At our clinic, we understand that every individual’s skin is unique. That’s why we provide personalised acne scar treatments designed to suit your specific skin type, scar pattern, and overall condition. Our goal is not only to improve the appearance of scars but also to help you regain smoother, healthier-looking skin with confidence.
Professional and trusted care
An established medical practice with a reputation for safe and reliable treatments
Comprehensive approach
Consultation, diagnosis, and customised treatment tailored to your needs
Extensive expertise
Over 15 years of clinical experience in managing acne and scars
Proven results
More than 10,000 patients successfully treated for acne and related concerns
The success of acne scar removal depends on the type and depth of your scars as well as your skin’s natural characteristics. With a thorough medical assessment and a personalised treatment plan, you can achieve noticeable and lasting improvements in skin texture and smoothness.
Acne scars develop when the skin’s healing process after inflammation is disrupted [1]. Deep or prolonged acne lesions can damage both the surface and underlying tissue, leading to an imbalance in collagen repair. This imbalance determines whether scars appear as depressions or raised marks.
Since acne scars are much harder to treat than acne itself, managing inflammation early is crucial. Timely treatment not only reduces breakouts but also lowers the risk of long-term scarring.
Acne scars generally fall into two broad categories: atrophic scars (caused by a loss of skin tissue) and hypertrophic or keloid scars (caused by excess collagen and raised scar tissue). Atrophic scars are by far the most common, making up more than 80% of acne scars, while hypertrophic and keloid scars are less frequent but still seen in our local population [4].
Within the atrophic group, scars are further classified into three main types:
In addition to shape, scars are also graded by colour:
A useful indicator of scar severity is whether the scar temporarily flattens when the surrounding skin is stretched, which helps assess its depth.
| Scar Type | Appearance | How it Feels/Looks | Commonness |
| Ice pick | Deep, narrow, V-shaped pits | Small “pinpoint” holes that extend into the skin | Most common (60–70%) |
| Boxcar | Broad, U-shaped with sharp edges | Pitted or punched-out areas, can be shallow or deep | 20–30% |
| Rolling | Wide, shallow, with sloping edges | Creates wave-like, uneven skin texture | 15–25% |
Most individuals have a mixture of different scar types, depths, and colours. This is why a personalised assessment by a qualified doctor is essential, to identify the predominant scar type and recommend the most effective treatment plan for visible, lasting improvement.
No single treatment works for all acne scars. The most effective approach depends on your scar type, scar grade, and overall skin condition. Over the past decade, advances in dermatology and aesthetic medicine have led to a wide range of specialised techniques that target specific scar patterns, whether deep, narrow, broad, or uneven.
A customised treatment plan is therefore essential. Some scars respond best to chemical reconstruction methods, while others require energy-based resurfacing, microneedling, or even surgical techniques. In many cases, a combination of treatments delivers the most optimal results.
| Treatment Type | How it Works | Ice Pick Scars | Rolling Scars | Boxcar Scars |
| TCA CROSS | High-strength acid applied precisely into deep scars to stimulate collagen repair | ++ | – | ++ |
| Subcision | A fine needle is inserted under the skin to break fibrous scar bands | – | ++ | – |
| Fillers | Soft tissue fillers lift depressed scars for immediate, smoother skin | – | ++ | – |
| RF Microneedling | Microneedles deliver radiofrequency energy to rebuild collagen deep in the skin | – | ++ | ++ |
| Pico fractional laser | Ultra-short laser pulses resurface skin and stimulate new collagen production | + | ++ | ++ |
| Ablative fractional laser | Removes tiny columns of skin, encouraging new tissue growth and resurfacing | + | ++ | ++ |
| Non-ablative fractional laser | Heats skin tissue without removing it, promoting collagen with less downtime | – | ++ | ++ |
| Punch excision | Surgically removes individual deep scars, closing the site with fine stitches | ++ | – | ++ |
Legend:
Most patients have more than one type of acne scar, which is why doctors often recommend a combination of treatments. Pairing techniques such as subcision with lasers, or TCA CROSS with punch excision, can deliver more comprehensive results than relying on a single method alone. This tailored approach ensures each scar type is treated in the most effective way possible.
