Best Acne Scar Treatments in Pune: Laser vs Chemical Peel

Updated on: 28th Oct, 2025

If you’re dealing with acne scars in Pune, laser treatments like CO2 and Erbium Glass lasers offer 40-70% improvement and work best for deep, pitted scars, while chemical peels (especially TCA peels) are more affordable and effective for superficial scarring and post-acne pigmentation. The choice between them depends on your scar type, budget, and downtime tolerance.

At Clear Skin Clinic in Pune, we’ve treated thousands of acne scar patients over our 35+ years in practice. Led by Dr. Dhananjay Chavan and Dr. Dhanraj Chavan, our team understands that choosing between laser and chemical peel treatments can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you understand which treatment is right for your specific scar type and skin concerns.

1. Laser treatments (CO2 and Erbium Glass) are best for deep atrophic scars like ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars, delivering 40-70% improvement over several months
   
2. Chemical peels (TCA peels) cost ₹2,000-3,000 per session versus ₹5,000 for lasers, making them ideal for budget-conscious patients with superficial scars
3. Downtime differs significantly: CO2 laser requires 1-2 weeks recovery, Erbium needs 3-7 days, while TCA peels range from 1-7 days depending on strength
4. Combination treatments often yield the best results—many of our Pune patients benefit from protocols combining subcision, laser, and microneedling
5. Success rates are high: We see 80%+ success rates for active acne treatment and 40-70% improvement for established acne scars

Before choosing between laser and chemical peel, you need to identify what type of acne scars you have. Different scar types respond better to specific treatments.

Atrophic Scars (Depressed Scars)

These are the most common type, affecting 80-90% of people with acne scars. They form when your skin produces too little collagen during the healing process, creating depressions in the skin.

Ice Pick Scars: Deep, narrow V-shaped indentations less than 2mm wide that extend into the deep dermis. These are most common on the cheeks and account for about 60% of atrophic scars.

Boxcar Scars: Round or oval depressions with steep vertical edges and flat bottoms, typically 1-4mm wide. They look similar to chickenpox scars and make up about 25% of acne scars.

Rolling Scars: Wide, shallow depressions with sloping edges that create a wavy appearance. These form when fibrous bands tether the skin’s surface to deeper tissue, accounting for about 15% of cases.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

While not technically a scar, PIH appears as dark spots where acne lesions healed. This is extremely common in Pune due to our climate and sun exposure. PIH responds well to both laser and chemical peel treatments.

Laser treatments use focused light energy to resurface skin and stimulate collagen production in deeper layers. They’re the gold standard for deep, pitted acne scars.

CO2 Laser Treatment

CO2 laser is our most popular treatment for moderate to severe acne scars at our Sasoon Road clinic in Pune. The laser creates controlled microscopic thermal zones in the dermis, stimulating your skin’s natural healing response.

What it treats: Deep ice pick scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars, and acne macro-comedones

How it works: The carbon dioxide laser produces energy absorbed by water in your skin, allowing precise, controlled removal of damaged tissue. We offer both conventional and fractional CO2 laser options.

Cost in Pune: ₹3,000-7,000 per session (average ₹5,000 at Clear Skin Clinic)

Sessions needed: Typically 3-6 treatments spaced 4-8 weeks apart

Results timeline: You’ll see gradual improvement over 2-3 months as new collagen forms. Most patients achieve 40-70% scar improvement.

Downtime: Expect 1-2 weeks of redness, swelling, and peeling. Your skin will look sunburned initially but heals beautifully with proper care.

Best for: Patients with deep pitted scars who can afford 1-2 weeks of social downtime and want dramatic, long-lasting results.

Erbium Glass Laser Treatment

Erbium Glass laser is gentler than CO2 but still highly effective. It uses fractional technology that creates microbeams targeting specific areas while leaving surrounding skin intact for faster healing.

What it treats: Fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and overall skin texture improvement

How it differs from CO2: Less aggressive with shorter recovery time. The fractional approach means less damage to surrounding tissue.

Cost in Pune: ₹4,500-20,000 per session (average ₹5,000 at Clear Skin Clinic)

Downtime: 3-7 days for fractional resurfacing, 7-14 days for ablative treatment

Best for: Patients seeking improvement with less downtime, or those with lighter skin tones concerned about pigmentation changes.

Who Should Choose Laser Treatment?

Consider laser treatment if you have:

1. Deep ice pick, boxcar, or rolling scars
2. Previously tried chemical peels without satisfactory results
3. Ability to take 1-2 weeks off for recovery
4. Budget of ₹15,000-30,000 for a full treatment course
5. Realistic expectations (40-70% improvement, not complete removal)

Chemical peels work by applying acid solutions that exfoliate damaged outer skin layers, revealing fresher skin underneath and stimulating collagen production.

TCA Peel for Acne Scars

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are highly effective for acne scars and much more affordable than laser treatments. At Clear Skin Clinic, we customize TCA strength based on your scar severity.

What it treats: Superficial to moderate acne scars, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, age spots

TCA CROSS Technique: For ice pick scars specifically, we use the TCA CROSS (Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) technique. High-concentration TCA (50-100%) is applied directly into the base of narrow scars with a fine instrument, causing controlled destruction that triggers collagen remodeling.

Cost in Pune: ₹2,000-4,000 per session (average ₹3,000 at Clear Skin Clinic)

Sessions needed: Multiple sessions every 2-8 weeks for optimal results. The treatment timeline can extend up to 6 months.

