

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Fractional Radio Frequency (RF)
Fractional Radio Frequency (RF) is an advanced skin rejuvenation treatment that combines radiofrequency energy with micro-fractional technology to resurface and tighten skin, reduce fine lines, and improve overall skin texture. This minimally invasive approach uses RF energy to penetrate deep into the skin without harming surrounding tissue, stimulating collagen production and promoting natural healing for a smoother, more youthful complexion. Common devices for fractional RF include eMatrix, Fracture, Sublative RF, Endymed FSR, and Accent Prime.

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