Acne & Acne Scarring Still Top the List of Skin Concerns
It may come as no surprise that acne and its long-term effects continue to be among the most common concerns patients bring to aesthetic practices. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that up to 50 million Americans experience acne each year, and adult acne is on the rise—especially among women, with up to 22% of women now affected by adult-onset breakouts.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), textural irregularities, and pitted scarring remain some of the most emotionally impactful issues patients want to correct. Even as "maskne” has eased since the height of 2020–2021, the demand for effective acne-scar treatments continues to grow.
Patients are increasingly seeking faster results, minimal downtime, and treatments that address multiple layers of the skin in a single visit. With advancements in laser resurfacing—such as Tetra PRO, HELIX, CoolPeel®, and FUSION—along with next-generation RF microneedling platforms, such as VirtueRF, providers now have more powerful tools than ever to deliver predictable, meaningful outcomes.
Because controlling active acne and reducing acne scarring remain top priorities for patients, let’s take a closer look at today’s leading energy-based solutions for acne scars.
Here are the top treatments that we recommend for managing the side effects of acne:
- Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is the ultimate solution for those looking to address the superficial hyperpigmentation and abnormal texture that acne can leave behind. Today, Tetra PRO and HELIX are breaking the mold for CO₂ lasers and resurfacing treatments—each offering advanced options to customize outcomes for acne scarring.
The award-winning CoolPeel® treatment—available exclusively on SmartXide Tetra, TetraTETRA PRO and HELIX—utilizes high peak power to perform superficial CO₂ ablation without the pain or downtime associated with traditional CO₂ treatments. Many patients even receive a CoolPeel treatment without numbing.
HELIX also offers FUSION, combining CO₂ with non-ablative 1570nm energy in a single session for deeper remodeling and more comprehensive scar improvement.
Dermatologist Dr. Brenda Pellicane of Icon Dermatology loves having both CoolPeel and FUSION in her resurfacing toolbox:
"FUSION has quickly become a go-to for acne scarring because it treats surface texture and deeper collagen remodeling in the same visit. Patients love the results and the recovery, and CoolPeel gives me a softer step-in when they want something more gradual."
- RF Microneedling
RF Microneedling has been in high demand for its effects in improving overall skin tone, elasticity, and texture. Now advancements in RF Microneedling have made it easier than ever to address patient concerns like acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles and more. The VirtueRF is the first RF Microneedling platform device and is offering providers and patients an advanced solution based on features providers have been asking for. Built with the ability to use both 1 and 2 MHz of RF energy, Dr. Leslie Apgar, founder of Pura Vida Med Spa, recommends the VirtueRF to all her patients, but has found the most success with patients who have concerns of acne scarring.
“My acne scarring patients are the most emotionally motivated and so they are prepared for aggressive treatments right out of the gate. Because of this, their results are quite striking after three VirtueRF treatments and they are quick to send in their friends.” She further states, “In my experience, this is the only procedure in this industry where husbands, boyfriends, partners not only notice their other half’s skin is improving and comment on it, but they then come in to have VirtueRF treatments themselves.”
- Combination Treatments:
Patients want to spend less time in your office and more time participating in social activities. Combination Treatments that address both the superficial and deeper layers of the skin are great for patients who are result motivated and willing to assume some downtime (although many combinations result in only redness). For example, the VirtueRF in combination with the CoolPeel (aka The UltimateDUO) – addresses both the superficial epidermis AND deep into the dermis. This targets the hyperpigmentation and superficial tone and texture, while also kickstarting neocollagenous. Leading Boca Raton Dermatologist, Dr. Jordana Herschthal, frequently treats patients with the UltimateDUO.
“The most popular treatment in my practice is the combination of VirtueRF + CoolPeel. It is cost effective, and you get to the end result quicker, which is great for both patients and providers.”
Choosing the Right Technology for Acne & Acne Scarring
Whether you are looking to upgrade your practice or expand your acne-scar treatment offerings, Cartessa Aesthetics can help you identify which advanced technologies align with both your patient needs and business goals. From Tetra PRO and HELIX to VirtueRF, our best-in-class portfolio offers solutions for all skin types and scar patterns.
For more information email us at info@cartessaaesthetics.com!
