Professional Acne Scar Treatment in San Diego

Professional Acne Scar Treatment in San Diego

Acne scar treatment encompasses advanced procedures designed to minimize, smooth, and eliminate the textural irregularities and discoloration left behind by acne breakouts.

Dr. Saami Khalifian, double board-certified in dermatology and plastic surgery, specializes in transforming acne-scarred skin into smooth, even-toned, healthy complexion at SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas using state-of-the-art laser technology and regenerative treatments.
This multi-modal approach ensures optimal results regardless of your scar type, severity, or skin tone.
Experience the SOM Method — developed by a double board-certified, Harvard and Johns Hopkins-trained dermatologist
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Types of Acne Scars We Treat

At SOM Aesthetics, we treat all types of acne scarring:

Ice Pick Scars

Deep, narrow, pitted scars extending into the dermis. Most challenging to treat but respond well to fractional laser resurfacing and TCA CROSS combined with laser treatments.

Skin Quality: Glass Skin + Pigmentation

Boxcar Scars

Round or oval depressions with sharp, defined edges. Respond excellently to laser resurfacing, subcision, and dermal fillers for immediate improvement.

Boxcar Scars

Rolling Scars

Wide depressions with sloped, rolling edges creating an undulating appearance. Treatment involves subcision, laser resurfacing, and radiofrequency microneedling.

Jawline, Chin, Smile Lines & The Nefertiti Lift

Hypertrophic Scars

Elevated, thickened scars remaining within the original acne lesion boundary. Respond well to laser treatments and steroid injections.

Lip Flip

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Dark spots and discoloration addressed with laser treatments, chemical peels, and targeted medical-grade skincare.

Neck & Décolletage

Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)

Red or pink marks from dilated blood vessels, responding exceptionally well to vascular laser treatments like BBL HERO.

Personalized Face Mapping

Ideal Candidates for Acne Scar Treatment

Acne scar treatment at SOM Aesthetics is ideal for adults with acne scarring from past breakouts, including depressed/atrophic scars (ice pick, boxcar, rolling), raised scars, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and erythema, and combination scarring. Treatment works best when active acne is under control or cleared.

Ideal candidates include all skin types and tones when proper protocols are used, those seeking significant improvement in texture and appearance, patients committed to following pre and post-treatment protocols, and individuals with realistic expectations about results and treatment timeline. Candidates should be generally healthy, not pregnant or nursing, and willing to protect skin from sun exposure during healing.

Best outcomes occur when patients follow prescribed skincare routines, protect skin from sun exposure, complete the recommended treatment series, maintain realistic expectations about progressive improvement, and work with our team to manage ongoing acne to prevent new scarring.

HALO Laser Skin Resurfacing

Refresh your skin while stimulating collagen to reduce fine lines, minimize pores, and even out tone and texture.

Moxi

Reduce sun damage, smooth fine lines, and improve skin texture, all with little to no recovery time.

ClearSilk by Sciton

Calm redness and even out skin tone by reducing visible blood vessels, rosacea, and fine lines while improving complexion.

Profractional Laser

Target deep wrinkles and scars by stimulating collagen production, tightening skin, and smoothing texture for a more youthful look.

NanoLaserPeel by Sciton

Remove the top layer of dull, damaged skin, revealing a brighter, more even complexion with minimal recovery time.

MicroLaserPeel by Sciton

Minimize fine lines, sun damage, and uneven texture to look naturally rejuvenated.

Contour TRL Deep Laser Resurfacing

Experience deep skin resurfacing to smooth wrinkles, tighten and firm, and fade scars and sun damage.

SOM Signature Services

Experience the full potential of Botox as part of our comprehensive, multimodal treatment approaches. Our signature services combine various modalities for restorative results that address multiple concerns simultaneously

Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing (Contour TRL): Our gold-standard treatment creating thousands of microscopic treatment zones, triggering collagen remodeling and new skin formation. Dramatic improvement often visible after just one treatment.

Radiofrequency Microneedling: Combines ultrafine needles with radiofrequency energy to stimulate deep collagen production. Safe for all skin tones with minimal downtime.

Subcision: Specialized technique releasing fibrous bands tethering rolling scars, allowing skin to rise and level out. Often combined with laser treatments or fillers.

Dermal Fillers: Strategically placed beneath deep scars to raise them to skin level with immediate results.

Chemical Peels & TCA CROSS: Medical-grade peels promoting skin regeneration, with TCA CROSS specifically for ice pick scars.

