Treatments / Skin / Acne scar treatment
Acne Scar Treatment in Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London
Smoother skin after acne
Acne scar treatment with Mr Siva Kumar, using CO2 laser and IPL to smooth and even out the skin, and minor surgery for deep ice pick scars.
At a glance
About acne scars
Every scar type needs its own plan
Acne can leave several types of scar, often on the same face: rolling scars that give the skin a wavy look, boxcar scars with sharp edges, and narrow, deep ice pick scars. The red or brown marks that acne leaves behind are not true scars, but they often sit alongside them.
CO2 laser is the most effective single treatment for rolling and boxcar scars. It removes a fine layer of skin and stimulates new collagen, so over the following months the surface becomes smoother and the scars shallower. IPL fades the redness and brown marks and evens out the skin tone.
Ice pick scars are too deep for laser alone. Mr Kumar removes them with a tiny punch and closes each one with a fine stitch, before laser smooths the surface.
Treatment works best once your acne is under control. Most people benefit from a combination, planned around their skin type and the scars they have.
Acne scar treatment can help with
- Rolling scars that make the skin look uneven
- Boxcar scars with defined edges
- Deep, narrow ice pick scars
- Redness and brown marks after acne
- Rough, uneven skin texture
What it won’t do
- Treat active acne, which needs to be controlled first
- Make scars disappear completely
Options
Matched to your scars
CO2 laser resurfacing
A fractional CO2 laser removes tiny columns of skin and triggers new collagen, smoothing the surface and softening scar edges. Usually one to three sessions, a few months apart.
- Best for: rolling and boxcar scars, uneven texture
- CO2 laser
IPL (intense pulsed light)
Light energy fades the redness and brown marks left by acne and evens out the skin tone, with very little downtime. Usually a course of sessions about four weeks apart.
- Best for: red or brown marks, uneven tone
- IPL
Punch excision
Each deep scar is removed with a tiny round punch under local anaesthetic and closed with a fine stitch, leaving a small, flat line that laser then blends in.
- Best for: ice pick and deep boxcar scars
Combination treatment
Most people get the best result from a plan: punch excision of the deepest scars first, then CO2 laser to smooth the surface, and IPL for any redness.
- Best for: mixed scarring
Watch & read
Everything you need to know, in one place
Patient guide
Acne scar treatment: your patient guide
A detailed booklet written by Mr Kumar. It explains the procedure in depth, how to prepare, every risk and complication, and how to look after yourself afterwards.
Opens as a booklet you can flick through. Your copy is also given to you at consultation.
Your journey
Your step-by-step journey
Your journey starts the moment you get in touch. From your first enquiry to your final check-up, you deal with the same small team, and you will always feel listened to, informed and never rushed.
Get in touch
Call, email or send an enquiry, and we will find a time that suits you.
Tell us what you would like to improve, and we will make sure the right treatment is discussed at your appointment.
Consultation
A face-to-face assessment with Mr Kumar, who explains the options, costs and any risks.
Prescription treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections are only given after a proper medical assessment. You never have to decide on the day.
Treatment
CO2 laser takes 30 to 60 minutes after numbing cream. Punch excision is done under local anaesthetic and takes 20 to 45 minutes, and an IPL session takes 20 to 30 minutes. You go home straight afterwards.
You will know exactly what to expect, and receive aftercare advice and a number to call afterwards.
Review
A review appointment, usually after about two weeks, checks your result.
Any small adjustments can be made at this stage.
Maintenance
Advice on how long your result will last and when, if ever, to repeat treatment.
There is never any pressure to book further treatment.
Recovery
Healing, step by step
Everyone heals at their own pace. This is a typical recovery, and Mr Kumar will give you a personal plan.
After CO2 laser, the skin is red and swollen and feels sunburnt. Keep it moist with the ointment provided.
The skin flakes and peels. Punch excision stitches come out at 5 to 7 days.
