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All Concern Guides Concern Guide

Acne Scarring

Understanding the concern

Look at the shape and depth of the scar.

Atrophic acne scars are commonly described as ice-pick, rolling, or boxcar scars. More than one shape can appear in the same area.

A narrow depression, a broader edge, and a rolling change in texture do not present the same way. Active breakouts add a separate question because they describe what is happening now, not only the texture left behind.

When you look from the front and from the side, notice whether the texture appears narrow, broad-edged, rolling, or mixed.

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Questions

Front and side views help identify the scar type.

Bring clear front and side photographs, plus a note about any breakouts that are still appearing. The two angles show the scar shape; the note separates active breakouts from established texture.