Acne scarring refers to the permanent or semi-permanent structural changes left in the skin after inflammatory acne heals. When a deep or prolonged breakout damages the dermis, the skin’s repair process produces collagen in an irregular pattern, resulting in depressed scars, raised tissue, or surface irregularities that topical skincare cannot correct. Residents spending weekends at Viejas or commuting through the SR-67 corridor in unfiltered, inland sun accumulate unprotected UV exposure that darkens post-inflammatory marks and creates uneven tanning, making scars appear deeper and more defined.
At Jenelle’s Med Spa, we offer acne scarring and skin resurfacing treatment in El Cajon, CA, using microneedling, chemical peels, and PRP skin rejuvenation.
Acne scars form when the skin’s inflammatory response to a breakout causes enough tissue damage to disrupt the collagen matrix. Common contributing factors include:
Lesions that extend into the dermis cause the most significant tissue disruption and are the most likely to produce atrophic scarring after healing.
The longer a breakout remains active and inflamed, the greater the collagen damage and the higher the likelihood of visible scarring.
Physically manipulating active lesions introduces additional trauma, extends the inflammatory period, and significantly increases the risk of permanent scarring.
El Cajon's extreme UV index darkens post-inflammatory marks faster and prolongs their visibility, exacerbating the appearance of scarring.
The dry inland air accelerates moisture loss and slows the skin's repair process, allowing inflammation to persist longer and leaving tissue more vulnerable to lasting damage.
Individual differences in inflammatory response and collagen repair determine how severely the skin scars in response to acne of any given severity.
Acne scars present in several distinct types that require different treatment approaches. These include:
Most patients present with a combination of scar types and pigmentation changes that benefit from a combined treatment approach.
$350 per session | $900 package of 3
SkinPen® microneedling creates controlled micro-channels across the skin to trigger collagen remodeling in the scar tissue. It is the most direct and effective treatment for atrophic acne scars, stimulating the production of new, organized collagen that fills and smooths depressed areas over a series of sessions.
$350 per session | $900 package of 3
Medical-grade chemical peels accelerate the removal of the irregular surface tissue and pigmentation associated with acne scarring. VI Peel and Rejuvenize Peel™ formulations improve overall skin tone and texture while addressing the post-inflammatory pigmentation that makes scars more visible.
Acne scar treatment requires stimulating new collagen production, accelerating cell turnover, and remodeling the irregular tissue left behind by past breakouts. At Jenelle’s Med Spa, we address acne scarring using the following:
$400 per session with microneedling | $1,100 package of 3
Platelet-rich plasma amplifies the collagen-stimulating effects of microneedling by delivering concentrated growth factors into the treated tissue. PRP is particularly effective for more pronounced or widespread atrophic scarring and accelerates the healing response that resurfacing treatment depends on.
Most patients require 3 to 6 sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart, to achieve significant improvement in scar texture and depth. Rolling and boxcar scars typically respond faster than deep ice pick scars. Your provider will assess your scar type and set realistic expectations at your consultation.
Most atrophic scar types respond well to microneedling and PRP. Ice pick scars are the most resistant due to their depth and narrow width, and may require more sessions or adjunct treatments. Hypertrophic scars require a different treatment approach. Your provider will assess your specific scar types and recommend the most appropriate protocol.
Yes. Active inflammatory acne should be managed before beginning resurfacing treatment. Treating scarring on actively inflamed skin can worsen irritation and increase the risk of additional PIH. Your provider will confirm your skin is in the appropriate condition before beginning a scar treatment series.
Yes, particularly for deeper or more pronounced scarring. PRP delivers growth factors that accelerate collagen synthesis and tissue repair beyond what microneedling alone can achieve. Patients with significant atrophic scarring typically see faster and more complete improvement with the combined protocol.
Essential. In El Cajon’s high-UV environment, unprotected sun exposure during a scar treatment course darkens post-inflammatory marks, slows healing, and can trigger new pigmentation on treated skin. Daily broad-spectrum SPF is required in any resurfacing protocol, not an optional addition.
Acne scarring is a structural concern that responds to structural treatment. At Jenelle’s Med Spa in El Cajon, CA, your provider will assess your scar types, skin condition, and treatment history to build a resurfacing plan focused on progressive, lasting improvement.
