What patients notice
Common signs and descriptions
- Narrow deep openings
- Pinpoint shadows
- Common on cheeks
- Little surface width compared with depth
Acne Scars
Ice Pick Acne Scars
Narrow deep pits need approaches that reach the scar rather than surface polishing alone.
In plain language
What this term means.
Ice-pick scars are narrow, deep, sharply defined depressions that extend into the dermis and cast small dark points in angled light.
Possible explanations
Different causes can look similar
- Deep inflammatory acne
- Collagen loss along a narrow tract
Professional assessment
How a consultation may clarify the concern.
Active acne and scar types are assessed separately
Lighting from different angles helps identify depth, sharp edges, tethering and colour change
Treatment approach
Options follow the diagnosis
- Match each scar pattern to the most suitable technique
- Use staged combination plans when one method cannot address every scar
Avoid
What not to do
- Do not perform deep home needling, strong peels or scar extraction
- Avoid promises that scars can be completely erased
Care
Useful next steps
- Control new acne and use sun protection to reduce contrast from post-acne marks
- Allow adequate healing time between procedures
Frequently asked
Questions to take into consultation.
A photograph can document appearance but may not show texture, depth, scalp findings or warning signs. A diagnosis and personalised plan may require history and in-person examination.
Not usually. The appropriate pathway depends on the cause, severity, skin or hair characteristics, previous treatment, medical suitability and the result you hope to achieve.
Questions patients ask
Prepared answers related to this concern.
Related treatments and guides
Related concerns