By the DermaGlow Lab & Aesthetics by Tatarian MD team
Your breakout has cleared, but something is still visible. Maybe it is a brown mark, a shallow dip or a patch that catches the light differently. Before choosing an acne scar treatment in Calabasas, it helps to understand what you are actually trying to improve. A change in color and a change in skin texture may need different care.
At DermaGlow Lab & Aesthetics by Tatarian MD, that conversation starts with an assessment of your skin and your goals. You do not need to arrive knowing the right treatment name. Being able to explain what bothers you and what improvement would matter to you is a useful starting point.
The difference between a mark and a scar
A flat area of discoloration after acne is often a post-acne mark rather than a true scar. Brown or grayish marks can reflect post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a pigment change after inflammation. Redness can also remain after a breakout. Color alone does not tell the whole story, so a professional assessment matters.
A true scar changes the skin’s structure. It may leave a depression or a raised area. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, scars rarely disappear completely on their own, while flat post-acne discoloration can fade over time. You can also have discoloration and scarring in the same area.
This distinction sets a more useful goal for your consultation: are you hoping for a more even skin tone, a smoother surface, or both? A treatment aimed at texture should not automatically be your first choice for every dark spot.
Different scars need different plans
Depressed acne scars come in several forms. Ice pick scars are narrow and deep. Boxcar scars form broader indentations with defined edges, while rolling scars create a more uneven or wavy surface. Raised scars sit above the surrounding skin. The AAD’s guide to scar types explains these differences.
The point is not to diagnose your own skin from photographs. It is to understand why someone else’s treatment plan may not fit yours. Several scar types can appear together, and a provider may recommend different approaches for different areas.
Treating active breakouts first
Active acne deserves attention before a scar-focused procedure. Ongoing inflammation can create new marks and scars while you are trying to improve older ones. The AAD notes that scar treatment typically begins after acne is under control.
Tell your provider about current breakouts and the acne treatments you use or have used recently, including prescriptions. If your acne is persistent, painful or deep, a dermatologist can help address it. Picking or squeezing spots can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of scarring.
Where RF microneedling may fit
Microneedling uses small needles to create controlled punctures in the skin. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy, producing heat within tissue. It may be considered to improve the appearance of some depressed acne scars, with the choice depending on the scar pattern, skin characteristics and device being used.
Our EXION RF microneedling service is one option to discuss during an assessment. It is not a universal treatment for pigmentation, raised scars or every type of indentation. Some scars need other approaches or specialist care, and combining treatments may be appropriate in selected cases.
Ask which concern the proposed procedure is intended to address and what improvement would be realistic. A plan should explain why that approach suits your skin, rather than simply assigning everyone the same treatment series.
Caring for dark spots takes a different focus
For post-acne pigmentation, controlling the cause and protecting your skin from sunlight are important. The AAD recommends broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and explains that a tinted sunscreen containing iron oxide can also help protect against visible light, which can worsen dark spots. A provider can help you choose products that suit your skin.
More exfoliation is not necessarily more helpful. Irritating products can contribute to discoloration. Gentle care and an appropriate pigment-focused plan are preferable to repeatedly trying harsh products. The AAD’s dark spot guidance also explains why improvement can take months rather than days.
Understand recovery and safety before deciding
Microneedling can cause redness, discomfort, dryness and other temporary reactions. Infection and changes in pigmentation are also possible. Your medical history, skin tone, medications and previous healing problems help determine whether a procedure is suitable. The FDA’s patient guidance outlines these considerations.
RF microneedling also has specific risks. In October 2025, the FDA reported serious complications with certain uses, including burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement and nerve damage. Its safety communication recommends a licensed provider with relevant device training and experience. Discuss both benefits and risks before agreeing to treatment.
Ask what recovery will involve, when to restart your usual skincare, and whom to contact if something concerns you afterward. Do not assume that a treatment described as minimally invasive means no recovery or no risk.
A consultation built around your priorities
Our consultations include a facial and skin assessment, a discussion of your concerns and medical history, and an individualized plan. Bring a list of your skincare products and prescriptions, and mention upcoming travel or events. Explain whether color, texture or both are your priority, along with the time and budget you can commit.
The consultation fee is $25 and is applied toward a treatment package if you purchase one. Individual treatments are also available. Before proceeding, ask about the recommended course, its total cost and how progress will be reviewed.
Explore our acne scar treatment information or contact our Calabasas practice to arrange an assessment. You can also call 818-476-4880. The first step is understanding your skin, then choosing a plan that fits it.