Acne scar removal in Vaughan and Mississauga usually costs about $150 to $2,500 or more per session depending on the procedure and the kind of scars you have, and most people need a plan of three to six sessions rather than a single visit. A mild case of discolouration or shallow texture might be handled with peels or microneedling at the lower end of that range, while deep icepick or boxcar scars often call for laser resurfacing, subcision, or radiofrequency microneedling, which sit higher. What you actually pay, and how many sessions you realistically need, comes down to your scar type, how deep the scars run, your skin tone, and the training of whoever is performing the treatment. That last part matters more than people expect.
Acne scar removal in Vaughan and Mississauga at a glance
- Typical cost per session: about $150 to $2,500+, depending on the procedure and scar type.
- Chemical peels: roughly $150 to $500 per session, best for discolouration and very shallow scars.
- Microneedling: around $300 to $700 per session for texture and mild rolling scars.
- RF microneedling (such as Morpheus8): about $600 to $1,500 per session for deeper rolling and some boxcar scars.
- Subcision: roughly $500 to $1,500, often paired with another treatment for tethered rolling scars.
- Fractional and ablative laser resurfacing: about $800 to $2,500+ per session, sometimes more for full CO2 treatments.
- Typical plan: 3 to 6 sessions spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart.
- Downtime: anywhere from none to about a week, depending on how aggressive the treatment is.
- First visible change: often a few weeks, with fuller results building over 3 to 6 months as collagen remodels.
Key terms, quickly
- Atrophic scars: sunken or indented scars caused by a loss of tissue during healing. They make up most acne scars.
- Icepick scars: deep, narrow, pitted scars that look like small punctures.
- Boxcar scars: wider depressions with sharp, defined edges.
- Rolling scars: shallow, wave-like dips that give skin an uneven, rolling look.
- Hypertrophic and keloid scars: raised, thickened scars from excess collagen, more common on the chest, back, and jaw.
- PIH and PIE: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown marks) and post-inflammatory erythema (red marks). These are discolouration, not true scars, and often fade on their own.
- Subcision: a technique where a fine needle or cannula is swept under a scar to release the fibrous bands tethering it down.
- RF microneedling: microneedling combined with radiofrequency heat delivered below the surface to remodel deeper tissue.
These are typical ranges for Vaughan, Mississauga, and the wider GTA, not a fixed quote. Your own price and session count can land above or below them, because scar type, skin tone, and your goals all reshape the plan. Acne scar removal is a medical treatment, and the honest answer about which approach suits you, and what it will cost, comes from an in-person assessment with a qualified provider rather than a number pulled off a web page. Nothing here is medical advice.
Key takeaways
- Acne scar removal in Vaughan and Mississauga typically runs $150 to $2,500+ per session, and most people plan for three to six sessions.
- The right treatment depends mostly on your scar type. Icepick, boxcar, rolling, and raised scars each respond to different approaches.
- Brown or red marks left after a breakout are usually discolouration, not true scars, and often fade with time, topicals, or gentler treatments.
- Deeper scars generally need more involved treatments like laser resurfacing, subcision, or RF microneedling, which cost more and may involve real downtime.
- No honest clinic can promise to erase scars completely. The realistic goal is meaningful improvement, often 50 to 80 percent for the right candidate.
- Canada MedLaser offers acne scar treatment at its Vaughan and Mississauga clinics, and a consultation is the only way to get an accurate plan and quote.
What counts as an acne scar, and what doesn’t?
Here is the thing most people get wrong before they book anything: a lot of what people call acne scars are not scars at all. After a breakout settles, you are often left with flat marks, either brown (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) or red and pink (post-inflammatory erythema). These are changes in colour, not changes in the skin’s structure, and they tend to fade on their own over weeks to months. True scars are different. They involve a real change in the skin’s surface, either a loss of tissue that leaves a dent, or an excess of tissue that leaves a raised bump.
Why does the distinction matter so much? Because it decides everything about treatment and cost. Discolouration responds to topicals, time, sunscreen, and gentle treatments. Structural scars need something that actually rebuilds or releases tissue. Spending on an aggressive laser for marks that would have faded anyway is a waste, and a good provider in Vaughan or Mississauga will tell you so during the assessment. If you are still sorting out your breakouts, it helps to understand the different types of acne first, because controlling active acne is step one in preventing new scars.
Atrophic scars (the sunken kind)
Atrophic scars are the most common type, and they come in three shapes. Getting the shape right is what tells a provider which treatment will help.
- Icepick scars: deep and narrow, like someone pressed a tiny tool straight down into the skin. They are often the hardest to treat because they go deep.
