- By Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili
- 2026-01-28
Chemical peels and laser treatments can both get rid of acne scars, but which one you should get depends on the type of scar, your skin tone, and your budget.
The American Academy of Dermatology states that almost all people who have acne end up with some kind of scar. In Hyderabad, you're not the only one who has trouble with stubborn acne marks. As there are so many options available now it can be difficult to choose the right acne scar treatment in Hyderabad. Personalised treatments at Dr Ravali’s Clinic have transformed the skin of thousands of people.
But now comes the big question: should you get chemical peels or laser treatments? Continue reading to know!
Key Takeaways
- Different types of acne scars, from PIH to deep atrophic scars, need different treatments.
- Chemical peels are less expensive and work best for fine lines and PIH.
- Laser treatments are good at getting rid of deep scars, but they cost more and require more patterns.
- Combination therapy often delivers optimal results for complex scarring patterns.
- For personalised treatment advice, you should always talk to a trained dermatologist.
Understanding Post-Acne Marks and Scarring
Let's be clear about what we're talking about before we get into treatments.
Post-acne marks aren’t always true scars. They can be:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark spots that go away over time.
- Atrophic scars: Low-lying scars like ice pick, rolling, or boxcar scars.
- Hypertrophic scars: Raised, thick scar tissue
For each mark, a different method is required. That's why consulting a skin specialist in Hyderabad is so important for accurate diagnosis.
What Are Chemical Peels for Acne Marks?
Acid solutions are used in chemical peels to get rid of damaged skin layers. You can think of it as controlled exfoliation on steroids.
How Chemical Peels Work
Acids like glycolic, salicylic, or TCA are used on the face as part of the treatment. These acids penetrate deep into the skin and cause cells to turn over and collagen to be made.
These are some types of peels:
- Superficial peels: Mild acids for small marks
- Medium peels: TCA for scars that aren't too bad
- Deep peels: Phenol for scars that are very bad (rarely used for acne)
Benefits of Chemical Peels
- Not as expensive as laser treatments
- Lighter peels require little recovery time.
- Effective for PIH and superficial scarring.
- Makes skin feel better overall
- Suitable for most skin types
Limitations to Consider
Chemical peels take time to work. You'll need more than one lesson, each one weeks apart. Results don't show up right away, and people with deep scars might not get better.
What Is Laser Treatment for Acne Scars?
In Hyderabad, laser treatment for acne scars in Hyderabad uses concentrated light beams to remove dead skin cells and boost collagen production.
Types of Laser Treatments
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Ablative lasers (CO2, Erbium YAG) take off layers of skin. They're powerful, but they need a lot of downtime.
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Non-ablative lasers heat the tissue below the surface without hurting the surface. It helps you get better faster and with less pain.
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Fractional lasers work on very small columns of skin while keeping the tissue around them unharmed. They find a good mix between how well they work and how long it takes to recover.
Benefits of Laser Treatments
- Dramatic results for deep scaring
- Targeting with great accuracy of certain places
- Improves skin over time by stimulating collagen
- Chemical peels need more rounds.
- Works on different kinds of scars
Drawbacks of Laser Therapy
At first, laser treatments cost more. The time off can last for days or weeks. Another risk is hyperpigmentation, which is more likely to happen to people with darker skin.
Chemical Peels vs. Laser Treatments: Head-to-Head Comparison
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Factor
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Chemical Peels
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Laser Treatments
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Cost
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₹2,000-₹8,000 per session
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₹10,000-₹50,000+ per session
|
|
Downtime
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3-7 days (medium peels)
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5-14 days (ablative)
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Sessions Needed
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4-6 sessions
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1-3 sessions
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Best For
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PIH, superficial scars
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Deep atrophic scars
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Skin Types
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Most types (caution with dark skin)
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Requires careful assessment
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Pain Level
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Mild tingling to burning
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Moderate (numbing used)
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Note: Prices mentioned above in the table are average prices and can vary from clinic to clinic.
Which Treatment Is Best for Acne Marks?
If you are wondering, which treatment is best for acne marks, the truth is that there is no one answer that works for everyone.
Choose Chemical Peels If:
- You have mild to moderate PIH or scars on the skin's surface.
- Your budget is limited
- You want effects that happen slowly and look natural.
- You can commit to more than one lesson.
Choose Laser Treatment If:
- You have deep scars with pits in them (ice pick or boxcar).
- You want effects that are faster and more dramatic.
- You can afford to pay more upfront costs.
- You don't mind taking longer to heal.
What About Combination Therapy?
Combining the two methods helps a lot of people. Your best dermatologist in Hyderabad might tell you to start with peels to get rid of dark spots and then lasers for scars that are deeper.
Safety Considerations and Side Effects
If they are not done right, both methods have risks.
Some common side effects are:
- Redness and swelling
- Short-term darkness or lightning
- Being sensitive to the sun
- Not likely to get sick
Choose a dermatologist who is trained and has a lot of experience. Look at their qualifications, read reviews, and ask if they have worked with skin like yours before.
Finding the Right Treatment in Hyderabad
Hyderabad offers excellent dermatology services. However quality varies significantly.
Keep these things in mind:
- Dermatologists who are board-certified
- New and clean buildings
- Customised plans for treatment
- Transparent Pricing
- Positive patient testimonials
Nourish Your Skin with Expert Care Today!
It doesn't have to be hard to decide between chemical peels and laser treatments. At Dr Ravali’s Skin Clinic, skilled professionals look at your specific skin problems and suggest the best way to treat them. If you need acne scar treatment in hyderabad like light peels or advanced laser treatment, only a professional can make sure you get safe, beautiful results.
Don't let acne scars make you feel bad about yourself. Schedule a meeting with a qualified specialist to begin the process of getting clearer, smoother skin. Go to our website to learn more about complete acne treatments.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to see results from acne scar treatments?
After 3–4 sessions spread out over 2–3 months, chemical peels start to show effects. Laser treatments may start to help within a few weeks, but the full effects won't show up until 3 to 6 months later, when collagen starts to grow again.
2. Are these treatments painful?
Chemical peels can make your skin tingle or burn a little, but most people can handle it. Laser treatments can be a little painful, but soothing creams can make the process less painful.
3. Are these methods safe for people with dark skin?
Yes, but you need to be extra careful. Darker skin tones are more likely to get post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Choose a doctor who has worked with people with a wide range of skin types and can adapt the treatment to your needs.
4. How much does it cost to treat acne scars in Hyderabad?
The cost of a chemical peel is between ₹2,000 and ₳8,000. Each laser treatment costs between ₹10,000 and more than ₹50,000. Cost varies on how bad it is, how many sessions are needed, and how well-known the clinic is.
5. Can I combine chemical peels and laser treatments at the same time?
Absolutely. Many dermatologists say that combination therapy is the best way to get complete benefits. Peels can help with uneven skin tone, and lasers can help with deeper scars. Your doctor will make a treatment plan with different steps.