Results: Gradual improvement over months as collagen rebuilds. Best results seen after 4-6 sessions.

What to expect during treatment: After cleansing, we apply TCA with precision. You’ll feel a stinging or burning sensation that subsides within minutes. Skin turns white (frosting) temporarily, then redness appears for 1-2 days. A scab forms in 2-3 days and falls off within a week.

Other Chemical Peels We Use

Glycolic Acid Peels (Superficial): Ideal for active acne, mild scarring, and overall skin brightening. Learn more about our chemical peel treatments. Cost: ₹1,500-6,000 per session.

Combination Peels: We often combine glycolic, salicylic, and mandelic acids for customized treatment. Average cost: ₹2,000-3,000 per session.

Who Should Choose Chemical Peels?

Consider chemical peels if you have:

1. Superficial scars or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
2. Limited budget (₹2,000-3,000 per session)
3. Cannot afford extended downtime
4. Darker skin tone (lower risk of pigmentation changes)
5. Mild to moderate scarring rather than deep pitted scars

Factor Laser Treatment Chemical Peel

The truth is, most patients with moderate to severe acne scarring get the best results from combination approaches rather than relying on a single treatment.

At our Sasoon Road clinic in Pune, we commonly create protocols that include:

Subcision: Manually breaking fibrous bands under rolling scars to release tethered skin CO2 or Erbium Laser: Resurfacing and collagen stimulation for overall texture Microneedling Radiofrequency: Additional collagen induction with minimal downtime PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Growth factors to enhance healing and results TCA CROSS: Targeted treatment for stubborn ice pick scars Dermapen Microneedling: Collagen induction therapy for texture improvement

For example, a typical combination protocol might be:

1. Subcision to release rolling scars (₹3,000-5,000)
2. CO2 laser for overall resurfacing (₹5,000)
3. PRP to enhance healing (₹4,000-6,000)
4. Follow-up TCA peels for maintenance (₹3,000 each)

While this costs more upfront, the results are typically superior to single-modality treatment.

Why Choose Us for Acne Scar Treatment?

With 35+ years of experience and over 150,000 successfully treated patients, Clear Skin Clinic has been Pune’s trusted destination for acne scar treatment since 1989. Dr. Dhananjay Chavan and our team of dermatologists customize every treatment plan based on your unique scar pattern, skin type, and budget.

Your Treatment Journey

Consultation: We assess your scar type, discuss your goals, and recommend the best treatment approach. Send us your photos for a tentative cost estimate.

Customized Protocol: We create a treatment plan that may include one or multiple modalities based on your scars.

Treatment Day: Procedures are performed at our fully equipped clinic at CII-5, Shardaram Park, Opp. Ruby Hospital, Sasoon Road.

Follow-up Care: We provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow-ups to monitor your progress.

Ongoing Support: Available via phone (+91-9584584111) or email ([email protected]) for any concerns during healing.

Real Results from Pune Patients

We’ve successfully treated acne scars for several hundred Pune residents from areas including Baner, Wakad, Koregaon Park, Deccan, Shivaji Nagar, and beyond. Our before-and-after gallery showcases transformations across all skin types and scar severities.

For active acne, we achieve 80%+ success rates within 3-4 months. For established acne scars, patients typically see 40-70% improvement over their treatment course.

Which is better for acne scars – laser or chemical peel? 

Laser treatments are better for deep, pitted scars while chemical peels work better for superficial scarring and pigmentation. Most patients with moderate scarring benefit from combining both approaches for optimal results.

How much does acne scar treatment cost in Pune? 

At Clear Skin Clinic, CO2 laser costs ₹3,000-7,000 per session, Erbium laser ₹4,500-20,000, and TCA peels ₹2,000-4,000. Total investment typically ranges from ₹15,000-40,000 depending on your treatment plan.

Is laser treatment for acne scars painful? 

We apply numbing cream before laser treatment, so most patients report only mild discomfort. The sensation is similar to rubber band snaps on the skin. Post-treatment soreness is manageable with prescribed medications.

How many sessions will I need to see results? 

Most patients need 3-6 laser sessions or 6-8 chemical peel sessions. Combination treatments may require fewer total sessions but involve multiple modalities.

Can I combine laser and chemical peel treatments? 

Yes. Combination treatments often produce superior results. We typically space treatments 4-8 weeks apart and may alternate between modalities based on your skin’s response.

What’s the downtime after acne scar treatment in Pune? 

CO2 laser requires 1-2 weeks of significant downtime with redness and peeling. Erbium laser needs 3-7 days. TCA peels range from 1-7 days depending on strength. Plan your treatment around social or work commitments.

Will acne scars come back after treatment? 

Properly treated acne scars don’t “come back,” but new acne breakouts can create new scars. We recommend maintaining clear skin with appropriate acne treatment to prevent new scarring.

Does Clear Skin Clinic offer payment plans for treatment? 

Yes, we offer flexible payment options. Discuss your budget during your consultation and we’ll work to create an affordable treatment plan that fits your financial situation.

The best acne scar treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Laser treatments offer powerful results for deep scars but require more investment and downtime. Chemical peels provide affordable improvement for superficial concerns with minimal recovery.

Here’s what matters most:

1. Match treatment to your specific scar type (ice pick, boxcar, or rolling)
2. Consider your budget and available downtime
3. Work with experienced dermatologists who customize protocols
4. Be patient—results take 3-6 months regardless of treatment choice