Most people are back at work, often wearing make-up.
Pinkness fades. Strict sun protection.
Collagen keeps remodelling and the scars continue to soften.
Safety
Risks and staying safe
All surgery carries some risk. Mr Kumar will go through these with you in detail, and the patient guide covers them in full, so you can make an informed decision.
Possible risks
- Prolonged redness
- Darker or lighter patches of skin, more likely in darker skin types
- Infection, including a flare of cold sores
- Milia (tiny white spots)
- Scarring, rarely
- The scars not improving as much as hoped
Lowering your risk
- Your acne should be under control before treatment
- Tell Mr Kumar if you have taken isotretinoin (Roaccutane) in the past year, as laser may need to wait
- If you get cold sores, you are given antiviral tablets before CO2 laser
- Protect your skin from the sun before and after treatment
- Tell us about all medicines and supplements, especially blood thinners
- Stop smoking and vaping well before and after your procedure
Fees
Guide price from£495
- Punch excision of ice pick scars (up to 3)£495
- CO2 laser, per session£599
Self-pay consultations £250.
One package price. No hidden surprises.
If you go ahead, you receive a single package price covering your whole journey, so you know exactly what you are paying before you commit. It usually includes:
- Your surgeon’s fee
- Procedure room or theatre fees
- Laboratory analysis where needed
- Follow-up and wound check
- Support whenever you need it
- A clear written quote
FAQs
Your questions, answered
Which treatment is best for acne scars?
It depends on the type of scar. CO2 laser is the most effective single treatment for rolling and boxcar scars, IPL for redness and brown marks, and punch excision for deep ice pick scars. Most people benefit from a combination.
How many CO2 laser sessions will I need?
Many people see a clear improvement after one session. Deeper scarring may need two or three, a few months apart.
Can ice pick scars be removed?
Yes. Each one can be removed with a tiny punch and closed with a fine stitch, leaving a small, flat line that is much less noticeable, especially after laser.
Can I have treatment while I still have acne?
It is best to get active acne under control first, with your GP or dermatologist, so that new scars do not form after treatment.
Is acne scar treatment suitable for darker skin?
Yes, with care. Darker skin has a higher risk of pigment changes, so the laser settings are adjusted and the skin may be prepared beforehand. Mr Kumar will advise you.
Is it covered by insurance?
Acne scar treatment is usually considered cosmetic, so it is not normally covered by health insurance.
Acne scar treatment: what is the guide price?
The guide price starts from £495. Your final fee depends on your treatment plan and choice of hospital, and is confirmed in a written quote after consultation. Self-pay consultations cost £250.
Locations
Where to have your acne scar treatment in Kent, Surrey and Sussex
You are seen by Mr Siva Kumar at The Ü Clinic in Sevenoaks, Kent, or The Ü Clinic in Oxted, Surrey. If you need a larger procedure, it can be done at one of his partner hospitals: The McIndoe Centre in East Grinstead, West Sussex, KIMS Hospital in Maidstone, or North Downs Hospital in Caterham. See all of Mr Siva Kumar's clinic and hospital locations.
Both clinics are within easy reach of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, West Malling, Westerham, Swanley, Dartford, Gravesend, Orpington, Bromley, Redhill, Reigate, Caterham, Coulsdon, Purley and Croydon. KIMS Hospital in Maidstone is close to Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Aylesford and Ashford, and The McIndoe Centre in East Grinstead is close to Crawley, Horley, Haywards Heath and Edenbridge. Patients also travel from across Sussex, including Brighton, Worthing, Horsham, Eastbourne, Hastings and Crowborough.
Acne scar treatment cost: guide prices start from £495. Your fee is confirmed in a written quote after your consultation. See all prices.
Thinking about acne scar treatment?
Start with an unhurried consultation with Mr Siva Kumar at The Ü Clinic in Sevenoaks or Oxted. Self-pay consultations cost £250.