Tommy's #1 SHANIA TWAIN SuperSite Message Board

Ice pick scars are deep, narrow indentations that form when severe acne damages skin at a cellular level, creating a tunnel-like puncture that extends into the dermis. Named for their resemblance to a small ice pick mark, these scars are often the most stubborn type of acne scarring to treat because of their depth and narrow shape.

Topical treatments and over-the-counter products typically have limited effect on ice pick scars since the damage sits below the surface layer of skin. Instead, effective ice pick scar treatment often requires clinical intervention. Options include TCA CROSS (a technique using targeted chemical application to stimulate collagen at the base of the scar), punch excision for isolated deep scars, and laser resurfacing to improve overall skin texture. Many dermatologists combine two or more of these methods for optimal results, since ice pick scars often coexist with other scar types like boxcar or rolling scars.

At Acne Scar Center in Gainesville, FL, Dr. Richard Sadove specializes in evaluating scar depth and type to build a treatment plan suited to each patient's skin. Because ice pick scars respond differently to treatment than shallower scarring, an in-person consultation is the best way to determine which combination of procedures will deliver the most noticeable improvement.