The acne has long since gone. The scars remain.
Acne scars are located in the dermis, not on the surface — which is why no cream can reach them. But that is precisely where targeted treatment can be applied.
Free AURA 3D skin analysis →CHF 0 · 60 mins · no sales pressure
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Perhaps you've been there:
My skin has finally calmed down — but the marks left by the spot have remained.
In side lighting or in selfies, you can see the dents that are barely noticeable in direct light.
You cover the unevenness with make-up, but the texture remains visible.
You’ve tried serums for scars, but none of them have made a difference.
You’ve already had something done about the scars — but after a while they were back again.
In photos, your eyes are drawn first to the scars, not to you.
Why acne scars form
Acne scars form when inflammation penetrates deep enough into the skin and the collagen fibres are rebuilt irregularly during the healing process. If collagen is lacking, the skin sinks in — resulting in depressed scars such as ice-pick, boxcar or rolling scars. A cream cannot alter this structure in the dermis.
The type of scar determines the approach. However, almost all of them have one thing in common: they require targeted stimulation to encourage the tissue to remodel — not to cover it up, but to restructure it.
What types of scars are there?
- Ice-axe scars — narrow and deep, like tiny pricks.
- Boxcar scars — rounded indentations with distinct edges, often on the cheeks.
- Rolling scars — wavy, soft dimples caused by strands of connective tissue deep beneath the skin.
- Post-acne hyperpigmentation (PIH) — dark patches where the inflammation was; not scar tissue, but pigment.
What helps with acne scars — and what doesn't
Creams and serums work on the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. However, acne scars are located in the dermis beneath it, where the collagen structure has been altered. That is why even a good scar serum cannot reach that depth.
Retinol can help — it speeds up cell renewal and refines the skin’s texture. But it can be irritating: using too much or too often weakens the skin barrier, leaving the skin sensitive and irritated. Retinol is a tool, not a cure-all — it cannot tackle deep scars on its own.
What really changes the skin’s structure is what happens in the dermis: a controlled stimulus that encourages the skin to produce new, organised collagen. With every treatment, it builds up a little more supportive tissue — a new skin memory. This is not the result of a single session.
Acne scars therefore require a course of treatment, usually involving a combination of several methods, built up over a period of months. A deep scar is part of your skin’s history and can stay with you for a long time — it is rarely possible to make it disappear completely. However, with systematic treatment over time, your skin will become noticeably smoother and more even.
An aggressive, ablative CO2 laser can achieve a lot in a single session, but it involves a long, visible recovery period. We take a gentler, combinable approach — less downtime, but more sessions, tailored to your skin type.
How we treat acne scars
It is rare for a single treatment to clear up acne scars — and even rarer for a single session to do so. We combine the most suitable methods for your type of scar and build on them over time. Listed by their role:
Core treatments
SkinPen® Precision
The first FDA-approved microneedling device for acne scars. Purely mechanical, with no heat — safe for all skin tones. Delivers fine micro-stimulation that promotes the formation of organised collagen.
Find out more →Vivace® RF Microneedling
Microneedling combined with radiofrequency — a dual treatment that penetrates deeper into the dermis. Particularly effective for rolling and boxcar scars.
Find out more →Stellar M22™ ResurFX™
A fractional 1565 nm laser that renews the skin in specific areas and smooths the texture of scars. We use it on the Stellar M22 platform.
Find out more →BioRePeel®
TCA with amino acids and vitamins — promotes cell renewal, smooths the skin’s texture and reduces post-acne pigmentation. No visible peeling.
Find out more →PRX-T33®
Deeper than BioRePeel and contains kojic acid to combat pigmentation. Works well in combination with microneedling when dealing with both scarring and discolouration.
Find out more →In addition, depending on your skin type
- Stellar M22™ IPL — if the scar is accompanied by post-acne pigmentation or redness (same Stellar M22 platform).
- Fillmed NCTF® — 59 active ingredients plus hyaluronic acid, for skin regeneration following a course of microneedling.
- PolyPhil™ — Polynucleotides, biostimulation of skin density following more intensive treatments.
- Dermadrop TDA® — a needle-free infusion of active ingredients as a gentle maintenance treatment between sessions.
Dermalux™ LED is included in every facial treatment — red light and near-infrared light aid wound healing and reduce inflammation, and promote scar remodelling.
The free AURA 3D skin analysis will show you which treatment is best suited to your scar type. We’ll examine the structure and depth of your scars in 3D and use this information to develop a personalised plan for you.
Free AURA 3D skin analysis →Three steps to a more even complexion
AURA 3D Skin Analysis + Plan
We’ll examine the structure and depth of your scars in 3D and determine the type. This will form the basis of your personalised plan. CHF 0, with no pressure to buy.
