Do Acne Scars Fill In on Their Own?

Do Acne Scars Fill In on Their Own Over Time?

Quick summary: Acne scars cannot fill in on their own over time because deep damage destroys the collagen fibres beneath the skin. However, the condition can be significantly improved with modern aesthetic treatments such as dermal filler injections, microneedling, chemical peel or laser. To prevent acne scars effectively, treating acne early and caring for your skin properly are extremely important.

This article was written by Dr. Bùi Thị Kim Kha, Specialist Level I in Aesthetic Dermatology (practising certificate 009784/ĐL-CCHN issued by the Department of Health of Đắk Lắk), with more than 8 years of experience in acne treatment and medical aesthetic treatment at BonBoz Clinic. BonBoz Clinic is an Aesthetic & Dermatology Clinic holding an operating licence from the Department of Health of TP.HCM (licence No. 11113/HCM-GPHĐ), located at 66–68 Võ Văn Tần, TP.HCM, ensuring accurate and reliable professional information.

Expert perspective: "Acne scars cannot fully fill in on their own over time, because deep inflammatory acne has destroyed the collagen and elastin fibres beneath the skin, creating permanent depressions if no treatment is given." — Dr. Bùi Thị Kim Kha, Specialist Level I This information is based on professional principles of dermatology.

Do acne scars fill in on their own over time?

Unfortunately, no. Atrophic (depressed) acne scars do not fully fill in on their own over time. When deep inflammatory acne damages the collagen layer beneath the skin, the body repairs itself, but usually not enough to completely fill in the scar. The scarred area forms small depressions, and without treatment, they will stay permanently.

Why don't acne scars heal on their own?

Scarring occurs when inflammatory acne destroys the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. After the acne heals, the body tries to repair the damage by producing new collagen, but the amount is usually less than what was lost. This leads to permanent depressions if left untreated.

In addition, depending on the depth of the damage and the type of scar, some scars may fade gradually but will not disappear completely. Comedones (blackheads, whiteheads) usually do not leave atrophic scars, but deep inflammatory acne (nodulocystic acne) very easily causes this type of scar.

Which treatments help improve acne scars?

Although they do not fill in on their own, acne scars can be significantly improved with modern treatments:

Dermal filler injections: Injecting hyaluronic acid or other filler materials to lift the scarred area, making the depressions less noticeable.
Microneedling: Using fine needles to stimulate natural collagen production, helping the skin recover from deep within.
Chemical peel: Removing the outer layer of skin, stimulating skin regeneration and improving surface texture.
Laser: Laser technologies can regenerate collagen and smooth the skin effectively.

The choice of treatment depends on the depth of the scars, the type of scars, and each person's skin condition.

How can you avoid acne scars?

The best approach is still prevention:

Treat acne early: Don't let inflammatory acne persist or get worse; get examined and treated early.
Don't squeeze pimples: Squeezing pimples with your hands increases inflammation and damages the skin further.
Care for your skin properly: Wash your face gently and use cosmetics suited to your skin type.
Protect your skin from the sun: UV can worsen acne and make scars more noticeable.

If you currently have acne, get examined and treated early to reduce the risk of scarring. BonBoz Clinic offers comprehensive acne treatments, from basic care to deeper treatment, helping you keep acne under control before it leaves marks.

What if you already have acne scars?

Don't worry: although they do not fill in on their own, acne scars can absolutely be improved. The degree of improvement depends on the depth of the scars, the age of your skin, and the treatment method chosen.

You should come in for an in-person examination so the doctor can assess your scar type and build the most suitable treatment plan. BonBoz has experience improving acne scars with effective methods, helping your skin become smoother.

Conclusion

Acne scars do not fill in on their own over time, but that doesn't mean you have to live with them forever. Preventing them by treating acne early is the best approach, and if you already have scars, contact BonBoz Clinic for a consultation and to regain smooth skin.

References

DermNet — Acne scarring (atrophic scars do not fill in on their own; procedures needed), accessed 03/10/2026
AAD — Acne scars: Diagnosis and treatment, accessed 03/10/2026

Frequently asked questions

Can acne scars heal on their own over time?

No. Acne scars cannot fully fill in on their own over time, because deep inflammatory acne has destroyed the collagen and elastin fibres beneath the skin, creating permanent depressions if no treatment is given.

Which types of acne are most likely to cause acne scars?

Deep inflammatory acne such as nodulocystic acne very easily causes acne scars. In contrast, comedones such as blackheads or whiteheads usually do not leave this type of scar.

What methods are available today to improve acne scars?

Acne scars can be improved with modern aesthetic treatments, including dermal filler injections (hyaluronic acid), microneedling, chemical peel, or laser technology to regenerate collagen.

How can you prevent acne scars when you have acne?

To prevent acne scars, you should treat acne early, never squeeze pimples by hand on your own, care for your skin properly, and protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

1. What are the common types of acne scars?

Acne scars are usually classified into ice pick scars, rolling scars and boxcar scars. Each type of scar has different characteristics and depth, which affects the choice of a suitable treatment. To determine the exact type of scar and its severity, you should come to BonBoz Clinic for an in-person examination by a specialist doctor.

2. Does skin care at home help improve acne scars?

Proper skin care at home, especially moisturising and sun protection, can support skin recovery and help fade post-acne marks. However, for acne scars that have already formed, ordinary skin care products can hardly fill in the scars to any significant degree. To achieve clearly visible improvement of acne scars, you need to consult a specialist doctor at BonBoz Clinic for advice on in-depth treatments suited to your skin condition.

This article is for reference only and does not replace an in-person examination or a doctor's diagnosis. Actual results vary by individual condition.