Acne Scar Treatment in Brighton: Which Scars Respond to What
Acne scar treatment at Dr Selvi Clinic in Brighton is a doctor-led programme for people whose acne has settled but left texture changes or marks. Options include chemical peels from £89, microneedling £169, Plexr plasma £279 and polynucleotides £299, chosen by scar type after examination. The first step is a free, no-obligation consultation.
First, what kind of scar is it?
"Acne scars" is one phrase covering several different problems, and the treatment that helps one type can do very little for another. Dr Selvi assesses the skin under magnification and good light before suggesting anything, because the pattern of scarring decides the plan.
Ice pick scars are narrow, deep pits, often on the cheeks. They are the hardest type to improve because the scar tissue runs deep and the opening is small.
Boxcar scars are wider depressions with fairly sharp edges, round or oval, shallow or deep. Shallow boxcars respond well; deep ones improve more slowly.
Rolling scars give the skin a wavy, uneven surface without sharp edges. They are caused by fibrous bands tethering the skin down.
Most people have a mixture, which is why a single-treatment answer rarely works.
Marks that are not scars: PIH and PIE
Flat red or brown marks left after a spot are not scars, and they respond to different treatments.
Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) is a pink or red flat mark. It is dilated blood vessels in the healing skin, more visible on fair skin. PIE tends to fade over months and is not helped by exfoliating peels.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a brown or grey-brown flat mark from excess melanin, more common in medium and darker skin tones. PIH responds to superficial chemical peels, consistent sun protection and time. Aggressive treatment can make PIH worse, which is one reason a gentle, staged approach is used.
A Wood's lamp at consultation helps show how deep pigment sits, which influences how quickly PIH is likely to respond.
Microneedling for rolling and shallow boxcar scars (£169)
Medical microneedling uses a device with fine sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the dermis. The skin responds by producing new collagen and remodelling the scar tissue over the following weeks. It suits rolling scars and shallow-to-moderate boxcar scars best, and it works across skin tones because it does not rely on heat or pigment.
Sessions: usually 3 to 6, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Collagen remodelling continues for about 3 months after the last session. Downtime: redness similar to mild sunburn for 24 to 48 hours, occasional pinpoint bleeding on the day, some dryness or flaking for a few days. Risks: temporary redness and swelling, rarely infection or pigmentation change, more likely if aftercare is not followed. Price: £169 per session, final price confirmed at consultation.
Plexr plasma for scar edges and texture (£279)
Plexr is a plasma device that sublimates tiny points of the skin's surface without cutting. For acne scars it is used to soften the sharp edges of boxcar scars and to tighten the skin around scarred areas, so the depressions cast less shadow. Dr Selvi decides point by point where it will help.
Sessions: typically 1 to 3, at least 6 to 8 weeks apart. Downtime: small carbon crusts for 5 to 7 days, swelling in the first 2 to 3 days, pinkness for a few weeks, and strict sun protection for 8 to 12 weeks. Risks: temporary pigmentation change (more relevant in darker skin), prolonged redness, rarely a small mark if crusts are picked. Price: £279 per session for acne scar and rejuvenation treatment, final price confirmed at consultation.
Chemical peels and polynucleotides as supporting treatments
Acne peels (£89 per session, course of 4 £299) are superficial peels that lift the outer layer of the skin. They do not fill depressed scars, but they even out PIH and reduce congestion. A course of four, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, is the usual structure. Downtime is mild flaking for 2 to 5 days.
Polynucleotides (£299 per session) are injected into the skin to support repair and improve skin quality, hydration and elasticity. On their own they are not a scar treatment, but in scarred, dull or thin skin they are used alongside microneedling to improve how the skin heals. Usually 2 to 3 sessions, 2 to 4 weeks apart, with small injection bumps and possible bruising for 24 to 48 hours. See the polynucleotides guide for detail.
Why active acne has to be controlled first
Scar treatment on skin that is still breaking out is poor value. New lesions create new scars while old ones are being treated, inflammation slows collagen remodelling, and needling through active pustules can spread bacteria. Dr Selvi will usually want the acne itself settled for around 3 months before starting scar work. If acne is still active, the starting point is the acne treatment programme, not scar revision.
Sessions, downtime and realistic expectations
The honest framing is improvement, not removal. A well-chosen programme typically softens depth, smooths edges and makes scars less visible, and results build over months rather than days. Deep ice pick scars improve the least with the treatments on the clinic menu; where a specialist technique is more appropriate, Dr Selvi will say so rather than sell a course that will disappoint. All prices are listed on the pricing page, and the final plan and cost are confirmed after examination.
Frequently asked questions
Can acne scars be removed completely?
No treatment removes acne scars completely, and any clinic promising that should be treated with caution. Realistic goals are shallower scars, softer edges and a more even surface. How much improvement is possible depends on scar type, depth, skin tone and how long the scars have been present.
Which treatment is best for acne scars?
There is no single best option. Rolling and shallow boxcar scars usually respond to microneedling; sharp-edged boxcar scars may benefit from Plexr; flat brown marks respond to superficial peels and sun protection. Dr Selvi decides after examining the scar pattern rather than from a photograph.
How many microneedling sessions are needed for acne scars?
Most people need 3 to 6 sessions, 4 to 6 weeks apart. Because collagen remodelling continues for around 3 months after each session, the result keeps developing after the course finishes.
Is acne scar treatment safe on darker skin?
Microneedling and superficial peels are generally suitable across skin tones when settings are adjusted. Plexr carries a higher chance of temporary pigmentation change in darker skin, so it is used more selectively. Sun protection during the programme is essential for everyone.
How much does acne scar treatment cost in Brighton?
At Dr Selvi Clinic, acne peels are £89 per session or £299 for a course of 4, microneedling is £169 per session, Plexr acne scar treatment is £279 per session and polynucleotides are £299 per session. The consultation is free, and the final cost depends on the plan agreed.
Can I have scar treatment while still getting spots?
Usually not. Active acne needs to be controlled first, otherwise new scars form during treatment and inflammation slows healing. The clinic will normally treat the acne before starting scar work.
Who will treat me
Dr Selvi, founder and medical director, ECFMG-registered doctor with over 10 years of medical and aesthetic experience.
Book a free consultation
The clinic's approach is diagnosis before treatment: scars are examined under magnification and a Wood's lamp before any treatment is recommended. Book a free, no-obligation consultation at 57B London Road, Brighton BN1 4JE, call +44 7570 099947, or use the contact page.
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