Is an Acne Scar Treatment Painful?

Most acne scar treatments are very tolerable, and any discomfort is typically minimal. Before beginning, Dr. Ibrahim will apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible—this is especially important for procedures like microneedling, RF treatments, or laser resurfacing, where you might feel sensations of heat or light pressure. Patients often describe the experience as mildly prickly or warm, but rarely painful. For deeper treatments, a slight sunburn-like feeling may linger for a few hours afterward.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of appointments depends on the type and severity of your acne scars, the treatment method used, and how your skin responds to the treatment. Some patients with mild, superficial scarring see visible improvement after just one session. Others—especially those with deeper or more textured scars—may need a series of 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.

How Long Until I See Results?

You may start noticing improvements in skin texture and tone within the first 1 to 2 weeks after treatment, especially with procedures that trigger collagen regeneration. However, the most transformative results typically develop gradually over several weeks to a few months as your skin matures and produces new collagen. For treatments involving resurfacing or microneedling, your skin will go through phases: initial redness or flaking, followed by subtle smoothing, and then deeper changes beneath the surface.

Can I Combine an Acne Scar Treatment with Other Procedures?

Yes—and in many cases, combination therapy offers the most comprehensive results, as acne scar treatments can be paired with chemical peels to boost cell turnover, dermal fillers to lift indented scars, or RF microneedling for deeper collagen stimulation. Some patients may also benefit from skin tightening, pigment correction, or regenerative therapies, such as PRP enhancement.

What Are the Risks Associated with an Acne Scar Treatment?

While modern acne scar treatments are very safe when performed by a trained expert, they carry some potential risks, especially if performed aggressively or without customization. The most common side effects are temporary, including redness, swelling, peeling, and mild sensitivity in the treated area. You may also experience light flaking or tightness for a few days post-treatment. In rare cases, temporary changes in skin pigmentation (especially in patients with medium to darker skin tones), minor bruising, or prolonged healing may occur.

Melbourne | Tampa | St. Petersburg

Acne Scarring

Introduction to Acne Scar Treatment

Stubborn acne scars can be some of the most infuriating blemishes to combat. Whether they’re deep, pitted marks or surface-level discoloration, these scars can impact your confidence in ways others may not fully understand. Unfortunately, over-the-counter skincare treatments can only do so much, which is why professional intervention through acne scar treatment is often the best course of action. At our Melbourne flagship location in Tampa and St. Petersburg, you’ll find the latest acne scar treatment technology, gentle care, and a collaborative atmosphere where your comfort is our top priority.

What is an Acne Scar Treatment?

Acne scar treatment is tailored to reduce the visible texture, depth, and discoloration caused by past acne breakouts. These treatments are not one-size-fits-all; instead, they are carefully selected and customized based on your specific scarring type. Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim draws from a broad menu of options, including microneedling, laser resurfacing, dermal fillers, and advanced regenerative therapies, to deliver results that are both natural-looking and meaningful.

A woman lies with her eyes closed, receiving a facial treatment. A light beige/tan substance is being applied to her cheeks using large, fan-shaped brushes. The brushes are light beige/gold in color. The woman is wearing a white head wrap. Her skin appears to be light-toned and has some visible fine lines and freckles. The background is dark, possibly a dark gray or black, with a blurred appearance, suggesting a spa or salon setting. A portion of a person's arm or shoulder in a dark garment is slightly visible in the background. - Acne Scarring in Tampa, Melbourne and St. Petersburg, FL

What Are the Benefits of an Acne Scar Treatment?

Clearer, smoother, and more even-toned skin is just the beginning. Acne scar treatment helps restore your skin’s natural texture, soften the appearance of pits or shadows, and reduce redness or pigmentation left behind by breakouts. For many patients, the emotional impact is just as significant, including boosted self-esteem, increased comfort in makeup-free moments, and a renewed sense of confidence in their appearance.

Who Are the Best Candidates for an Acne Scar Treatment?

If you’re bothered by lingering acne scars, you may be a strong candidate for treatment. Ideal patients are those in generally good health, with realistic expectations and a desire to improve their skin’s tone and texture. Because Dr. Ibrahim tailors each plan to the individual, he’s able to work with a wide range of skin types and scar patterns, including those who may have been told in the past that nothing would work for them.

Patients with active acne may need to pause treatment until breakouts are under control, and certain skin tones or sensitivities may benefit from specific modalities over others. That’s why the first step at AR Aesthetics—especially in our Melbourne office—is a thorough consultation, where Dr. Ibrahim evaluates your skin and creates a roadmap based on your unique concerns.

What is the First Step?

The first step toward clearer, smoother skin is a personalized consultation with Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim at AR Aesthetics. During this one-on-one visit, typically held at our Melbourne location, although we also welcome patients in Tampa and St. Petersburg, Dr. Ibrahim will carefully examine your skin, discuss your history of acne, and assess the type and severity of your scarring. He’ll also take the time to understand your lifestyle, skincare routine, and goals, so your treatment plan fits naturally into your life.

This isn’t a cookie-cutter evaluation. Dr. Ibrahim brings a rare depth of insight from his dual fellowship training and years of academic research. You can expect a collaborative, thoughtful conversation, not a rushed, generic checklist. From there, you’ll receive a step-by-step treatment plan tailored specifically to your skin’s needs.

