If you’ve been struggling with acne scars or hyperpigmentation, you already know how frustrating it can be to cover them up day after day. Maybe you’ve tried creams, serums, or exfoliators that promised quick fixes but didn’t make a real difference. Or maybe your skin has improved, but leftover marks keep reminding you of past breakouts.
At Lotus Laser Aesthetics in Sartell and Isle, we help people through this every single day, and one thing we always assure our clients is this: you’re not stuck with the skin you have today. Laser treatments can dramatically smooth, brighten, and even out your skin tone when nothing else seems to work.
But acne scars and hyperpigmentation are not the same problem, and they are not treated the same way. Understanding the difference helps you know what to expect, what’s realistic, and how laser treatments actually help.
Let’s break everything down in a simple, clear, human way so you can feel confident about your next step.
Acne scars form when inflammation from deep acne (like cysts or nodules) damages the skin tissue. When your skin tries to repair the area, it either makes too little collagen or too much leading to scars.
There are a few common types:
Ice-pick scars: tiny but deep pits
Boxcar scars: wider, more defined indents
Rolling scars: shallow but wavy, uneven texture
Raised scars: rare, but caused by excess collagen
These scars are textural changes, meaning you can feel them, not just see them.
Hyperpigmentation is discoloration, not texture.
These are the dark spots left behind after a breakout or sun damage.
Types include:
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): brown marks after acne
Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE): pink or red marks
Sunspots: UV-triggered pigmentation
Melasma: hormonally-driven discoloration
Hyperpigmentation sits in the pigment-producing layer of the skin, so it doesn’t require the same treatment intensity as textural scarring.
We all love a good cream or serum, but let’s be real; they mostly hang out on the surface. Lasers go deeper, straight to where your skin really needs it. That’s where the real transformation happens!
Smooth Out Acne Scars
Lasers send gentle, precise energy into your skin, breaking up old scar tissue and giving your body a nudge to produce fresh collagen. Over time, those pesky indents start to soften, and your skin feels smoother and more even.
Fade Dark Spots
Got stubborn dark spots or post-acne marks? Lasers tackle them by breaking pigment into tiny pieces that your body naturally clears away. It’s a smart, safe way to lighten marks that creams alone can’t touch.
Why It Works Better Than Topicals
Here’s the simple truth: creams work on the surface, but lasers work from the inside out, helping your skin heal, glow, and transform in a way you can actually see and feel.
To treat acne scars effectively, we use Discovery Pico, a state-of-the-art laser known for its precision and fast healing time.
What Discovery Pico Does for Acne Scars
Breaks up old, stiff scar tissue
Boosts collagen and elastin production
Smooths texture over time
Reduces depth of indents
Improves overall skin thickness and firmness
We tailor settings based on your scar type so each area gets the attention it needs.
What Results Look Like
Clients usually notice:
Softer, smoother skin
Shallower scars
More even texture
Healthier glow
Acne scars don’t vanish overnight, but laser treatments significantly improve the appearance and feel of your skin, especially when done in a series.
For pigmentation, the goal is to target melanin without damaging surrounding tissue. Again, Discovery Pico is ideal because it fires ultra-fast pulses that shatter pigment gently and safely.
What Discovery Pico Does for Pigment
Lightens dark spots
Breaks up melanin clusters
Fades sun damage
Reduces redness from post-acne
Brightens overall complexion
Hyperpigmentation typically responds faster than acne scars, and many people see visible improvements in just 1–2 treatments.
Pricing varies depending on the area, severity of concerns, and how many sessions you need, but here’s a realistic guide:
Acne scars require deeper, more intensive treatment. We charge $75 per area (about 4×4 inches).
Pigment correction is one of the most straightforward laser treatments because the sessions are quick, targeted, and require fewer passes than textural work. We price treatments based on the size of the pigmented area so you only ever pay for exactly what you need.
Our Pricelist for Pigment Correction
| Size | Price Per Session |
|---|---|
| 1″ x 1″ | $50 |
| 2″ x 2″ (approximately 4 sq inches) | $100 |
| 3″ x 3″ (approximately 9 sq inches) | $150 |
| 4″ x 4″ (approximately 16 sq inches) | $200 |
| 5″ x 5″ (approximately 25 sq inches) | $250 |
Laser recovery is much easier than most people expect, especially with gentler pico technology.
Here’s what healing typically looks like:
For Acne Scar Treatments
Mild warmth or swelling for a few hours
Skin may feel dry or “tight” the next day
Light flaking is normal
Skin continues improving for weeks
There’s no major downtime, most clients return to work the same day or next day.
For Pigmentation Treatments
Treated spots may darken temporarily
Pigment flakes off naturally after a few days
Skin looks brighter
No real downtime besides sun avoidance
We give simple aftercare instructions so you heal comfortably and safely.
Acne Scars
Because scars are structural, improvement happens gradually.
Most clients need 3–5 sessions, depending on:
Scar depth
Scar type
Overall skin health
Results build on each other, your skin gets smoother with every session.
Hyperpigmentation
Pigment responds faster.
Most clients need 1–3 sessions for visible clarity.
Melasma is trickier, so it may require more gentle, ongoing treatments to manage.
Acne Scars
Many clients notice reduced redness and fewer breakouts after the first few sessions. Scarring improvements develop gradually as collagen rebuilds, with smoother and clearer skin becoming visible over time.
Hyperpigmentation
Many people see fading in as little as 7–14 days, especially for sunspots and PIH.
Pain levels depend on your skin sensitivity and the type of treatment.
For Acne Scars
You’ll feel quick, warm snaps usually very tolerable.
Numbing cream is available for comfort.
For Pigmentation
It can cause some discomfort, but pain varies for everyone. Numbing cream works well for this procedure, so ask your technician for details before your appointment if you’d like to use it.
You’re likely a great fit if you have:
Acne scars (textural)
PIH, PIE, sunspots
Uneven tone
Dull skin
Thickened or damaged skin from past breakouts
During your consultation, we review your skin and confirm your safest, most effective option.
At Lotus Laser Aesthetics, we know how frustrating stubborn acne scars can be, especially when they stick around long after the breakouts are gone. That’s why we use the Discovery Pico, an advanced picosecond laser that gives powerful results with minimal downtime. Think of it as a precise, skin-refreshing reset button.
Clients choose us for:
Advanced Discovery Pico technology
Experience treating both scars and pigment
A gentle, comfort-focused approach
Honest consultations with real expectations
Natural-looking results, never overdone
We care about your skin as much as you do.
1. Is one laser treatment enough?
For pigmentation, sometimes yes.
For acne scars, multiple sessions are needed.
2. Will acne scars disappear completely?
No treatment can promise 100 percent removal, but lasers dramatically smooth and soften scars.
3. Will my dark spots come back?
Pigment from sun exposure or hormones can return, but with sun protection and occasional maintenance, results last.
4. Is hyperpigmentation after laser treatment permanent?
It’s actually quite common, especially for skin that tans easily but the good news is it’s usually temporary. Most post-laser hyperpigmentation fades naturally within 7–10 days as your skin evens out and heals.
5. Can I wear makeup after treatment?
It is best recommended to leave your skin without any make-up for a few days
6. Are lasers safe for all skin tones?
Discovery Pico is safe for a wide range of skin types when used by a trained professional.
If you’re tired of covering up scars or spots, laser treatments can finally give you the fresh, even skin you’ve been working toward. Whether your concern is deep scarring, stubborn dark marks, or both, we’ll help you choose the right approach for your skin.
Book online today to schedule your consultation at Lotus Laser Aesthetics for hyperpigmentation, acne scars,
Your best skin is closer than you think.
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