Acne Scar Treatment in Santa Cruz
Softening acne scars, gradually.
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing for acne scars, led by Christopher Hermanson, M.D. and new to the Front St. office. Now booking appointments for January 2027 and beyond.
Scar types
Not all acne scars are the same.
- Rolling scars. Broad, shallow depressions with sloping edges that give the skin a wavy look. They often respond well to resurfacing.
- Boxcar scars. Wider depressions with sharper edges. Shallow boxcar scars often improve; deeper ones may improve less.
- Icepick scars. Narrow, deep pits. Resurfacing alone usually helps them less, and other approaches may be discussed.
Most people have a mix. The consultation sorts out which types you have, because that shapes the plan.
How it helps
How fractional CO2 helps.
Fractional CO2 treats microscopic columns of skin and leaves untouched skin between them. As the skin heals, it builds new collagen, which can lift and smooth depressed scars and even out surface texture.
Settings are chosen for the depth of the scarring and for your skin type. The change develops over months, not days.
A series
A series of treatments.
Acne scars usually take a series of treatments, often three or more, spaced several weeks apart. Each treatment builds on the last.
After each session, expect several days of redness, swelling, and peeling. After a moderate treatment, many people return to work and social plans in about 5 to 7 days, and pinkness can last a few weeks.
Expectations
Realistic expectations.
The goal is visible softening, not perfect skin. Many people see their scars become shallower and less noticeable, but scars rarely disappear completely, and results vary from person to person.
Active acne should be under control before resurfacing begins, and careful sun protection matters for months afterward.
Candidates
Who is a good candidate, and who is not.
Good candidates are adults with rolling or boxcar scars whose acne is under control, who are in good general health, can avoid the sun while healing, and have realistic expectations.
Treatment is postponed, adjusted, or not advised for people with:
- Active acne. Breakouts should be under control first.
- Active infection. A skin infection, cold sore outbreak, or open wound in the treatment area. People prone to cold sores are usually given preventive antiviral medicine.
- Recent isotretinoin. Use within roughly the past 6 to 12 months. Timing is discussed individually.
- Pregnancy. Treatment waits until after pregnancy.
- Darker skin tones. Treatment is possible for some people, but the risk of color change is higher, so settings must be conservative and the skin is often prepared beforehand.
- Keloids. A history of keloids or thick, raised scarring.
- Other factors. A recent tan or sunburn, medicines that increase sun sensitivity, or conditions that slow wound healing.
Risks reviewed at the consultation include prolonged redness, infection, changes in skin color, and, rarely, scarring.
Questions
Frequently asked questions.
Can fractional CO2 remove acne scars completely?
No. It can make many scars shallower and less noticeable, but complete removal is not a realistic expectation. Goals are set at the consultation based on the types of scars you have.
How many treatments do acne scars need?
Usually a series, often three or more, spaced several weeks apart. Deeper or more widespread scarring may need more.
Does my acne need to be gone first?
Active breakouts should be under control before resurfacing begins. Treating scars while new acne keeps forming limits the benefit and can irritate the skin.
I have taken isotretinoin. When can I be treated?
A waiting period is usually advised, commonly 6 to 12 months after the last dose. Timing is discussed individually at the consultation.
Can icepick scars be treated with CO2?
Icepick scars are narrow and deep, so resurfacing alone usually helps them less than rolling or boxcar scars. Other approaches may be discussed at the consultation.
When can I book?
The office on Front St. is now booking appointments for January 2027 and beyond. Email office@hmedical.com or call (831) 298-0664. Every treatment starts with a consultation with Dr. Hermanson.
Appointments
New to Santa Cruz: now booking appointments for January 2027 and beyond.
Email or call the office to book. Every treatment starts with a consultation with Dr. Hermanson. Your name and phone number are enough; please do not send medical details by email.
- office@hmedical.com
- Office (831) 298-0664
This page is general information, not medical advice. Results vary from person to person.
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