Acne Scar Treatment McLean, Va
Precision Over Concealer
Acne scarring is the source of frustration for countless people. In McLean, where high-definition visibility (in the boardroom, on a screen, or anywhere in between) is the standard, skin texture often matters more than tone. The human eye is drawn to the way light catches the edges of a boxcar scar or the undulation of rolling scars, creating a visual disruption that no amount of makeup can ever fully cover up.
Sculpt Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery treats acne scar revision as a full repair of the skin. By utilizing the Fotona 4D Laser, we bypass generic "resurfacing" to target the underlying scar tissue at the specific depth it resides. This allows us to bring out the smooth, uniform canvas that lets your skin reflect light rather than absorb it.
Acne scarring creates a structural deficit in the skin. When inflammation from active acne destroys collagen, the skin creates tethers that pull the surface downward (depressed acne scars) or builds excess tissue (hypertrophic scars). The Fotona 4D Laser is a dual-wavelength system designed to smooth out these imperfections from the inside out.
Unlike single-depth treatments, this technology uses two distinct energies. First, a laser penetrates the deeper layers of the dermis with thermal energy to break down the rigid scar tissue anchoring the skin down. Simultaneously, it targets overactive sebaceous glands to prevent future breakouts. Second, a more precise beam vaporizes the top layer of the epidermis, micro-polishing dead skin cells and softening the sharp edges of boxcar scars and ice pick scars. As a result, we’re able to release the tension below while refining the surface above.
While traditional chemical peels or aggressive ablative lasers treat the skin as a single sheet, Fotona 4D acknowledges that different scars live at different depths.
Suitability and Safety
This protocol is engineered for patients in McLean who have moved past the worst of their breakouts but are left with the evidence. You are likely an ideal candidate if you have atrophic scars (depressions), enlarged pores, or uneven texture.
At your first appointment, we’ll map your scar type, distinguishing between deep ice pick scars that might need extra help, and rolling scars that respond beautifully to laser therapy alone.
Because the Fotona system is highly customizable, it’s safe for a wider range of skin types than many traditional lasers. However, those with a history of keloid scarring or active infections may require a different approach.
The Appointment Protocol
There's really no mystery to strip away; this is a clinical procedure designed for efficacy. After a topical numbing cream is applied to ensure comfort, protective eyewear is placed. You will feel two distinct sensations. The deep heating step feels like a warm, building heat, almost like a hot stone massage. The resurfacing step feels sharper, often described as a light snap or static sensation.
We will use a steady stream of cold air to cool your skin throughout the session. We meticulously pass over the scar tissue, stacking pulses on deeper acne scars to level the edges. The entire process takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
Strategic Downtime
For mild resurfacing, you may look sunburnt for 24–48 hours, with minor flaking similar to a light chemical peel. For deeper acne scars requiring more aggressive settings, plan for three to five days of "social downtime" where the skin will be red, and the outermost layer will peel to reveal fresh tissue.
We provide specific aftercare to keep the treated area hydrated. It's important to avoid sun exposure during this window, as the new skin is hypersensitive to UV light. Most patients are "restaurant-ready" with light makeup within a week.
The Collagen Timeline
Tissue remodeling is not an overnight event. While you will see an immediate "glow" from the exfoliation of dead skin cells, the structural improvement of acne scars happens over months. As the new collagen matrix forms, depressed scars begin to rise and soften.
Most patients require a series of three to five sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, to achieve dramatic results. The outcome is permanent for the scars treated, though maintenance sessions once a year can help sustain the overall skin rejuvenation.
Investment in Texture
Pricing reflects the customization of your treatment. A single boxcar scar requires less time than a full-face revision for severe scarring. Costs vary based on the surface area treated and the number of sessions in your protocol.
We’ll go over your pricing during your consultation and likely recommend a plan of multiple sessions to ensure you get the most optimal skin resurfacing. Financing options are available for patients who prefer to divide the investment over time.
Architectural Expertise
In Northern Virginia, lasers are common. Laser expertise is not. Treating acne scars requires a provider who understands the three-dimensional architecture of the skin. At Sculpt Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, we don't just "zap" the surface and hope for the best. We understand the physics of scar tissue and how to manipulate the Fotona 4D Laser to break fibrosis without compromising the healthy surrounding skin.
Our providers are trained to distinguish between ice pick, rolling, and boxcar scars, adjusting the laser energy and pulse width for each specific irregularity on your face. This is fine dermatology, ensuring that your treatment options are as unique as your skin.
It's highly effective for rolling scars and boxcar scars, but deep ice pick scars may require more extensive treatments for the best outcome.
Yes. Chemical peels rely on acid to remove the top layer of skin. The Fotona laser uses light energy to penetrate deeper layers, stimulating structural repair and collagen production that peels cannot reach.
Most patients tend to tolerate it well with topical numbing. The feeling varies from warm heat to a light snap. The air cooling system we use significantly eases discomfort during the procedure as well.
Many patients see improvement after one session, but significant correction of scar tissue typically requires a series of 3–5 treatments. We will determine your specific plan during the consultation.
Yes. This is a key advantage of the Fotona system. While one wavelength targets the bacteria and sebaceous glands causing active acne, the second one handles the skin resurfacing.
The beam that targets the surface is generally safe for all skin tones, but the ablative step requires caution and expert knowledge for darker skin types to avoid pigmentation issues. We customize your experience to minimize risks as much as possible.
You will notice a smoother texture within a week as the dead skin cells shed. However, the filling of depressed scars comes from new collagen, which builds gradually over 3–6 months.
Looking to enhance your natural beauty with expert surgical and non-surgical treatments? Our experienced team is here to provide personalized recommendations tailored to your goals. Fill out the form below, and a member of our team will be in touch to assist you.
McLean Location (703) 278-3303
6849 Old Dominion Drive, Suite 340
McLean, VA 22101
Practice Hours:
Tues-Fri 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday 9 AM - 1 PM
