Rolling Scars: Understanding its causes, treatments & preventions

January 23, 2025

Dr. Shraddha Pitalia

3 min read

72

close up of a women with rolling scars on face

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt a wave-like appearance at the uneven texture of your skin? These dips and pits are known as rolling scars. These are very common and tend to form with a past acne breakout history. What if I told you there’s no need to accept them as they are? What if smooth, radiant skin is within your reach?

If you are struggling with rolling scars on your face and want to understand why they are caused and how to treat those rolling acne scars with advanced treatments, continue reading. At Evenly Clinic, we recognize the impact these scars can have on your life, and we offer FDA-approved advanced techniques. These techniques go beyond just treating the surface. This comprehensive guide will provide a detailed explanation of these rolling acne scars and how to achieve flawless, radiant skin with expert care.

What are rolling scars?

Rolling scars are a type of atrophic scars that have a wavy, uneven texture. They develop from a loss of collagen due to severe acne or skin trauma, resulting in depressions on the skin’s surface. These scars tend to be broad and shallow, with gently sloping edges that give the skin a rolling appearance. Unlike ice pick scars, which are narrow and deep, or boxcar scars, which are wider and more defined scars cover a larger area, making them more prominent.

What causes rolling scars?

Understanding how these scars occur is essential before finding effective rolling scars treatment.

  • Severe Acne: Inflammatory acne, especially cystic acne, is the main contributor to rolling scars. The severe inflammation breaks down collagen and elastin, which are the proteins that provide support and elasticity to the skin.
  • Delayed Treatment: If the acne is left untreated or managed for a long time, the risk of scarring increases. Timely care is essential to avoid prolonged complications.
  • Genetics: The ability of your skin to heal is heavily influenced by genetic factors. Some people are more prone to developing these scars even with milder acne.
  • Picking and squeezing: Picking at acne lesions worsens inflammation and increases the risk of scarring. This interferes with the natural healing mechanism and leads to more noticeable rolling scars on the face.

Rolling scars symptoms

Here are the key characteristics of these scars:

  • Uneven, wavy-like texture
  • Shallow depressions
  • Uneven soft edges
  • Commonly found on cheeks, they can also appear on jawlines and temples.
  • The size can vary from just a few millimeters to more than a centimeter.

If you observe these rolling scars symptoms on your face, it is advisable to consult with an experienced dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

How to treat rolling scars on face: Effective rolling scars treatment

Addressing rolling acne scars on the face requires a combination of professional treatments. Let’s explore some advanced rolling scars treatment options recommended by our Evenly clinic dermatologists:

Fractional CO2 laser

Fractional CO2 laser, also known as laser resurfacing treatment, is one of the most advanced and effective rolling scars treatments.  By creating micro-injuries on the face, these lasers activate the skin’s natural healing process, leading to new collagen formation. Gradual collagen production can smooth out scarred areas, giving your skin a firmer, more youthful appearance.  While this treatment is potent, it may involve some recovery time.

  • How it Works: A high-energy laser focuses on specific areas while preserving the surrounding skin.
  • Benefits: Enhanced texture, reduced scarring, and a more even skin tone.
  • Downtime: You can expect 5-7 days of peeling and redness to be visible.

Vampire Facial (Microneedling with PRP Treatment)

Microneedling with PRP, often referred to as a vampire facial, is an advanced and effective facial treatment for treating rolling acne scars. 

  • How it works: During the process, a small amount of blood is drawn and processed to obtain platelet-rich plasma, which is abundant in growth factors. The PRP is then applied to the skin during or right after microneedling. The micro-channels formed by the needles allow the PRP to penetrate deeper, further encouraging collagen production, speeding up healing, and improving scar appearance. This treatment is especially effective for enhancing skin texture, minimizing scar depth, and promoting overall skin rejuvenation.
  • Benefits: Faster healing, enhanced skin elasticity, and reduced appearance of scars.
  • Downtime: Minimal (1-3 days)

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels can enhance skin texture and minimize the visibility of superficial scars. They achieve this by exfoliating the outer skin layers, encouraging cell turnover, and uncovering smoother, more even skin beneath. Certain chemical peels, like TCA (trichloroacetic acid peels), target the upper skin layers and improve the scar depth.

  • How it works: A chemical peel is applied to the skin to eliminate damaged skin layers, revealing healthier skin.
  • Benefits: Brighter complexion, decreased pigmentation, and a smoother texture.
  • Downtime: Varies depending on the depth of the peel (3-7 days).

