Treating acne scars at Van Lennep Kliniek

Acne scars develop following damage to or inflammation of the skin. When the natural healing process is disrupted, small indentations form in the skin, resulting in acne scars. While these scars are generally medically harmless, they can be perceived as cosmetically bothersome.

At Van Lennep Kliniek, we invite you for a personal consultation to determine which treatment is best suited to your skin.

what are acne scars and how do we treat them at Van Lennep Kliniek?

What are acne scars? 

Acne scars occur when the skin does not heal completely evenly after inflammation caused by acne. During the wound-healing process, either too little or too much new connective tissue may be produced, which can leave behind pits, indentations, or other irregularities. Redness and pigment discoloration following acne can also make the skin appear uneven or troubled.

The visibility of acne scars varies from person to person. Factors such as the severity and duration of the acne, genetic predisposition, the body's natural healing process, sun exposure, and picking at blemishes can all play a role. If you currently have active acne, it is important to get it under control first to minimize the formation of new scars. We offer various treatment options for active acne as well and will create a personalized treatment plan for you.

Our results in acne scar treatment

During the consultation, we will discuss what is realistic for your specific situation.

We believe in natural skin rejuvenation and enhancement. In addition to addressing signs of aging, we also treat damaged skin, including acne, scarring, pigmentation, and rosacea.

Before and after results at Van Lennep Kliniek
Before and after results at Van Lennep Kliniek
Before and after results at Van Lennep Kliniek
Before and after results at Van Lennep Kliniek

What types of acne scars are there?

Not every acne scar is the same. The type of scar and its depth are key factors in determining the right treatment. Furthermore, different types often occur alongside one another.

Icepick scars: Narrow, deep pits that appear as small, puncture-like holes in the skin.

Boxcar scars: Round or oval indented scars with clearly defined edges. They can be shallow or deep.

Rolling scars: Broader, undulating depressions that give the skin a wavy or uneven texture.

Red or dark spots after acne: These are not always true scars. Redness or pigmentation following inflammation can remain visible for a long time and often requires a different approach than indented scars.
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You can count on us

Certified doctors

Our cosmetic doctors are certified members of the NVCG (Dutch Association of Cosmetic Medicine).

Premium consultation

During an initial consultation, you will get to know our clinic, your therapist and our treatment methods.

A pleasant environment

At Van Lennep Clinic, you can count on highly experienced injectable doctors for the best treatment and service.

Treatment options for acne scars

Fractional laser therapy treats controlled, microscopic areas of the skin. This activates the natural healing process and stimulates the production of new collagen. The treatment can be used to gradually refine coarse or uneven skin texture and certain acne scars.
With microneedling, the Dermapen creates tiny micro-channels in the skin using ultra-fine needles. This stimulates skin renewal and the production of collagen and elastin. Microneedling can be used for concerns including superficial acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture.
Microneedling can be combined with PDRN (polynucleotides). Microneedling stimulates the recovery process, while PDRN is used to support skin regeneration and quality. This combination can be beneficial when the focus is on improving skin texture, tone, and recovery alongside scar treatment.
PDRN is a regenerative treatment focused on improving skin quality and the skin's natural recovery process. The cosmetic doctor injects PDRN directly into the skin using small, targeted injections. We see excellent results with acne scars after a course of treatment: skin texture can become visibly refined, and scars may become less noticeable. For the best results, we usually recommend PDRN as a series of treatments. Depending on the type and depth of the acne scars, PDRN can be used as a standalone treatment or as part of a combined treatment plan.
A (chemical) peel stimulates controlled skin renewal using acids. Depending on the type of peel, it can be used to address irregular skin texture, superficial scars, and post-acne discoloration.
For certain deeper, indented acne scars, the cosmetic doctor may use hyaluronic acid or Radiesse. The most suitable treatment depends on the type of scar, its depth, and the condition of your skin.

Hyaluronic acid can be used to subtly correct volume loss beneath a scar, making an indentation less visible. Radiesse acts as a biostimulator, encouraging collagen production. With this, we focus not only on the scar itself but also on improving the surrounding skin structure and firmness.

Not every acne scar requires the same approach. The cosmetic doctor will therefore assess whether hyaluronic acid, Radiesse, or a combination with treatments like PDRN, laser, or microneedling is best suited to your skin.

⭢ Watch the testimonial video on a treatment combining Radiesse and hyaluronic acid here.
A good home protocol supports the skin between treatments and helps maintain the results. Depending on your skin condition, we recommend products tailored to concerns such as active acne, pigmentation, redness, skin barrier health, and sun protection.

Why choose a combination treatment? 

Acne scars often vary in type and depth. Consequently, a single treatment may not be the best choice for every aspect of your skin. At Van Lennep Kliniek, our skin therapists and cosmetic doctors combine their expertise to integrate various techniques. This allows us to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses skin texture, specific scars, discoloration, and overall skin quality.

