Acne scars are a common skin concern among Malaysians, especially for those who have struggled with severe or long-term acne. While pimples may fade, the scars they leave behind—whether deep indentations or dark post-acne marks—can last for years if left untreated.
Today, Pico Laser is one of the most advanced and effective treatments available for acne scar removal in Malaysia. It works on both textural (atrophic) scars and pigmented (PIH) scars, making it a comprehensive solution for smoother, clearer skin.
Here’s what you need to know about how Pico Laser helps with acne scars, who it’s suitable for, and what results you can expect.
What Types of Acne Scars Can Pico Laser Treat?
Pico Laser is effective for a range of acne-related scarring, including:
1. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
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These are flat, dark marks left behind after pimples heal.
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More common in Malaysians with medium to darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick III–V).
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Pico Laser breaks down the pigment to brighten the skin and even out skin tone.
2. Atrophic Scars (Depressed Scars)
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Includes ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars.
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Caused by loss of collagen after inflammation.
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Pico Laser stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture and firmness over time.
How Does Pico Laser Work for Acne Scars?
Pico Laser uses ultra-short laser pulses to create controlled damage beneath the skin’s surface without overheating the surrounding tissue. This leads to two key effects:
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Shattering pigmented particles (for dark acne marks/PIH)
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Triggering the skin’s healing process to stimulate collagen and elastin (for indented scars)
Unlike older fractional lasers (like CO2 or Er:YAG), Pico Laser has minimal downtime, lower risk of post-treatment pigmentation, and is safer for Asian skin types.
Why Malaysians Choose Pico Laser for Acne Scars
| Reason | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Safe for medium to dark skin tones | Minimal risk of post-laser hyperpigmentation |
| Fast and precise | Short treatment sessions (15–30 mins) |
| Minimal discomfort | Most patients tolerate the procedure well with numbing |
| Low downtime | Return to daily life within 24–48 hours |
| Effective for both pigmentation and texture | Dual benefit for multiple scar types |
What to Expect During Treatment
Before:
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A consultation with a licensed LCP-certified aesthetic doctor.
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Your skin will be assessed to determine scar type and severity.
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A numbing cream is applied 20–30 minutes before treatment.
During:
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The procedure takes about 15–30 minutes.
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You may feel a mild snapping or tingling sensation.
After:
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Slight redness or swelling for a few hours to a day.
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Some dryness or flaking may occur as the skin renews itself.
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Sun protection is a must after treatment.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Pico Laser is not a one-time treatment for acne scars. You’ll typically need:
| Scar Type | Estimated Sessions |
|---|---|
| Post-acne dark marks (PIH) | 2–4 sessions |
| Mild atrophic scars | 3–5 sessions |
| Moderate to severe scars | 5–8 sessions |
Treatments are spaced about 3 to 4 weeks apart to allow the skin to fully recover and regenerate collagen.
Results: What Can You Realistically Expect?
Most patients see:
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Fading of dark acne marks after the first 2–3 sessions
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Improvement in skin smoothness and firmness after 3–5 sessions
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Smaller pores and improved skin tone over time
Results continue to improve for weeks after the final session, as collagen continues to rebuild beneath the skin.
Side Effects and Safety
Pico Laser is generally very safe when performed by a trained doctor. Common side effects include:
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Redness (1–2 days)
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Mild swelling or tightness
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Temporary dryness or light flaking
Rare complications:
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Hyperpigmentation (if aftercare is neglected or skin is overexposed to sun)
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Hypopigmentation (very rare, especially with correct settings)
To minimize risks:
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Always go to a clinic with an LCP-certified doctor
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Avoid sun exposure and use SPF 50 sunscreen daily
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Follow all post-treatment skincare advice
Cost of Acne Scar Removal with Pico Laser in Malaysia
| Area Treated | Price per Session (RM) |
|---|---|
| Spot treatment (1–2 scars) | RM 300 – RM 500 |
| Full face | RM 600 – RM 1,200 |
| Package of 3–6 sessions | RM 1,800 – RM 4,500 |
Clinics in KL, Bangsar, Mont Kiara typically charge more than suburban clinics in Shah Alam, Setia Alam, or Johor Bahru. Some clinics also bundle treatments with LED therapy or serums.
Is Pico Laser Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for Pico Laser acne scar treatment if you:
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Have dark marks or indented acne scars
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Prefer low downtime
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Have medium to darker skin (common among Malaysians)
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Want gradual, natural-looking results
You should avoid it if:
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You have active acne outbreaks (get those treated first)
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You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
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You have keloid-prone skin (consult your doctor first)
What If Your Acne Scars Are More Severe?
While Pico Laser is excellent for treating mild to moderate acne scars—especially post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and superficial texture issues—it may not be sufficient on its own for deep, atrophic scars like ice pick, boxcar, or rolling scars that have existed for many years.