PRP & Exosome Therapy: Cutting-edge regenerative treatments providing powerful growth factors to optimize healing and collagen production.

Combination Protocols: Most patients achieve best results with combination treatments customized to their specific scar types.

Patient before and after combination melasma treatment with Botox in San Diego

Benefits of Acne Scar

  • Dramatic texture improvement with significantly smoothed scars
  • Restored confidence without relying on makeup
  • Customized treatment plans for your specific scar types
  • Advanced technology for optimal results
  • Expert care from double board-certified dermatologist
  • Safe protocols for all skin tones
  • Long-lasting results through permanent collagen remodeling
  • Treats multiple scar types simultaneously
  • Improves overall skin quality, texture, and tone
  • Minimizes hyperpigmentation and reduces redness
  • Proven clinical results with evidence-based treatments
  • Investment in self-esteem and emotional wellbeing

Patient before and after combination melasma treatment with Botox in San Diego

The treatment is performed in our Encinitas office using local anesthesia, typically taking 30-60 minutes depending on the treatment area.

Why Choose SOM Aesthetics for Acne Scar Treatment

Double Board-Certified Expertise

Dr. Saami Khalifian's board certification in both dermatology and plastic surgery with fellowship training in cosmetic surgery ensures the highest level of care. His deep understanding of skin biology, wound healing, and aesthetic outcomes makes him uniquely qualified to deliver exceptional scar revision results.

Advanced Technology Portfolio

SOM Aesthetics maintains an extensive collection of the most advanced laser systems and aesthetic technologies, from fractional CO2 lasers to radiofrequency microneedling to regenerative treatments.

The SOM Method

Our proprietary approach combines medical expertise, advanced technology, and personalized protocols precisely customized to your unique scarring pattern, skin type, and goals.

Safe for All Skin Tones

Dr. Khalifian has extensive experience treating diverse skin types, including darker skin tones requiring specialized protocols that deliver results while minimizing hyperpigmentation risks.

Serving San Diego County

Medical-grade peels promoting skin regeneration, Located in Encinitas, SOM Aesthetics serves patients throughout North County San Diego including Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla, and the greater San Diego area.with TCA CROSS specifically for ice pick scars.

The Som Method

Your Story, Our Guidance

The SOM Method is our signature approach to patient care that combines science, expertise, and
artistry for superior aesthetic results.

The Science

Benefit from cutting-edge treatments and advanced injection techniques that stimulate your body's natural collagen and elastin production for progressive, long-lasting enhancement that appears completely natural.

The Expertise

Under Dr. Saami's expert guidance, your Radiesse treatments are performed with advanced techniques and careful attention to detail.

The Artistry

We focus on creating natural-looking results that enhance your features while maintaining your unique characteristics.

What to Expect During Acne Scar Treatment

What to Expect During Acne Scar Treatment

Consultation

Dr. Khalifian conducts comprehensive skin assessment, examining your scar types, severity, and skin tone. Using advanced imaging technology, we document your baseline and create a customized treatment roadmap with transparent information about expected results, timeline, and costs.

Pre-Treatment Preparation

Depending on your treatment plan, you may be prescribed specific skincare products to optimize your skin and enhance results, including retinoids or hydroquinone for pigmentation control.

Treatment Day

Experience varies based on your protocol, typically involving thorough skin cleansing, topical numbing cream application, the treatment itself (30-90 minutes), post-treatment soothing treatments, and detailed aftercare instructions.

Recovery

Downtime varies significantly. Gentle treatments involve 1-3 days of mild redness. Moderate treatments require 3-5 days. Aggressive treatments like fractional CO2 laser involve 5-10 days of more significant healing.

Most patients achieve optimal results with 3-6 treatments spaced 4-8 weeks apart.

Frequently asked questions

How many treatments will I need for my acne scars?
What is the downtime for acne scar treatment?
Can acne scars be completely removed?
Is laser treatment safe for dark skin tones?
What is the best treatment for ice pick scars?

Schedule Your Acne Scar Consultation in San Diego

Ready to transform your acne scars and restore smooth, clear skin? Take the first step with a comprehensive consultation at SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas.

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100+ San Diego Patients

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Get in Touch

Experience unmatched cosmetic excellence at SOM Aesthetics®.

Phone

(760) SOM-SKIN
(760) 766-7546


Visit Us

25 E E St Encinitas, CA 92024

Parking

Free parking behind the building at E St & Vulcan Ave, or a paid parking garage entrance on F St & 101.