Every case of acne scarring is unique, which is why each patient is assessed individually. Treatment is tailored according to your scar type, scar pattern, and personal goals. Using a carefully planned combination approach, Dr. Ng draws on the latest techniques and his extensive clinical experience to design a customised plan that repairs scars and restores smoother, healthier-looking skin.
With the wide range of treatment options available in Singapore, acne scar removal can seem overwhelming. In reality, acne scar revision is often complex because most patients have more than one type of scar. Each scar type responds best to specific treatments:
The treatment process is typically carried out in stages for the best results:
Treatment must also be adjusted to your skin type and colour. Patients with darker skin tones, for instance, benefit more from a gentler, gradual approach, since aggressive procedures may increase the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation. Dr. Ng takes this into account when designing your treatment plan to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
Acne scar treatment is rarely one-size-fits-all. Each scar type responds differently, which is why doctors often combine multiple techniques for the best results. The following treatment options in Singapore can be grouped into four main categories: lasers, surgical procedures, injectables, and specialised scar therapies.
Lasers help remodel skin, stimulate collagen, and improve tone and texture. They are especially useful for atrophic scars, redness, and pigmentation.
Surgical techniques are often required for deep or tethered scars that do not respond well to resurfacing treatments alone.
Injectables are used to lift depressed scars, enhance skin repair, and complement other procedures.
RF microneedling combines controlled micro-injury with radiofrequency energy to stimulate deep collagen remodelling.
Raised scars require a different approach compared to depressed scars.
By combining these methods strategically, doctors can address multiple scar types in a single treatment plan, leading to more significant, long-lasting improvements in skin smoothness and appearance.
Every patient’s scars are unique, but the following examples show how different types of acne scars are typically managed in Singapore:
| Case Type | Main Issues | How it looks like | Recommended Treatments |
| Mixed atrophic acne scars (Grade 3–4) | Combination of deep ice pick and rolling scars; uneven skin texture |  | TCA CROSS for deep ice pick scarsSubcision for selected rolling scarsFractional resurfacing for overall skin textureFillers or PDRN S injections to enhance results after resurfacing |
| Mixed atrophic acne scars (Grade 4) | Severe tethered scars; deep depressions that require release |  | Subcision first to release tethered scarsFractional resurfacing to stimulate collagenFillers or PDRN S injections four weeks later for added improvement |
| Mild acne scars with hyperpigmentation | Shallow scars with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) |  | Pico laser to lighten pigmentationFractional resurfacing (Pico, INFINI, or Genius RF) to remodel texture safely, especially for darker skin types |
Note: Most individuals have a mix of scar types, depths, and pigmentation. This is why a personalised combination approach is often required to achieve significant and long-lasting improvements.
Every patient’s skin is different, and so is the way scars respond to treatment. That’s why a structured, step-by-step approach is taken to assess your skin, identify the type of scars present, and create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
For many years, doctors advised against treating acne scars during isotretinoin use, fearing poor wound healing and abnormal scarring. Patients were often told to wait 6–12 months after finishing the medication before starting scar treatments, which delayed care and prolonged distress.
However, expert consensus in 2017 found that not all treatments need to be postponed. Some procedures remain unsuitable, but many others can be performed safely under proper medical supervision [6].
This updated guidance means that patients do not always need to delay scar treatments while on isotretinoin. With the right medical advice, suitable procedures can be carried out safely to improve scars earlier and reduce their long-term impact.
