Can Acne Scars Be Removed? An Honest Guide by Scar Type
Acne scars can be significantly improved — not erased. A dermatologist explains which marks fade on their own, which need treatment, and where to start in HCMC.
Acne scars can be significantly improved — often dramatically — but no clinic can honestly promise complete, permanent erasure. Most patients see major smoothing and fading over a course of treatment, on one condition: the method matches the scar type. “Acne scars” is really three different problems — flat dark marks that can fade on their own and respond quickly to pigment-directed treatment, depressed (pitted) scars that never refill by themselves, and raised scars that need to be flattened, not filled. At WeDo Skin Clinic in Ho Chi Minh City, a dermatologist identifies your scar type in a free skin exam before any method is discussed. Reference prices by type: medical scar injections 600,000 VND per session, TCA CROSS 500,000 – 1,500,000 VND per session, and microneedling to fill pitted scars 890,000 – 5,900,000 VND depending on area.
Medically reviewed by Dr Quynh Trang, Dermatologist (HCMC) · Updated August 2, 2026
Why does the type matter so much? Because the three groups call for opposite treatments: dark marks need their colour faded, pitted scars need tissue rebuilt to fill them, raised scars need their bulk reduced. A method that is right for one type does nothing for another, and choosing a treatment before knowing your type is the most common way to spend money while the scars stay exactly where they were.
How it works
Post-acne marks: the one group that can fade on its own
A post-acne mark is the flat discolouration left after a pimple has healed. Because the skin's structure is not broken, the mark can fade gradually provided you protect it from the sun; when you want faster progress, pigment-directed treatments prescribed by a dermatologist usually respond well. The essential step is confirming what you have: a spot that is both dark and slightly depressed needs to be treated as a pitted scar, not a mark. The detailed protocol and prices are on WeDo's post-acne marks page; the skin exam that confirms your type is free.
Pitted scars: a depression cannot refill itself
Once the surface has sunk, the supporting tissue beneath it is gone and the skin cannot replace it on its own — waiting longer does not make a pitted scar shallower. Treatment works by stimulating the skin to build new tissue and fill the depression, and results depend on matching the right technique to the right scar shape in each area, under a protocol your dermatologist maps after examining your skin. WeDo's acne scar treatment page describes each method, expected session counts and per-area prices so you can see the whole course before deciding.
Keloid and hypertrophic scars: flatten, don't fill
The opposite of pitted scarring: here the scar tissue has overgrown, leaving a firm, raised, sometimes itchy lump. The mainstay of treatment is medical injection under a dermatologist's protocol, softening and flattening the scar over a series of sessions; supportive options are only considered once the scar has flattened. WeDo's keloid treatment page explains expected injection counts, follow-up to hold the result, and the cost per session; the doctor examines the scar in person, free of charge, before recommending injections.
Why choose this treatment
Treatments & pricing
100% of treatments are performed by dermatology specialists. Prices do not include 8% VAT. Contact us for a direct assessment and an exact quote based on your skin, severity and target area.
4 steps, clinically led
Step 1: Skin exam to identify your scar type
A dermatologist examines each area under directed light and identifies whether you have dark marks, pitted scars, raised scars, or a combination.
Step 2: The right protocol — and the right order
Based on the exam, the doctor points you to the protocol your case belongs to and, if several types are present, sequences which is treated first.
Step 3: A clear quote before anything starts
The cost per method and the expected number of sessions are quoted right after the exam; you take your time and decide before treatment begins.
Step 4: Treatment per protocol, with scheduled follow-up
Sessions follow the protocol of the corresponding service, with free follow-up visits so the doctor can assess response and adjust when needed.
Make results last
Preventing new scars while treating old ones
The most overlooked part of scar treatment is stopping new scars from forming. Do not squeeze pimples and do not pick at crusts at any stage — pressure drives inflammation deeper, and lifting a crust reopens unhealed skin; both invite fresh marks and scars. The mistakes that turn a pimple into a scar are covered in pimple-popping mistakes that cause scars. If breakouts are still active, run medical acne treatment alongside your scar plan rather than after it. And protect every treated area from the sun — healing skin darkens easily, whichever scar type you are treating.
Where to see costs and real treatment journeys
Every scar-treatment cost at WeDo is published per method on the scar removal cost in Vietnam page. If your real question is whether scars fade without treatment, the dedicated article do acne scars go away on their own answers it in detail. To see how a course actually unfolds visit by visit, browse our patients’ treatment journeys. When you are ready, book a free skin exam — you will know exactly which scar type you have, and what it would cost to treat, before spending anything.
Still have questions?
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