Know Your Scar
Acne scars come in different types — and each requires a different treatment approach. Understanding what you're dealing with is the first step to fixing it.
Deep, narrow channels extending into the dermis. The most difficult to treat — requiring the deepest RF energy delivery to remodel the fibrous tissue at the base of the scar. Primary target of Secret RF microneedling.
Wide, defined depressions (boxcar) or broad wave-like undulations caused by tethered scar bands pulling skin downward (rolling). Secret RF disrupts these bands mechanically while rebuilding collagen in the void.
Post-inflammatory erythema — the red or pink flat marks left after a breakout clears. Not true scars but dilated capillaries in healing tissue. Laser Genesis is the primary tool — zero downtime, progressive fading.
The Treatments
Each treatment targets scar tissue at a different depth. Used in sequence, they address the full picture — structure, surface, and redness.
The primary scar treatment. Insulated microneedles physically penetrate each scar and deliver radiofrequency energy precisely into the dermis — mechanically disrupting fibrous scar bands while triggering the collagen remodeling needed to fill and smooth depressed scars. Because RF energy is color-blind, it's equally safe and effective across all skin tones — including darker skin that can't safely undergo ablative CO2 treatment at full settings.
Where Secret RF works from the inside out, the CoolPeel works from the outside in — precisely ablating the damaged skin surface to remove the textured, uneven outer layer and trigger fresh skin regeneration beneath. Best used after a Secret RF series to refine the surface once the deeper structural work is done. Lighter skin tones see the most dramatic surface improvement from this combination approach.
The zero-downtime constant in the protocol. Laser Genesis targets the red and pink marks (PIE) left after breakouts — often the most visible concern alongside textural scars — while simultaneously stimulating collagen between Secret RF sessions. Run monthly throughout the protocol, it keeps the skin continuously improving rather than only responding during active treatment windows. Safe during active breakouts. Safe for all skin tones.
The Protocol
The order matters. Secret RF handles the structural work first, Laser Genesis runs throughout, CoolPeel refines the surface last.
Phase 1 · Months 1–4
4–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Deep scar remodeling — the foundation. Laser Genesis monthly between sessions for PIE and ongoing collagen stimulus.
Concurrent · Throughout
Zero downtime — runs alongside everything else. Continuously fading redness, suppressing inflammation, maintaining collagen stimulus between RF sessions.
Phase 2 · Month 5–6
Once the structural work is complete, CoolPeel refines the surface — improving texture, tone, and the final visible result. Appropriate for Fitzpatrick I–III skin types.
Men's skin consideration: Male skin is on average 25% thicker than female skin and produces more sebum — which means acne scars often run deeper and the dermis requires more energy to remodel effectively. Your provider will calibrate Secret RF settings specifically for facial skin thickness and density, often using deeper needle settings than a comparable female treatment. This is an advantage — thicker skin also tends to respond robustly to collagen stimulation.
Post-Treatment Care
Questions Answered
Laser Genesis starts fading PIE redness after 2–3 sessions — often the first visible improvement patients notice. Secret RF results build progressively — most patients see meaningful textural improvement 4–8 weeks after each session, with peak structural results at around 3 months after the final treatment as collagen remodeling reaches maturity. The full protocol typically delivers its best outcome at 4–6 months in.
No — but we ask that you shave the treatment area cleanly 24 hours before Secret RF and CoolPeel sessions. Hair stubble above the skin surface can interfere with even energy delivery and increase discomfort. Laser Genesis doesn't require shaving but clean-shaven skin makes treatment more efficient. Your beard itself won't be affected — treatment is targeted to scarred areas only.
Yes — Secret RF and Laser Genesis are both safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types. Radiofrequency energy targets tissue resistance rather than melanin, so it carries no pigmentation risk on darker skin. The CoolPeel CO2 is best suited to lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–III) — for men with darker skin, Secret RF and Laser Genesis handle both structural and surface improvement safely and effectively without CO2 ablation.
Yes — with a brief window after each session. We ask that you avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours after Secret RF and CoolPeel sessions — heat and sweat can aggravate treated skin during its active healing phase. After that window, normal training resumes immediately. Laser Genesis has no exercise restriction at all — you can train same day.
Book a consultation at Laser Vantage — we'll assess your scar type, skin tone, and build a direct treatment plan around your goals.
Book a ConsultationIndividual results may vary. Active acne should be substantially controlled before beginning scar remodeling. A consultation is required prior to all treatments.