{"id":3791,"date":"2026-07-25T14:17:57","date_gmt":"2026-07-25T12:17:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drcolle.be\/dienst\/treating-acne-scars\/"},"modified":"2026-07-26T20:21:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-26T18:21:06","slug":"treating-acne-scars","status":"publish","type":"dienst","link":"https:\/\/www.drcolle.be\/en\/dienst\/treating-acne-scars\/","title":{"rendered":"Treating acne scars"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignfull are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-b81f3336 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover has-custom-content-position is-position-bottom-center\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--128-65);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--64-32);min-height:560px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-4238 size-full\" alt=\"Close-up van hals en decollet\u00e9 \u2014 acnelittekens bij dr. Julien Colle\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drcolle.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/huidverjonging-hals-en-decollete.png\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.drcolle.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/huidverjonging-hals-en-decollete.png 2560w, https:\/\/www.drcolle.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/huidverjonging-hals-en-decollete-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.drcolle.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/huidverjonging-hals-en-decollete-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.drcolle.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/huidverjonging-hals-en-decollete-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.drcolle.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/huidverjonging-hals-en-decollete-1536x1024.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.drcolle.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/huidverjonging-hals-en-decollete-2048x1366.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient has-header-overlay-gradient-background\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e896cbe3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Treating acne scars<\/h1>\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default wp-block-paragraph\">Acne scars occur when the skin produces too little or just too much connective tissue during the healing process. A targeted combination of regenerative techniques can gradually make the skin relief more even. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--24-16)\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/agenda.mediris.be\/appointments?agenda=5a9f0a87-cb2f-460c-9e5d-f2eb27b69c94&amp;careprovider=e46d1dc1-89af-430c-b647-9b95d15ad5ba\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Make an appointment<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 id=\"wat-zijn-acnelittekens\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are acne scars?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Acne is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. When that inflammation goes deep enough, the underlying connective tissue becomes damaged. The skin repairs this with scar tissue, and that tissue has a different structure than the surrounding skin. Sometimes too little tissue is produced, creating a pit; sometimes too much, resulting in a raised scar.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Acne scars do not disappear on their own. Discolorations that remain after an outbreak usually fade over time. The distinction between the two is important, as it determines whether a treatment is useful and which treatment is then indicated.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"welke-soorten-littekens-worden-onderscheiden\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which types of scars are distinguished?<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ice pick<\/strong>: narrow, deep pits with a sharp edge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Boxcar<\/strong>: wider, angular pits with a flat base.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rolling<\/strong>: undulating irregularities, caused by anchoring of the skin to the deeper layers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hypertrophic<\/strong>: raised, firm scar tissue, more common on the back and chest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation<\/strong>: red or brown spots without changes in relief.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, these types occur together on the same face. That is why a single technique rarely improves the entire appearance. <\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"welke-behandelingen-worden-hiervoor-ingezet\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which treatments are used for this?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The choice depends on the type of scar, the depth, the skin color, and whether the acne itself has subsided. Active acne is always treated first, if necessary in consultation with a dermatologist. <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drcolle.be\/en\/dienst\/rf-microneedling-skin-tightening-without-surgery\/\">RF microneedling<\/a> delivers heat into the deeper skin layers and is primarily used for boxcar and rolling scars.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drcolle.be\/en\/dienst\/microneedling-for-skin-rejuvenation\/\">Microneedling<\/a> works more superficially and is suitable for finer irregularities and for evening out the skin texture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drcolle.be\/en\/dienst\/regenerative-membrane-for-scars-and-wound-healing\/\">PRF<\/a> from your own blood is used to support recovery after a treatment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drcolle.be\/en\/dienst\/polynucleotides-for-skin-quality\/\">Polynucleotides<\/a> are used to improve the quality and hydration of the skin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drcolle.be\/en\/dienst\/mesotherapy-and-skin-boosters\/\">Mesotherapy and skin boosters<\/a> improve the general condition of the skin around the scars.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For very deep, isolated ice-pick scars, a surgical correction of that single scar may yield more than a surface treatment. This will be assessed during the consultation. <\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"hoe-verloopt-een-traject\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does a treatment course look like?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A course starts with a consultation in which the scars are assessed and the skin type is determined. Based on this, a plan is drawn up with a number of sessions, usually four to six weeks apart, so that the skin can recover in between. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After each session, the skin is red and sensitive for a few days. Sun protection is not a minor detail during this period but a requirement: unprotected exposure can lead to permanent discoloration of scar tissue. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The process of scar recovery is slow. Connective tissue continues to mature for months after a treatment, meaning the final result can only be assessed after some time. <\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"wat-mag-u-realistisch-verwachten\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What can you realistically expect?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Acne scars can be made less noticeable, but not erased. The goal is a more even skin relief and a calmer skin appearance, not skin without any traces. Someone starting with deep, extensive scars will reach a different endpoint than someone with a few superficial irregularities.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is an obligation of means and not an obligation of result. During the consultation, what is achievable in your situation and what is not will be explicitly discussed, so that you can decide based on that information. <\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"wanneer-is-dit-niet-aangewezen\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is this not recommended?<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In the case of active, inflamed acne: this is treated first.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the case of a recent treatment with isotretinoin, depending on the dose and the timeframe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the case of a tendency toward keloid formation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>During pregnancy and breastfeeding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the case of an active skin infection in the treatment area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the case of certain coagulation disorders or the use of blood thinners, after consultation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"veelgestelde-vragen\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"hoeveel-sessies-zijn-er-nodig\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many sessions are needed?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This varies greatly. For superficial irregularities, three to four sessions are often used; for deeper scars, this increases. The plan is adjusted after each session based on the skin&#8217;s reaction.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"is-de-behandeling-pijnlijk\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is the treatment painful?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An anesthetic cream is applied beforehand. The treatment is therefore generally described as well-tolerated, although the sensation remains personal. <\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"kan-ik-dit-laten-doen-als-ik-een-donkere-huid-heb\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I have this done if I have dark skin?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, but the settings and the choice of technique are adjusted. With higher skin types, the risk of discoloration is greater, meaning the work is done more cautiously and sun protection is even more important. <\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"kan-ik-nadien-meteen-werken\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I work immediately afterwards?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The skin is red for a few days. Many people resume their activities the next day, but keep in mind that the skin reacts visibly. <\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"wat-kost-een-traject\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does a treatment course cost?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because the number of sessions and the chosen technique differ per person, the cost is discussed during the consultation and confirmed in writing before anything is finalized.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group medische-disclaimer has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--48-32);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--24-16)\">\n<p class=\"has-link-color has-small-font-size wp-elements-7496b57ae5c3750201a4e0182fa89cd5 wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p><p class=\"has-small-font-size\" style=\"opacity:.7\">This text is general in nature and does not replace personal medical advice. An obligation of means applies, not an obligation of results. What is possible in your situation is determined during a consultation and recorded in writing. Read the full <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drcolle.be\/en\/medical-disclaimer\/\">medical disclaimer<\/a>.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What are acne scars? Acne is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. When that inflammation goes deep enough, the underlying connective tissue becomes damaged. The skin repairs this with scar tissue, and that tissue has a different structure than the surrounding skin. Sometimes too little tissue is produced, creating a pit; sometimes [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"Treating acne scars in 3 steps | specialist Dr. Colle","rank_math_description":"Acne scars require an approach tailored to the type of scar. Discover which treatments are used, how a trajectory proceeds, and what you can realistically expect. 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