Your combination of treatments
We start with what your scar type needs most — often microneedling as a base, tailored to your skin type and built up over several sessions.
Care & Maintenance
Building up collagen takes time. We’ll support you over the coming months, protect your skin barrier and provide targeted refreshment.
Specialising in skin quality, not in a particular machine.
Specialisation
Pre-ageing is our focus, not just an item on the treatment list. Our team is V-NISSG-certified.
A system rather than a single device
Smooth skin is the result of the combination of methods, active ingredients and the correct sequence of steps over time — not from a single machine.
Honest advice
If there’s a reason why a treatment isn’t suitable for you, we’ll let you know — even if you don’t book anything today.
You might be wondering
Isn't retinol or retinal sufficient for treating acne scars?
Retinol and retinal are forms of vitamin A and are among the most extensively studied active ingredients for the skin. In the skin, they are converted into retinoic acid, which binds to receptors in the cells, thereby stimulating cell renewal and collagen production. Retinal is just one step away from the active retinoic acid, whilst retinol is two steps away — retinal therefore acts more quickly. Both refine the skin’s surface, but cannot tackle deep scars on their own. Studies also reveal a downside: rapid cell renewal can temporarily weaken the skin barrier and increase moisture loss — the skin becomes sensitive and dry, particularly with excessive dosages or too frequent use. If this causes your skin to become dehydrated, that is a separate issue — read more about it at dehydrated skin →. For us, Retinal is a complementary component alongside treatments that act directly on the dermis.
Is SkinPen® microneedling clinically proven to treat acne scars?
Yes. SkinPen® was the first microneedling device to receive FDA approval specifically for facial acne scars (De Novo classification). In the clinical trial, men and women of all skin types underwent three treatments at four-week intervals; around 90% showed a visible improvement in acne scars six months after the third session. Because SkinPen works purely mechanically, without heat, it is also safe for darker skin types — with no increased risk of pigmentation marks.
Source: FDA De Novo authorisation DEN160029; clinical trial ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02646917.
What are the benefits of the ResurFX™ laser — and how does it differ from the CO₂ laser?
ResurFX™ is a fractional, non-ablative 1565 nm laser. It renews the skin in specific areas and stimulates new collagen deep within the skin. Studies show that this wavelength improves mild to moderate depressed acne scars. In a direct split-face comparative study, the non-ablative 1565 nm laser achieved a similar level of scar improvement to the ablative CO₂ laser — but with significantly fewer side effects and a shorter recovery time. The CO2 laser can achieve a great deal in a single session, but this comes at the cost of a longer, visible downtime. It is important to note that complete resolution of the scars cannot be expected with any laser.
Do acne scars disappear completely?
To be honest: usually not entirely. Deep scars can be significantly smoothed and reduced, but rarely completely eliminated — this applies to all methods, including laser treatment. A noticeably more even, smoother complexion is a realistic outcome. And because the skin builds up new collagen with every treatment, the appearance improves gradually over time.
What about fillers for acne scars?
Fillers can temporarily lift individual sunken scars by adding volume underneath them. This does nothing to change the scar itself — the irregular collagen — and the effect wears off after a few months. We take a different approach: we stimulate the skin to form new, organised collagen at the site, so that the structure changes from within.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the type of scar, its depth and your skin. Acne scars almost always require a course of treatment and usually a combination of several methods over a period of several months — a single session is rarely enough. We’ll decide on your treatment plan following the AURA 3D skin analysis.
How much does treatment for acne scars cost?
This depends on the method and the number of sessions — you can find an overview on our Prices page →. Not ready for an on-site analysis just yet? Our Skin Quiz → gives you a quick overview in five minutes — no appointment or email required.
Scars are part of your story — but they’ll still fade.
Acne scars rarely disappear completely. But with consistent care over time, your skin builds up new collagen, creating a new ‘skin memory’, and becomes noticeably smoother. The AURA 3D skin analysis will show you where your scars are and which treatment plan is right for you. It’s free, with no pressure to buy.
Free AURA 3D skin analysis →CHF 0 · 60 mins · Konradstrasse 1, 8005 Zurich Central Station
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What our customers say
„Aleksandra was very professional, warm and friendly. She gave me excellent advice on what I needed, even though I’d booked a completely different treatment. All the risks and considerations were clearly explained, and I never felt like I was being pressured into anything. A great consultation… I’ve found my new go-to place for treatments.'
„A huge thank you to Alex for her advice. Her expertise and her calm, professional manner won me over straight away. She takes her time, tailors her advice to individual needs and gives fantastic tips for a home skincare routine. It’s exactly the kind of consultation you’d hope for – knowledgeable, warm and genuine."
