Home/Scar types
Scars that look different under lighting, small deep scars, and broad depressions are not read the same way. RECOVER separates form and skin response to organize what to approach now and what to review later.
Pitted scars require review of not only surface shadow but also the pull direction beneath the skin and nearby skin response. This cross-section is an example map of depth, edge, and tethering direction checked during initial recovery planning.
Acne scars divide into narrow deep pits (ice pick), broad gentle tethering (rolling), sharp edges (boxcar), red marks, and pigmentation — each type needs different sequencing. RECOVER separates what to approach now from what to review in stages.
For depressions after acne, old chickenpox scars or an indentation after mole removal, we start with the remaining shape and edges. The doctor reviews the cause and previous treatment, then distinguishes narrow, deep scars from broader depressions to plan treatment.
An ice pick scar is a narrow, deep pit; the deeper edge and possible approach range below the surface are checked together.
acne / chickenpox
A rolling scar is a broad, gently sunken scar whose shadow shifts with the light; the tethering beneath and the surrounding elasticity are read together.
acne / trauma
A boxcar scar has angular edges and a flat base; its edge and depth are checked separately.
acne / chickenpox
Raised scars and keloids follow different criteria. Irritation response and edge spread are checked first to decide whether to start. A burn scar often holds raised, tight and discoloured areas within the same scar, so each area is read separately. A C-section scar likewise often mixes tethered, sunken stretches with raised and discoloured ones along the incision line, so each stretch is read separately.
A hypertrophic scar is a firm scar raised within the wound boundary; irritation response and edge are checked first.
surgery / trauma
A keloid scar grows beyond the wound boundary and turns itchy and firm; starting conditions are reviewed carefully.
burn / tendency
A contracture scar tightens the skin after a burn or surgery; surrounding tension and movement are checked together.
burn / surgery
We distinguish red or brown marks after acne from changes that also involve a depression. When colour changes and depressions coexist, the doctor assesses each and plans the treatment order. If acne is still active, we also assess the inflammation first.
Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) is a lingering red mark without indentation; sensitivity and calming criteria are reviewed first.
after acne / procedure
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a brown or dark pigment mark; pigmentation response and sun-care criteria are reviewed together.
sun exposure / after procedure
A hypopigmented mark is a pale spot where melanin is depleted; it is not stimulated quickly, and follow-up observation criteria are set first.
after procedure / burn
Stretch marks are assessed by texture and extent as well as colour. Explore the separate guidance for early red and older white stretch marks.
Two short films: why scar types are separated, and why we look for the pull underneath before filling a hollow.
Think all pitted scars are the same? Compare these three
A filled scar that sank again: was it just under-filled?
Explanatory examples of scar types and structure, not a specific patient's before-and-after. Individual assessment happens in the clinic.
These sources document the general icepick, rolling and boxcar taxonomy and the evidence landscape for atrophic acne-scar treatment.
The JAAD review that proposed the icepick, rolling and boxcar classification.
The review evaluated 89 studies and describes treatment choice in relation to scar type, severity, number and limitations of the evidence.
The sources above support the scar classification used on this page. The example dimensions on the cards, individual suitability for a procedure, and treatment results specific to RECOVER are judged separately, in consultation and by clinician review.
Before comparing procedure names or session counts, check how a clinic separates scar types and what it records under repeatable conditions. RECOVER applies the following criteria to the first consultation and later comparison records.
A first record with matched lighting, angle, expression and position is needed to compare the same site later. RECOVER built a scar-dedicated capture rig in-house to hold those conditions fixed.
When the first reading is in your hands, the next visit and any other consultation can start from the same baseline. RECOVER hands the first reading to you as a 3D scar record.
The next step is set by measuring the depth and tethering that remain under the same conditions, not by how many Saesalchim or laser sessions you have had. From that result the clinician decides which comes first among Saesalchim, subcision, CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers, needle RF and skin boosters.
The consultation should identify the clinician and explain scar classification, treatment order and precautions.
Scars are read by indentation, edge, tethering, redness, pigmentation, and sensitivity, then the approach order is designed by type. Narrow, deep icepick scars prioritize surface approaches such as laser, while broad, tethered rolling and boxcar scars prioritize Saesalchim; the clinician sets the final order.
SCAR PREDICT places observation points the eye can miss onto one shared standard, based on the recovery planning record. The final judgment and the treatment plan are set by the clinician.
Start a first consultation on this basis →
Why scars look deeper in selfies — what to check before the lens
Once the types are separated, the next question is where your scars sit and how deep they run.
RECOVER CONNECTION
Each broad question has one canonical page; focused journal and video records continue with narrower questions.