- Boxcar scars: broader, with steep, well-defined walls, a bit like a shallow crater. They range from shallow to deep.
- Rolling scars: shallow and wide, with sloping edges that give the skin a gentle wave or rolling texture, usually from fibrous bands tethering the skin down.
Hypertrophic and keloid scars (the raised kind)
These are the opposite problem: too much collagen laid down during healing, which leaves a firm, raised scar. They show up more often on the back, chest, shoulders, and along the jaw than on the cheeks. They are treated very differently from sunken scars, usually with steroid injections, silicone, or specific lasers rather than resurfacing, and aggressive resurfacing can sometimes make them worse. So, again, naming the scar correctly comes first.
Treatment options for acne scars in Vaughan and Mississauga
There is no single best treatment for acne scars, which is a slightly annoying answer but an honest one. The right choice depends on your scar type, your skin tone, your budget, and how much downtime you can tolerate. Most people with a mix of scar types end up with a combination plan rather than one procedure. Below is a rough guide to which treatments tend to match which scars.
| Scar type | Treatments that tend to help | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brown marks (PIH) | Topicals (retinoids, azelaic acid, vitamin C), chemical peels, sunscreen | Often fades on its own; treatment speeds it up. |
| Red marks (PIE) | Time, vascular or pulsed dye laser, sunscreen | Not a structural scar; usually settles with patience. |
| Icepick | TCA CROSS, punch excision, fractional or CO2 laser | Deep and narrow, so needs focused, targeted methods. |
| Boxcar | Subcision, fractional laser, RF microneedling, punch elevation | Sharp edges respond to resurfacing and lifting. |
| Rolling | Subcision, RF microneedling (such as Morpheus8), microneedling, fillers | Releasing the tethered bands is often the key step. |
| Hypertrophic or keloid (raised) | Steroid injections, silicone, pulsed dye laser | Avoid aggressive resurfacing, which can worsen them. |
Microneedling and RF microneedling
Microneedling uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries that prompt the skin to build new collagen. On its own it works best for shallow rolling scars and overall texture. Radiofrequency microneedling, like Morpheus8, adds heat energy below the surface and reaches deeper, which makes it a stronger option for deeper rolling and some boxcar scars. If you are weighing the two, our overview of how Morpheus8 works for acne scars and the broader benefits of microneedling walk through what each can and can’t do. Both build results gradually over a few months.
Laser resurfacing
Lasers are a mainstay for acne scars, and they come in two broad styles. Non-ablative fractional lasers heat columns of tissue below the surface while leaving the top layer mostly intact, so downtime is shorter. Ablative lasers, like fractional CO2, remove microscopic columns of the surface itself, which is more powerful for deep scarring but comes with more redness and recovery time. We go deeper into this in our guide to laser treatments for acne scars. On deeper skin tones, laser settings have to be chosen carefully to lower the risk of pigment changes, which is a conversation worth having up front.
Subcision
Subcision is a small in-office procedure where a fine needle or cannula is passed under a rolling or tethered scar to cut the fibrous bands pulling the skin down. Once those bands release, the dip tends to lift. It is often combined with microneedling, RF, or fillers in the same plan, because releasing the scar and then stimulating collagen gives a better result than either alone.
Chemical peels
Peels use acids to exfoliate and speed up skin turnover. They are most useful for discolouration and very shallow scarring rather than deep indents, and they are among the gentler, more affordable options. For a fuller picture, see our notes on whether chemical peels really help with acne scars. A series is usually needed, and sun protection afterward is not optional.
Dermal fillers, TCA CROSS, and punch techniques
A few more targeted tools round out the list. Dermal fillers can be placed under rolling or boxcar scars to lift them, with results that last several months to a couple of years. TCA CROSS applies a high-strength acid precisely into icepick scars to rebuild the base. Punch excision or elevation surgically removes or raises a single deep scar. These are specialist techniques, and whether they fit you is a case-by-case call. Our wider rundown of the best treatments for acne scars by scar type puts them in context.
How much does acne scar removal cost in Vaughan and Mississauga?
