Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong · Last reviewed · 3 min read
Published 13 October 2026 · Reviewed by Dr Sin Yong
Rolling scar is the term for a broad, shallow acne scar with sloping edges that gives the skin a wave-like, undulating surface rather than a sharp pit. Rolling scars are usually wider than 4 to 5 mm and are tethered from beneath by fibrous bands pulling the skin down to deeper tissue. That band, not the surface, is what has to be addressed, which is why a rolling scar is a subcision problem before it is a laser problem.
Key facts
Shape
Broad, wave-like undulation with soft, sloping edges
Cause of the dip
Fibrous bands tethering the skin to deeper tissue
Usually approached by
Subcision to divide the bands, then volume support or resurfacing once the skin is free
Stretch test
A scar that stays pinned while the skin around it stretches is being held down from below
Where it fits
Rolling scars are the atrophic acne scar type most likely to plateau under lasers and radiofrequency, because both act on the dermis from above while the tether sits beneath it. In Dr Sin Yong's sequence the tether is released first by subcision, a fine needle or blunt cannula passed beneath the scar to divide the bands, and only then is the surface treated. For shallow rolling scars and overall skin quality, Secret RF microneedling is added; deeper or mixed scarring moves to the S3 Resurfacing Lift. The classification and the full plan are on the acne scar treatment guide. Resurfacing a still-tethered rolling scar polishes a dimple that is being held down.
Frequently Asked Questions
A rolling scar has soft, sloping edges and a wave-like outline; a boxcar scar has a flat floor and defined, steep walls. Rolling scars are nearly always tethered from beneath, boxcar scars only sometimes.
It is used for shallow rolling scars and texture, and it remodels the dermis well. It does not lift a tethered scar on its own; the tether is released by subcision first, then the surface is treated.
References
Kumar N, et al. Effectiveness of radiofrequency microneedling in the treatment of dermatological conditions: a systematic review. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026. doi:10.1007/s00266-026-05834-y (PMID 42047762). source
Syder NC, Chen A, Elbuluk N. Radiofrequency and radiofrequency microneedling in skin of color: a review of usage, safety, and efficacy. Dermatol Surg. 2023;49:489. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000003733 (PMID 36826381). source