If your scarring is severe, deep, or has minimal response after multiple Pico Laser sessions, you may want to consider combining or switching to a more intensive option: Fractional CO2 Laser treatment.
When to Consider Fractional CO2 Laser
Fractional CO2 Laser is a more aggressive laser resurfacing treatment that uses heat to ablate micro-columns of damaged skin, triggering a stronger collagen renewal process. It can:
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Resurface rough skin texture
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Reduce depth and sharpness of indented scars
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Stimulate deeper skin remodeling than Pico Laser
However, this power comes with a trade-off—longer downtime (usually 5–7 days), more redness and peeling, and a slightly higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially for medium to darker skin types.
Pico vs CO2: Which One Is Right for You?
| Feature | Pico Laser | Fractional CO2 Laser |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Mild to moderate scars | Moderate to severe scars |
| Skin Types | All skin tones (safe for darker skin) | Better suited for lighter skin tones |
| Downtime | 0–2 days | 5–7 days or more |
| Pain Level | Mild (with numbing) | Moderate to high (numbing required) |
| Risk of Hyperpigmentation | Low | Moderate (especially for skin types IV–V) |
| Collagen Stimulation Depth | Moderate | Deep |
Some aesthetic clinics in Malaysia also offer combination treatments, using Pico Laser for pigmentation and maintenance, and CO2 Laser for targeted deep scar correction.
If you’re unsure which is right for you, a consultation with an LCP-certified doctor is essential. The doctor can assess your skin condition, scarring severity, and skin tone to recommend the most suitable and effective treatment plan—sometimes a mix of modalities works best.
Pico Laser vs CO2 Laser for Acne Scars – Comparison Chart
Which laser treatment should you choose for acne scars? Here’s a clear side-by-side comparison between Pico Laser and Fractional CO2 Laser, specifically for Malaysian skin types and common acne scarring patterns.
| Feature | Pico Laser | Fractional CO2 Laser |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Post-acne pigmentation, mild to moderate scars | Moderate to severe atrophic (indented) scars |
| Scar Types Targeted | PIH, superficial rolling scars | Ice pick, boxcar, deep rolling scars |
| Skin Tone Suitability | Safe for all (Types I–V) | Safer on lighter tones (I–III); caution for IV–V |
| Downtime | Minimal (0–2 days) | Moderate to high (5–7 days, sometimes up to 10) |
| Pain Level | Mild discomfort (numbing cream used) | Moderate to intense (numbing + optional sedation) |
| Visible Redness | Mild, fades in a few hours | Redness and peeling for several days |
| Risk of Hyperpigmentation | Low (safe for darker skin) | Moderate (higher in darker skin tones without care) |
| Results Timeline | Gradual improvement over multiple sessions | Dramatic improvement often seen after 1–2 sessions |
| Sessions Needed | 3–6 sessions recommended | 1–3 sessions for severe scarring |
| Cost per Session | RM 600 – RM 1,200 (average full face) | RM 1,000 – RM 2,000 (depending on coverage) |
2. Visual Progression Guide – Typical Recovery for Each Laser
Pico Laser (Minimal Downtime)
| Day | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Slight redness, skin feels warm or tight |
| Day 1 | Redness fades, mild dryness or flaking |
| Day 2–3 | Skin returns to normal |
| Week 2–4 | Noticeable brightening and smoother skin |
Most patients return to work or social activities the next day.
Fractional CO2 Laser (Moderate Downtime)
| Day | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Significant redness, skin may feel hot |
| Day 1–3 | Peeling or scabbing begins |
| Day 4–6 | Skin starts shedding, healing underway |
| Day 7–10 | Most visible downtime ends |
| Week 3–6 | Texture improvement becomes noticeable |
Avoid makeup, gym, and sun exposure during recovery.
Final Suggestion
If you’re dealing with severe acne scarring, Fractional CO2 Laser may offer faster and more dramatic improvement—but requires more downtime and aftercare. For those with milder scars, pigmentation, or darker skin, Pico Laser remains a safer and more comfortable choice.
For personalized advice, book a consultation with an LCP-certified aesthetic doctor listed on aestheticclinic.com.my to get a treatment plan tailored to your skin condition and goals.
Final Thoughts
Pico Laser is one of the most advanced and effective ways to treat acne scars in Malaysia, especially if you’re looking for visible results without long downtime. Whether you’re dealing with dark post-acne marks or textural scarring, this treatment offers a safe, science-backed solution for smoother, clearer skin.
To ensure safety and the best possible results, always choose a clinic with a licensed aesthetic doctor and proven experience in laser scar removal.
You can explore top-rated clinics near you at aestheticclinic.com.my—and take the first step toward regaining your skin confidence.