Acne Scar and Stretch Mark Treatment

A structured combined protocol for acne scarring and stretch marks using DermaPen microneedling (with optional PRP) and XTRAC 308 nm excimer laser in alternating cycles. The DermaPen creates thousands of micro-channels that trigger dermal collagen synthesis; the excimer laser follows to reduce inflammation and stimulate renewed skin activity in the treated zones. One treatment cycle runs approximately five weeks, and four to five cycles are recommended for established scarring. Coverage extends to face and body, including delicate zones around the eyes, lips and nose.

Acne scarring and stretch marks share a common underlying mechanism: the loss or disorganisation of dermal collagen in a confined zone, producing a visible depression or textural irregularity in the skin surface. Both respond well to treatments that stimulate new collagen synthesis within the affected zone — and both are best addressed by combining a mechanical collagen stimulus with an anti-inflammatory and regenerative laser application. At Derma Medical Clinic the treatment cycle for acne scars and stretch marks follows a structured sequence. The first stage is a DermaPen microneedling session at appropriate depth — typically 1.5–3 mm for established atrophic acne scars to penetrate the fibrous scar base — with an optional PRP (platelet-rich plasma) application to the micro-channels immediately after needling. The PRP delivers concentrated growth factors directly into the dermal zone where collagen synthesis needs to be initiated, amplifying the wound-healing stimulus. A two-week recovery pause follows to allow the acute inflammatory response to resolve and early collagen production to begin. The second stage introduces two weeks of XTRAC 308 nm excimer laser sessions (typically three sessions per week): the narrow-band UV energy suppresses residual inflammation in the treated zone and stimulates keratinocyte and melanocyte activity, supporting surface renewal and pigmentation evening across the scar bed. This completes one five-week cycle. The cycle is then repeated: four to five full cycles are recommended for moderate to significant acne scarring or mature stretch marks, with each cycle producing incremental improvement in scar depth, surface texture and pigment uniformity. Results from individual cycles are visible approximately four to six weeks after each cycle ends, as the collagen remodelling phase matures. The DermaPen depth and laser parameters are adjusted at each cycle based on the skin's response and recovery progress. For body stretch marks, particularly those on the abdomen, thighs or buttocks, the same protocol applies; the laser handpiece at Derma Medical Clinic can treat all body zones including areas that narrow-field laser systems cannot reach. Total treatment time for a full course spanning four cycles is approximately five months.