Downtime depends on the type of treatment, your skin type, and your individual healing response. Some procedures, such as fillers, have minimal recovery, while others like lasers or subcision may require a short break from daily activities. Treatment plans are always scheduled to balance effective results with your lifestyle and commitments.
| Treatment | Expected Downtime |
| Dermal fillers | Mild swelling for 2–3 days; bruising may last 1–2 weeks but is usually mild. |
| Subcision | Redness and swelling for a few days; bruising can take 1–2 weeks to fade. |
| TCA CROSS | Redness and swelling for several days; small scabs typically fall off within a week. |
| Fractional resurfacing (Pico, Genius, INFINI) | Redness and swelling for 2–3 days; recovery may extend to 5–7 days with higher treatment intensity. |
With careful planning, treatments are timed to fit your schedule while ensuring safe and effective results.
The cost of acne scar removal in Singapore varies depending on the treatment method, the number of sessions required, and the severity of your scars. Prices are usually quoted per session and tailored to each patient’s needs. Below is a guide to starting prices for common procedures:
| Treatment | Price (from) |
| TCA CROSS | $340 |
| Cannula subcision | $480 |
| Fractional Pico Laser | $599 |
| Fractional CO₂ Laser | $499 |
| PDRN S injectable | $500 |
| Injection steroids | $200 |
Treatment costs may differ depending on your personalised plan, as most patients benefit from a combination of treatments for optimal results. Your doctor will provide a detailed breakdown during consultation.
Acne scarring is a common concern that often arises due to delayed treatment or underestimating the severity of acne. Most patients have a mixed pattern of scars, and each type requires a different treatment approach. A combination of techniques is therefore used to safely and effectively deliver the best possible improvement.
Dr. Moses Ng’s focus is on achieving the healthiest skin outcome for every patient by considering factors such as skin type, colour, downtime, lifestyle, and budget. With so many treatment options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That is why Dr. Ng takes a pragmatic, reliable approach, recommending the most suitable treatments based on clinical experience and the latest research.
With the acne scar removal program, patients can expect gradual yet noticeable improvements in their skin texture and scar appearance over a 6–12 month period.
We treat a wide range of acne and acne scars at our clinics in Woodlands and Kovan. Book a consultation today, and Dr. Ng will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your skin concerns. With the right approach, you can look forward to long-term improvements in both the health and appearance of your skin.
Prices start from around $200 for steroid injections and $340 for TCA CROSS, depending on the procedure and number of sessions needed.
Yes, procedures like Pico laser and RF microneedling are safe for all skin types when performed by a qualified doctor.
Acne scars cannot be erased completely, but modern treatments can make them much less visible and significantly improve skin texture.
Most patients need 3–6 sessions depending on scar type and severity, with treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
Most patients notice visible improvement after 2–3 sessions, with optimal results achieved over 6–12 months.
The main types are atrophic scars (ice pick, boxcar, rolling) and raised scars (hypertrophic and keloid). Each responds to different treatments.
TCA CROSS and punch excision are most effective for deep ice pick scars, often combined with fractional laser resurfacing.
Mild redness, swelling, or bruising are common and temporary. Serious side effects are rare when performed by an experienced doctor.
Downtime varies: fillers may need only 2–3 days, while subcision or lasers may take up to a week for recovery.
Yes, combination therapy is often recommended to target different scar types for better overall results.
Acne scar treatments are available at medical aesthetic clinics in Singapore, where a doctor tailors the plan to your skin and scar type.
Scar treatments are usually started after active acne is controlled, though mild pigmentation or redness can sometimes be treated earlier.
Dr. Moses Ng is a distinguished professional in the field of aesthetic medicine, renowned for his expertise in advanced cosmetic procedures. With over 15 years of experience, extensive training and a keen eye for detail, Dr. Ng specializes in a wide range of treatments, including injectables, laser therapies, and acne scar management.
Dr. Moses Ng’s commitment to excellence and patient-centric approach have earned him a reputation as a trusted clinician in aesthetic medicine. His continuous pursuit of the latest advancements in the field ensures that his patients receive the highest standard of care and the most effective treatments available.
