Understanding Your Acne Scar Type
Identifying your scar type is the most critical step before any treatment. The three main types of depressed (atrophic) acne scars are:
Icepick scars — Deep, narrow vertical scars extending to the deep dermis. Hardest to treat with laser alone. TCA CROSS is most effective.
Boxcar scars — Broad depressions with sharply defined vertical edges. Shallow boxcars respond well to fractional CO2. Deeper ones require subcision and filler in combination.
Rolling scars — Broad, undulating depressions caused by fibrous bands tethering skin to deeper tissue. Subcision is essential — laser alone does not address the fibrous tethering.
Why Many Patients See Limited Results Elsewhere
The most common complaint at IN Eternity Clinic is patients having undergone multiple laser sessions with limited improvement. The reason is almost always the same: treatment addressed only surface texture (one dimension) while leaving fibrous tethering, scar depth and pigmentation untreated. Fractional CO2 alone cannot break subcutaneous bands beneath rolling scars.
Effective Acne Scar Treatments in Singapore
Fractional CO2 Laser (DEKA Tetra Pro S3) — Gold standard for surface resurfacing. 5–7 days downtime. Most effective for surface texture and shallow boxcar scars.
Subcision — Essential for rolling scars. Breaks fibrous bands beneath the scar. Combined with filler injection post-subcision to prevent rebinding.
TCA CROSS — Targeted trichloroacetic acid for icepick scars. Multiple sessions 6–8 weeks apart.
Dermal Filler — Dilute filler beneath depressed scars for volume support after subcision.
Dr Sin Yong's 4D Scar Reconstruction
Dr Sin Yong's 4D protocol addresses all four dimensions of acne scarring — surface texture, scar depth, pigmentation and fibrous tethering — in a planned multi-session programme. The combination is selected based on each patient's individual scar pattern, photographed and mapped at consultation. Typical course: 3–6 sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart.
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All treatments performed personally by Dr Sin Yong at Orchard Road, Singapore.
WhatsApp +65 8023 7170Frequently Asked Questions
No scar treatment achieves 100% elimination. The realistic goal is 50–70% improvement for moderate scarring after a complete 4D protocol course. Very severe scars may see 40–60% improvement.
3–6 sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart for most patients. The number depends on scar severity and the combination of modalities used.
Fractional CO2 laser requires 5–7 days. Subcision may cause bruising for 5–10 days. TCA CROSS creates small scabs resolving in 1–2 weeks.
Topical numbing cream is applied before all procedures. Most patients tolerate treatment comfortably. Subcision involves a slight pressure sensation.