„I really appreciate that there’s no pressure to buy extra services or products – just genuine, high-quality care. After nearly a year of visiting Alestetics, I’ve had nothing but positive experiences. Alex has been professional, kind and attentive throughout my visits. I highly recommend them!"
„I love coming here; it always feels like I’m going to a spa. They don’t try to sell me anything and are very open about what the treatments can (and cannot) do for me. They take health and wellbeing very seriously and always make sure I know how to look after myself outside the clinic as well."
„Alex is amazing! She listens to what the customer needs and explains the process. She is very knowledgeable and also makes recommendations. For me, her fluency in English is extremely helpful when we communicate."
„I had a Vivace treatment combined with PRX-T33. The appointment went smoothly; the staff were very professional and efficient. The clinic is close to HB and centrally located. Alexandra was very nice and friendly. I’ll definitely be coming back!"
„I had RF microneedling and EXILIS treatments on my stomach at Alestetics and am extremely pleased with the results. In fact, the results are much more noticeable than I had expected. Katia is highly professional, very attentive and incredibly warm. I highly recommend her!"
„I spent a long time looking for the right salon for me and I’m absolutely delighted that I chose alestetics®. The salon is beautiful, and everything is spotlessly clean and hygienic. Thanks to the team’s caring, friendly and professional manner, I felt very comfortable and safe throughout the entire treatment."
„I’ve been to Alestetics several times now. Before the treatment, they carried out an Aura skin analysis, during which they explained my skin condition to me in great detail — it was incredibly professional and transparent. Katia, Antonia and Alex are incredibly caring, knowledgeable and professional. You never feel like 'just another customer'."
„Today I had my first laser treatment (4 areas) with Katia and I felt completely at ease. She was particularly sensitive to my needs, as I can be a bit sensitive to pain at times. Her friendly manner made the treatment a really pleasant experience!"
„Katia is simply brilliant at her job! I’ve now had my third laser treatment. As I’m quite sensitive to pain, I really appreciate the fact that Katia always distracts me with a friendly chat. I feel very well looked after."
„I had a wonderful experience at the aesthetics clinic with Katia. She took the time to listen to my concerns, explained everything clearly, and made sure I felt confident throughout. I would highly recommend Katia for high-quality and truly personalised treatment."
„Review of the BTL Exilis treatment. I’m an active man and work out regularly, but despite my best efforts, I couldn’t get rid of that stubborn belly fat. I noticed a difference after just the first treatment. After several sessions, the difference was clearly visible."
„All the treatments here are sensational. This wellness haven truly lives up to its reputation. It’s centrally located — right next to Zurich main station — and the atmosphere at the spa is serene and calm. Every visit to Alestetics is my monthly treat and feels like a mini-break."
„I’ve had several Endospheres treatments at alestetics. Alex and Katia are very professional, but also very friendly and caring. They’ve always taken my needs and wishes into account (avoiding the tummy after pregnancy). I can’t recommend them highly enough!"
„I had five EXILIS treatments with Katia at alestetics®. The service was excellent – Katia is very professional and warm, and explains everything in detail. You feel at ease with her straight away. I’d definitely recommend her!"
„I feel understood, and they're absolutely lovely and professional!!"
„I had an excellent experience with the Icoone treatment. Antonia was simply fantastic – very professional, warm and incredibly friendly. She took plenty of time and made sure I felt comfortable throughout the entire treatment."
„I visit Alestetics regularly for Hydrafacial and microneedling treatments. The team are really friendly and flexible. The location is perfect, and the studio is clean and comfortable. After three treatments, my skin feels much clearer and my pores are slightly smaller."
„I feel completely at ease with Alex and her team! From the welcome to the treatments, the hygiene and the atmosphere: everything is simply always perfect. I originally came across Alestetics because of their laser treatments, but now I also go there for my facials."
„The treatments at Alestetics have worked wonders on my sensitive skin. With Katia, you’re in absolutely professional hands!"
„I'm absolutely delighted to have found this clinic in Zurich where, after just four sessions, I've seen amazing results! The girl who looks after me, Katia, is so lovely; she put me at ease right from the start and is incredibly professional!"
„My favourite salon in Zh! Top-notch service, lovely welcome tea, friendly staff, helpful consultations, and I left feeling happy and glowing, looking gorgeous after my treatments. Thanks Katia, Alexandra, and the Alestetics team – one love!"
„At first, I was really impressed by the Endospheres therapy. But the Icoone treatment has surpassed everything: it massages the skin gently and painlessly from head to toe. I started the treatments less for firmer skin and more for my health. The team are like best friends to me."
„Very friendly and professional staff, who take the time to carry out a skin analysis and offer valuable advice! I highly recommend it. It was a pleasure to have the AURA 3D skin analysis and to discuss my daily skincare routine."
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