Acne scar assessment & treatment

Same problem.
Different solutions.

Acne may be temporary, but scars can stay for years. At Mitiri Clinic, Dr Lim Wenkie starts with one question before any machine is switched on: what type of scar do you actually have?

Book a scar assessment Led by Dr Lim Wenkie, Medical Director

Dr Lim WenkieMedical Director

Step one

Is it a true scar?

Many patients call it acne scarring when it is really redness or pigmentation left behind. Proper assessment means you are never sold the wrong treatment based on appearance alone.

Two skin close-ups: red post-inflammatory erythema on the left, brown post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on the right — PIE (red marks) beside PIH (pigmentation). Neither is necessarily a true scar.

Diagram of the three phases of scar formation: inflammatory, proliferative and remodelling — How a scar forms: inflammatory (0–3 days), proliferative (3 days–3 weeks), remodelling (3 weeks–12+ months).

PIE

Red marks

Flat redness after a breakout settles. A colour change, not a change in skin texture.

PIH

Pigmentation

Brown marks left by inflammation. Also flat, and treated differently from redness.

Scar

True scars

A change in collagen from the skin's repair response. Too little collagen leaves a depression; too much leaves a raised scar.

Scar morphology

Each scar type has a different target

Select a type to see its profile beneath the skin surface, a clinical example, and how it is usually treated. Most patients have more than one type at once.

epidermis dermis treatment target

What it is
Why it matters
Options Dr Lim may combine

The Mitiri approach

There is no single best scar treatment

Clinical reviews support individualised, multimodal plans. A friend's result with one laser says little about your skin if your scars are a different type.

Identify
Determine which scar types are present, and whether they are true scars.
Understand
Find the key drivers: depth, tethering, pigmentation or redness.
Treat
Use the technology or procedure that matches each target.
Combine
Pair treatments when different scar types need different solutions.
Review
Allow time for collagen remodelling, then reassess and adjust.

Laser treatment being applied to the cheek — Energy-based resurfacing remodels the surface and edges of boxcar scars.

Subcision for acne scarring

Acne scarring on surface
Fibrous bands pulling the scar down
Scar tissue beneath the skin is cut

Subcision releases the fibrous bands that pull rolling scars down.

Improve ≠ erase

An honest goal

Established acne scars can often improve significantly, but a flawless reversal is not realistic. Setting clear expectations is part of every consultation at Mitiri.

Medical Director

Dr Lim Wenkie

An aesthetic physician trained across Russia, Malaysia, France, Thailand and the UK, and a trainer to other doctors. “Your confidence is my passion.”

Doctor of Medicine Diploma in Dermatology Aesthetic Medicine, Paris KOL & trainer

All qualifications & roles (13)

Doctor of Medicine (MD)KSMU, Russia
LCP Aesthetic MedicineKKM, Malaysia
Professional Diploma in Aesthetic MedicineEIU, Paris
Diploma in DermatologyIOD, Bangkok
Certificate in Assured Aesthetic ScienceCity & Guilds, UK
PG Certificate in Primary Care DermatologyAFPM, Malaysia
Malaysian Aesthetic CertificateMalaysia

KOL and TrainerMastelli Aesthetics, Italy
Key Opinion LeaderProfhilo · Remee Pro
Former Clinical Group DirectorClinic RX
TrainerBorneo Aesthetic Workshop
Lifetime MemberMSAM
MemberInternational Regenerative Medicine Association

Is this you?

Who comes to see Dr Lim

Still visible under makeup

You cover your skin and still see scars, even after facials or earlier attempts.

Severe acne, years ago

Acne was bad in your teens or twenties and has left holes or uneven texture on your cheeks.

Laser that didn't work

You tried laser without success, or have scars from surgery or injury that still bother you.

I hate my acne scars.

If you have said this, or heard a friend say it, the next step is not another generic treatment. It is a doctor working out which scar types are there.

Start with an assessment

Consultation

Already tried everything? Start by knowing your scar type.

Your first visit is an assessment with Dr Lim: identifying each scar type, explaining what drives it, and agreeing a realistic plan before any treatment begins.

Book a scar assessment

Visit the clinic

Plaza Shell, Kota Kinabalu

Mitiri Aesthetic & Wellness Lot L1.19 & L1.20, 1st Floor, Commercial Podium Plaza Shell, 29 Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Hours: Monday – Saturday9 am – 6 pmSundayClosed
Phone: 016-805 4140 · WhatsApp · Call
Find us: 1st floor of the Commercial Podium at Plaza Shell, in Kota Kinabalu city centre.

Plaza Shell, Kota Kinabalu Open the map

FAQ

Common questions about acne scars

Are my red or brown marks acne scars?

Not always. Red marks (PIE) and brown pigmentation (PIH) are often left after acne, but they are flat colour changes rather than true scars. A true scar is a change in the skin's texture caused by too little or too much collagen. Dr Lim checks which you have first, because each is treated differently.

What is the best treatment for acne scars?

There is no single best treatment. Ice pick, boxcar, rolling and raised scars each have a different target, and most people have more than one type at once. Clinical reviews support individual plans that combine methods, such as laser resurfacing, microneedling, RF microneedling, subcision, TCA CROSS or fillers, chosen for your scar types.

Can acne scars be removed completely?

Established acne scars can often improve significantly, but complete, flawless reversal is not realistic. The goal is improvement, and Dr Lim sets clear expectations at every consultation.

My friend's laser worked. Why not just do the same?

Your scars may be a different type from your friend's. A laser that helps shallow boxcar scars may not reach the bottom of deep ice pick scars, and it will not release the tethering under rolling scars. Matching treatment one-to-one between different people is not logical.

I've had laser before without success. Can I still be helped?

Often, yes. When someone says they have tried everything, the next step is finding out which scar types they actually have. A treatment that missed the real target, such as depth or tethering, can leave scars looking unchanged.

What is subcision?

Rolling scars are pulled down by fibrous bands under the skin. Subcision releases those bands so the surface can lift. It is usually combined with other treatments, such as energy-based devices, microneedling or fillers, depending on the patient.

Do you treat raised scars and keloids?

Yes. Raised scars involve excess scar tissue, so they are not treated like depressed acne scars. Options include intralesional corticosteroids, other intralesional therapies, and selected laser treatments.

How long until I see results?

Scar remodelling is gradual. The skin's remodelling phase runs from about three weeks to twelve months or more, so Dr Lim reviews results over time, allows collagen to remodel, and reassesses the plan before the next step.

Can you treat scars from surgery or injury?

Yes. Dr Lim also sees patients with scars from surgery or trauma that still concern them. The same approach applies: identify the scar type, understand what drives it, then choose and combine treatments.