Yes — dermal fillers can treat acne scars, but the result depends on the scar type. Fillers work best on rolling and shallow boxcar scars, where lifting the floor of the scar from below produces a visible improvement. They are less effective for narrow, deep ice-pick scars, which respond better to TCA CROSS or laser resurfacing.
In most cases, the injection is preceded by subcision — a small needle is used to release the fibrous bands tethering the scar to the deeper tissue. Once the scar is freed, filler is placed underneath to keep it elevated.
For broader context on which acne scar responds to which treatment, see how to get rid of acne scars (hub) and best skin treatments for acne scars.
Should silicone be used for acne scars?
No. Liquid silicone has been used historically for permanent scar correction, but the risks are significant — granuloma formation, late-onset inflammation, migration, and disfigurement that can take multiple operations to correct. Once silicone is in the tissue, removing it is difficult and often leaves further scarring.
Hyaluronic acid fillers and laser-based treatments offer the same correction without the long-term risk. HA fillers can also be dissolved with hyaluronidase if the result needs adjusting — silicone offers no such reversibility.
How long do dermal fillers for acne scars last?
A single treatment with hyaluronic acid filler typically lasts 12 months or longer. The duration is better than the same filler injected for lip or cheek augmentation because the injection sites for scar correction are static — they don’t get repeatedly compressed by facial movement, which is what breaks filler down faster.
Repeat sessions tend to require less product than the first, because each round of subcision releases more of the underlying tethering and stimulates some collagen formation in the treated area. Many patients find their treatment intervals lengthen over time.
Dermal fillers vs Morpheus8 for acne scars
The two work differently and are often used together rather than as alternatives.
Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy, stimulating collagen remodelling across a wide treatment area. It works best for diffuse, shallow scarring affecting larger zones — for example, scarring across both cheeks. Results build gradually over a series of three to four sessions.
Fillers work on individual, larger, well-defined scars. The improvement is visible immediately, which makes filler the better choice when only a few prominent scars are bothering the patient. For mixed scarring patterns — a few deep scars set against diffuse texture damage — combining Morpheus8 with targeted filler injection often produces the best result.
For dedicated discussion see does Morpheus8 help treat acne scars?
Acne scar treatment at Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated plastic surgery clinic at 95–97 Baker Street, Marylebone. Our acne scar removal service combines subcision, dermal fillers, Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling, TCA CROSS, fractional laser resurfacing, and other treatments calibrated to your specific scarring pattern. All performed by GMC-registered consultant plastic surgeons. No GP referral required.
For related guides, see how to get rid of acne scars (hub), best skin treatments for acne scars, how laser acne scar removal works, TCA CROSS for acne scars, does Morpheus8 help treat acne scars?, and laser scar removal cost.
Centre for Surgery · CQC-regulated · GMC specialist-registered surgeons · 95–97 Baker Street, Marylebone, London W1U 6RN · 0207 993 4849 · Book a consultation · Finance from 0% APR