Who performs this treatment

Drs. Maryna Alimova

DERMATOLOGIST/COSMETOLOGIST
My goal is always to enhance natural beauty (...)
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Sabrina Hoefdraad

SKIN THERAPIST
It fascinates me to see an improvement in the biggest (...)
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Isa Lodder

SKIN THERAPIST
My interest in skin therapy originated from the combination
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Margot de Nennie

SKIN THERAPIST
The cosmetic industry continues to develop (...)
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FAQs

Everything you need to know about acne scar treatments.
How does laser therapy work for acne scars?
With fractional laser therapy, small areas of the skin are treated in a controlled manner. This activates the natural healing process and stimulates the production of new collagen. As a result, skin texture can gradually refine, and certain acne scars may become less visible. The number of treatments required depends on the type of scar, its depth, your skin type, and the chosen laser settings. During the consultation, we will discuss the treatment plan, expected recovery time, and aftercare advice.
How do hyaluronic acid and Radiesse work for acne scars?
For certain deeper, pitted acne scars, the cosmetic physician can use hyaluronic acid or Radiesse. Hyaluronic acid can subtly correct volume loss beneath a scar, helping the skin appear more even. Radiesse acts as a biostimulator, encouraging collagen production, which can contribute to improved skin texture and firmness.

The most suitable treatment depends on the type of scar, its depth, and the condition of your skin. Sometimes, these treatments are combined with options such as PDRN, microneedling, or laser therapy for a more comprehensive approach.
How does PDRN skin booster work for acne scars?
PDRN (polynucleotides) is a regenerative treatment that supports the skin's natural repair process and improves overall skin quality. Our cosmetic physician administers PDRN into the skin using micro-injections. PDRN can also be applied in combination with microneedling.

For acne scarring, we see excellent results, particularly after a full course of PDRN treatments: skin texture can become visibly refined, and scars may become less noticeable. PDRN can be used as a standalone treatment or as part of a comprehensive plan, combined with options such as microneedling, laser therapy, or treatments for deeper scarring.

We will determine the most suitable approach and the number of sessions required during your consultation, based on your skin and the specific type of acne scarring.
How does microneedling work for acne scars?
During microneedling, the Dermapen uses ultra-fine needles to create tiny micro-channels in the skin. This activates the natural healing process and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. Microneedling can be used to treat concerns such as superficial acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture. The number of treatments required varies depending on your skin and individual treatment plan.

acne treatment The Hague
How does a chemical peel work for acne scars?
A chemical peel stimulates controlled skin renewal using acids. Depending on the peel selected, the treatment can help refine skin texture and reduce the appearance of discoloration or superficial acne scarring. We will determine the appropriate peel and number of sessions based on your skin condition and personal goals.
What home care protocol is recommended for acne scarring? 
The best at-home protocol depends on your skin condition, active acne, pigmentation or redness, the type of treatment, and your skin's sensitivity. At Van Lennep Kliniek, we work with brands including ZO Skin Health, Environ, Elementrē, and Colorescience. During your consultation, we will create a routine that supports your skin between treatments, with a special focus on the skin barrier and sun protection.
How many treatments will I need to see results? 
This varies from person to person. The type and depth of the scars, the condition of your skin, and the chosen treatment all play a role in determining how many sessions are required. Some treatment plans consist of a single type of procedure, while others combine different techniques to address specific skin concerns. During your consultation, we will provide a personalized estimate of the treatment plan and discuss what level of improvement is realistic.

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Are acne scar treatments painful? 
The experience varies depending on the treatment and the individual. During procedures such as microneedling, laser therapy, or a chemical peel, you may feel warmth, slight pricking sensations, or sensitivity. Where appropriate, a numbing cream can be applied. We will explain exactly what to expect during and after your chosen treatment beforehand.

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Which treatment is right for my type of acne scars? 
The most suitable treatment depends on the type of scar, its depth, your skin type, the condition of your skin, and any redness or pigmentation. For example, superficial scars and uneven skin texture can be treated with microneedling or a chemical peel. Fractional laser therapy can be used when more intensive skin renewal and collagen stimulation are required. For certain deeper, indented scars, a cosmetic doctor can assess whether hyaluronic acid is a suitable addition. PDRN can be used as a skin booster or in combination with microneedling to support skin recovery and improve skin quality.

Because icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars have different characteristics and often occur together, there is no single standard treatment that works best for everyone. At Van Lennep Kliniek, our skin therapists and cosmetic doctors assess your overall skin profile and may recommend a combination of treatments. During a no-obligation consultation, we will discuss which approach best suits your skin, the order in which treatments can be performed, and what results are realistic.

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Can acne scars be removed completely? 
Acne scars usually cannot be completely ‘erased.’ The goal of treatment is to make scars less visible and improve skin texture. The degree of improvement possible depends on the type of scar and the individual skin. During your consultation, we will therefore discuss realistic expectations in advance.

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Can I combine different acne scar treatments? 
Yes, that is often a very suitable approach, as different types of acne scars can occur simultaneously. A treatment plan might, for example, combine skin therapy with treatments performed by a cosmetic doctor. The specific combination, sequence, and intervals are determined on an individual basis.

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What does a treatment cost?
For the current prices for scar treatments, please refer to the de tarievenpagina. Tijdens het consult ontvang je een persoonlijk behandeladvies en kunnen de verwachte kosten van het behandeltraject worden besproken.

Free intake consultation

As a new client, we would like to invite you for a free and non-binding consultation worth €50. During this appointment, our doctor will provide you with treatment advice.
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