Dermal Fillers

Injectable dermal fillers, like hyaluronic acid fillers, can effectively raise the depressed areas of rolling scars, resulting in a smoother skin surface. This method offers a quick and immediate fix for mild to moderate scars. Additionally, it is minimally invasive and delivers noticeable results.

  • How it works: The hyaluronic fillers are placed under the scars to lift and smooth the skin.
  • Benefits: You can see immediate results, making it ideal for special events.
  • Downtime: Very minimal (about 24 hours).

MNRF (Microneedling Radio Frequency)

This advanced treatment leverages the benefits of microneedling, which creates tiny micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production, along with radio frequency energy that delivers heat to the deeper skin layer for enhanced collagen remodeling.  This combination is effective for treating rolling scars on the face by improving skin texture, reducing the depth of scars, and promoting skin tightening.

  • How it works: Radiofrequency heats the punctured dermis, encouraging collagen remodeling.
  • Benefits: Reduced scars and firmer skin
  • Downtime: Minimal (1-3 days)

Topical Retinoids

Our dermatologist also prescribes topical retinoids as an in-clinic procedure, as it gradually reduces the appearance of rolling scars on the face by encouraging collagen production and increasing cell turnover.

Before and After Images of Rolling Scars Treatment

Check out the before and after images below and witness the transformative results they achieved with optimal treatment.

Rolling Acne Scars on Face: Targeted Treatment Strategy

Rolling scars on the face can be particularly troubling because of their noticeable appearance. That’s why a personalized approach is crucial. At Evenly Clinic, we take enough time to evaluate each patient’s skin type, the severity of their scars, and their overall health to create the best treatment plan. Typically, we suggest a combination of treatments for the best outcomes.

Prevention Tips for Rolling Acne Scars

Even though there are many effective treatments available to address rolling acne scars on the face, preventing them is the best approach. Preventing these types of scars starts with proper skin care and acne management. Here are some preventive steps recommended by dermatologists:

  • Treating acne at the early stage, meaning before reaching the inflammatory stage, is important to reduce the chances of scarring.
  • Resist the urge to squeeze or pick the active acne, as it increases inflammation and harms the skin barrier. It greatly increases the risk of scarring.
  • Don’t skip using sunscreen because UV exposure can darken scars and hinder the healing process.
  • To support natural skin healing, keep your skin hydrated using non-comedogenic moisturizer.
  • Follow a regular skincare schedule that prioritizes cleansing, moisturizing, and safeguarding your skin against UV damage.

Your Journey to Smoother Skin Starts Here!!!!

Dealing with rolling scars on the face can be challenging, but it is important to note that there are many advanced rolling scar treatment solutions available.

If you are struggling with uneven scars and ready to explore your treatment options, we encourage you to book an appointment now. Don’t wait another day to start your journey towards smooth and flawless skin.

For health-related information, follow us on Instagram!!

Click here for an online consultation!!

Frequently Asked Questions

These scars are a type of atrophic scar that occurs due to collagen loss in the skin following severe acne. They feature a wavy, uneven texture with broad, shallow depressions and sloping edges, commonly found on the face.

Without treatment, these type of scars are permanent. However, advanced dermatological procedures can significantly reduce their appearance or even get rid of them.

Yes, these scars differ from ice-pick scars. They are broad and shallow with sloping edges, while ice-pick scars are narrow, deep, and resemble small punctures.

Genetics can influence how your skin heals. If there is a family history of severe acne or scarring, you may be more susceptible to developing rolling scars.

Without proper care, scars can become more noticeable over time due to skin aging and collagen loss. Early treatment can help prevent this progression.

It can also develop in areas other than the face, such as the back, chest, or shoulders, which are also prone to severe acne. The treatments for these areas are similar to those used for facial scars.

Yes, these scars can give the appearance of larger pores due to the uneven texture of the skin. Treatments that smooth the skin can help reduce this effect.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any skin and hair-related questions or would like to discuss personalized solutions, please reach out to us at 7337899030. Our team of specialists is committed to delivering personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you by scheduling a consultation with us today. Your journey to vibrant skin and stronger hair begins here.

Book an Appointment

Start your journey to healthy skin and hair today.

    Share this article:

    Leave a comment

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Relevant Articles

    Call us at 7337899030