What to Expect on the Day of an Acne Scar Treatment

When you arrive for your treatment, our team will greet you in a calm, comfortable space designed to put you at ease. This is especially true in our Melbourne flagship, which embodies the welcoming, high-touch culture of AR Aesthetics. After reviewing your customized plan, we’ll prep your skin with a gentle cleanse and, if needed, apply topical numbing to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Depending on your treatment method, you may experience sensations such as warmth, pressure, or tiny pinpricks; however, most patients describe it as manageable and far more comfortable than expected.

Acne Scar Treatment Recovery

Recovery varies depending on the type of treatment you receive, but most patients experience mild redness, swelling, or flaking for a few days afterward, similar to a light sunburn or exfoliation. In most cases, patients return to normal activities within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the intensity of the treatment. You’ll have direct access to our team if you have any questions at any point during your recovery.

How Much Does an Acne Scar Treatment Cost in Melbourne, FL?

The cost of an Acne Scar Treatment in Melbourne, Tampa, and St. Petersburg varies depending on the treatment type, the extent of the scarring, and the number of sessions needed to achieve the desired outcome. Some patients benefit most from a single high-impact session, while others see their best results with a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart.

During your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed treatment plan and a transparent cost estimate specific to your skin and goals. We never overprescribe or upsell. Our priority is honest and ethical care that delivers real results.

Our Ethos

Why Choose Dr. Ibrahim?

Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim’s training is rare. In addition to his training in Plastic Surgery, he is dual fellowship-trained in both Facial Plastic Surgery and Burn Surgery. His approach combines a comprehensive understanding of anatomy with meticulous attention to detail. But credentials only tell part of the story. His extensive training includes a PhD from Erasmus University Rotterdam, a research fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Harvard Medical School/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and clinical fellowships in Burn Surgery in New York and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Florida.

Dr. Ibrahim has contributed to over 80 publications in top plastic surgery journals and serves as a reviewer for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His passion for education is reflected in his role as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Patients choose Dr. Ibrahim because of how he listens. Every face is approached individually—no “template,” no assumptions. Whether you’re walking into our flagship location in Melbourne or visiting us in Tampa or St. Petersburg, you’ll find a culture of clarity, kindness, and surgical care that prioritizes the long term.

Acne Scar Treatment FAQs

Most acne scar treatments are very tolerable, and any discomfort is typically minimal. Before beginning, Dr. Ibrahim will apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible—this is especially important for procedures like microneedling, RF treatments, or laser resurfacing, where you might feel sensations of heat or light pressure.

Patients often describe the experience as mildly prickly or warm, but rarely painful. For deeper treatments, a slight sunburn-like feeling may linger for a few hours afterward.
The number of appointments depends on the type and severity of your acne scars, the treatment method used, and how your skin responds to the treatment. Some patients with mild, superficial scarring see visible improvement after just one session. Others—especially those with deeper or more textured scars—may need a series of 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
You may start noticing improvements in skin texture and tone within the first 1 to 2 weeks after treatment, especially with procedures that trigger collagen regeneration. However, the most transformative results typically develop gradually over several weeks to a few months as your skin matures and produces new collagen.

For treatments involving resurfacing or microneedling, your skin will go through phases: initial redness or flaking, followed by subtle smoothing, and then deeper changes beneath the surface.
Yes—and in many cases, combination therapy offers the most comprehensive results, as acne scar treatments can be paired with chemical peels to boost cell turnover, dermal fillers to lift indented scars, or RF microneedling for deeper collagen stimulation. Some patients may also benefit from skin tightening, pigment correction, or regenerative therapies, such as PRP enhancement.
While modern acne scar treatments are very safe when performed by a trained expert, they carry some potential risks, especially if performed aggressively or without customization. The most common side effects are temporary, including redness, swelling, peeling, and mild sensitivity in the treated area. You may also experience light flaking or tightness for a few days post-treatment. In rare cases, temporary changes in skin pigmentation (especially in patients with medium to darker skin tones), minor bruising, or prolonged healing may occur.

Patient Reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim, MD, PHD did laser skin resurfacing and the whole was positive

He was comforting, made me feel relaxed. Results were over the top. He was educated and I learned alot about skin care. Robbie the aesthetician gave a wonderful massage prior to the procedure. I highly recommend coming to this place. The front staff is beautiful and helpful. A feel good experience!!!

– D.E.M.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I’m a new patient with AR Aesthetics

Ahmed was fantastic! He took time to explain to me the different procedures offered, and what to expect as the result. I will definitely be returning!

– G.B.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I love everything about the service provided to me.

From entering the office, which is incredibly beautiful, the staff is friendly, efficient, and kind.
My experience has been second to none.
Dr. Ibrahim is by far the ABSOLUTE BEST surgeon I have ever met, and I have met many.
If he could take care of all of me, I would be extremely grateful.
Thank you Dr. Ibrahim for making me happy! You are the BEST!!!!

– B.B

Schedule Your Consultation

To begin, schedule your private consultation at AR Aesthetics; we welcome patients in Melbourne, Tampa, and St. Petersburg. During your visit, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation and a custom treatment roadmap built just for you.

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