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Laser Treatment for Acne Scarring

Laser treatment for acne scarring helps smooth and refine the skin by targeting damaged tissue, stimulating collagen production, and reducing visible scar texture and discolouration.

At a glance

  • Paediatric patients aged 13+ seen
  • Self-pay available
  • Consultation required
  • Self referral

What is laser treatment for acne scarring?

Laser treatment for acne scarring is a highly effective, modern approach designed to improve skin texture, tone, and overall clarity. By directing controlled light energy into the skin, lasers help remodel damaged tissue and stimulate natural collagen production, reducing the appearance of textured scars, redness, and uneven pigmentation left behind by acne.

Suitable for a wide range of scar types and skin tones, laser therapy offers a targeted, non‑invasive solution that gradually reveals smoother, healthier-looking skin with minimal downtime.

You may choose to have laser treatment for acne scarring if past breakouts have left behind marks that affect your skin’s texture and your confidence.

Acne scars, whether raised, indented, or red, often don’t improve with skincare alone. Laser therapy offers a targeted, effective solution by stimulating collagen, smoothing uneven areas, and reducing discolouration. It’s the ideal solution for anyone looking to achieve clearer, more even‑toned skin and long‑lasting improvement without invasive procedures. 

At Welbeck’s Dermatology centre, laser treatment for acne scarring is delivered by trained nurses within a consultant‑led, medically supervised environment, ensuring safe, personalised care, tailored to each patient’s skin needs.

Paediatrics

We offer appointments to paediatric patients aged 13+. For full information on our paediatric service, please visit our Paediatric Dermatology page.

More information

A diagnosis for acne scarring is usually made through a simple clinical assessment performed by a dermatologist or skin specialist.

If laser therapy is recommended to help treat your scarring, you can either be referred to treatment at Welbeck, or you can self-refer.   

Laser treatment for acne scarring is considered very safe and non-invasive. At Welbeck, the treatment is performed by a trained clinical nurse specialist using medical‑grade laser technology. The treatment is designed to be comfortable, precise, and effective, with minimal disruption to your daily routine, taking only around 30 minutes from start to finish.

Treatment will usually follow these steps:

1. Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed to remove any oil, makeup, and impurities.

2. If needed, a topical numbing cream can be applied to minimise discomfort during the procedure.

3. Both you and your nurse will put on protective eyewear, which must be worn throughout the session to shield your eyes from the laser energy.

4. The laser handpiece is slowly moved across the treatment area, while laser energy is delivered to the skin. During treatment, you may feel warmth, tingling, or a mild snapping sensation similar to a rubber band flicking your skin. Any sensations should not be painful, and most patients find any discomfort tolerable. 

5. Once the treatment is complete, a soothing gel or cooling device will be applied to calm your skin. Your provider will also give you specific aftercare instructions before you leave.


We advise that you avoid aloe vera products (topical, drinks, or tablets) for 7 days before treatment, and vitamin A products for at least 2 days before treatment. 

It’s helpful if you can come to your appointment wearing no makeup, as your skin needs to be clean and makeup-free for treatment. You can apply makeup straight after treatment if you would like. 

There’s no other particular preparation required before your appointment. The nurse delivering your treatment will prep your skin to ensure an optimal outcome.


To support your skin’s health and recovery after treatment, we advise that you:

  • avoid smoking, wearing heavily perfumed creams, and swimming in public pools for 2 to 3 days

  • don’t use products containing aloe vera (topical, drinks, or tablets) for 7 days after treatment 

  • don’t use products containing vitamin A for 2 days after treatment

  • wear SPF daily to protect your skin

The main side effects of laser acne scar removal are redness, swelling, and itching.

These will usually subside within a few hours, but if they persist after a few days, you should contact our Dermatology centre for advice.


Our pricing for laser treatment for acne scarring varies depending on the laser type used.

In our centre, we use the:

  • UltraPulse CO2 laser

  • Stellar M22 laser

  • Ultra laser

  • Infinity 585 laser

Please contact our centre directly to discuss pricing and payment options.


At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

You can be referred by a healthcare professional, or you can self-refer for this treatment.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck dermatologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our specialists

    Our locations

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    London

    1 Welbeck Street
    Marylebone
    London
    W1G 0AR

    More information

    Frequently asked questions

    Laser treatment for acne scarring is generally well tolerated. Most patients describe the sensation as a feeling of warmth or a mild prickling on the skin. To ensure your comfort, a topical numbing cream is usually applied before treatment, and your clinician will adjust the laser settings to suit your skin and the type of scarring being treated.


    The number of sessions needed varies depending on the type and severity of your acne scars, as well as your skin type and treatment goals. Most patients benefit from a course of 3 to 5 sessions, spaced several weeks apart, to allow the skin time to heal and produce new collagen between treatments. Your clinician will recommend a personalised treatment plan following your consultation.


    Laser treatment can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars by stimulating collagen production and resurfacing the skin. While many patients see noticeable smoothing and softening of scars, it’s unlikely that scars will be removed completely. The aim of treatment is to make scars much less visible and improve the overall texture and quality of the skin.


    The type of laser used will depend on your skin type and the nature of your acne scars. Your clinician will select the most appropriate technology after assessing your skin. In some cases, different laser technologies or a combination of treatments may be recommended to achieve the best possible results.


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