Cost is usually the first question, and it is a fair one, though the real answer depends on your scar type and plan. The table below gives typical GTA ranges per session. Treat it as a starting point, not a bill, since most people need a course of treatments and clinics often price those as a package.
| Treatment | Typical cost per session (GTA) | Common session count |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical peel | $150 to $500 | 3 to 6 |
| Microneedling | $300 to $700 | 3 to 6 |
| RF microneedling (Morpheus8) | $600 to $1,500 | 3 to 4 |
| Subcision | $500 to $1,500 | 1 to 3 |
| Dermal filler for scars | $600 to $1,200 per syringe | 1 to 2 |
| Fractional non-ablative laser | $800 to $2,500 | 3 to 5 |
| Ablative CO2 laser | $2,000 to $6,500+ | 1 to 3 |
Those ranges line up with what the broader market quotes, and we cover the breakdown in more detail in our guide to acne scar treatment costs across Toronto and the GTA. If a quote you are given sits far outside these ranges in either direction, it is reasonable to ask why. A price that looks too good sometimes means a less experienced provider or an underpowered device, and with scar treatment the skill behind the handpiece is a big part of what you are paying for.
What drives the price up or down?
| Factor | Effect on price | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Scar type and depth | Higher for deep scars | Icepick and deep boxcar scars need stronger, more involved methods. |
| Number of sessions | Higher total for more sessions | Most scar treatments build results over a series. |
| Area treated | Higher for larger areas | Full face, or face plus body, takes more time and materials. |
| Provider’s training | Often higher with experienced providers | You pay for judgment and safety, not just the device. |
| Combination plans | Higher when treatments are stacked | Subcision plus RF or laser costs more than one alone. |
| Package versus single | Lower per session in a package | Clinics usually discount a committed course. |
How many sessions will you need?
Most people need three to six sessions, spaced about four to six weeks apart, though it varies a lot by scar type. The spacing matters because the skin needs time to lay down new collagen between visits, which is the whole mechanism behind treatments like microneedling, RF, and fractional laser. Discolouration tends to resolve faster. Deep structural scarring takes the most patience. Here is a rough orientation, not a prescription, since your provider will set a real plan after looking at your skin.
| Concern | Typical session count | Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| Brown or red marks (PIH / PIE) | 2 to 4, or none | Often fades on its own |
| Shallow rolling scars, mild texture | 3 to 4 | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Boxcar and deeper rolling scars | 4 to 6 | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Icepick scars | Varies; often combined methods | Spaced per technique |
| Raised (hypertrophic) scars | 3 to 6 (injections) | 4 to 8 weeks |
What to expect at a consultation and during treatment
A proper consultation is where the plan actually gets made, and it is probably the most important appointment of the whole process. A provider will look at your skin in person, identify your scar types, factor in your skin tone, and talk through which treatments make sense and in what order. Here is the shape of how things usually go in a Vaughan or Mississauga clinic.
- At the consultation, the provider assesses your scars, reviews your medical history and medications, and checks whether your acne is under control before any scar work begins.
- You get a plan: which treatment or combination, how many sessions, spacing, expected downtime, and a cost estimate for the course.
- On treatment day, the skin is cleansed and a numbing cream is usually applied, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes to work.
- The treatment itself, whether microneedling, RF, laser, or subcision, typically takes 20 to 60 minutes depending on the area and method.
- Afterward, the provider applies a soothing serum or barrier cream and walks you through aftercare before you leave.
Comfort varies by treatment. Peels and microneedling are generally mild. Deeper laser and subcision can be more intense, which is why numbing is used. Anyone who promises a strong scar treatment will be completely painless is overselling it, though for most people it stays very manageable.
Downtime and aftercare
Downtime depends entirely on how aggressive the treatment is. A light peel or microneedling session might leave you a little pink for a day. Fractional CO2 laser can mean a week or so of redness, swelling, and peeling. Subcision often brings some bruising. Your provider will tell you what to expect for your specific plan, but a few aftercare basics apply across the board.
- Keep the skin clean and skip heavy makeup for about 24 hours, or longer after stronger treatments.
- Avoid the gym, saunas, and hot yoga for a couple of days, since heat and sweat can irritate fresh skin.
- Pause active ingredients like retinoids and acids until your provider says your skin has settled.
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and stay out of direct sun, because treated skin is more prone to pigment changes.
- Do not pick at any flaking, scabs, or grid marks, which is tempting but a reliable way to cause new marks.
Sunscreen is the one I would underline. Sun exposure after scar treatment is probably the fastest way to undo your progress, especially on deeper skin tones where it can trigger fresh pigmentation.
When will you see results, and how long do they last?
This is a treatment for patient people. You might notice a bit of a glow or slight smoothing within the first couple of weeks, but the meaningful change in scar depth and texture builds slowly as collagen remodels, usually over three to six months and across the full course of sessions. That is normal, and it is also why scar treatment is a poor choice if you need to look different for an event next weekend.
| Timeframe | What you may notice |
|---|---|
| First 1 to 2 weeks | Redness and swelling settle; skin may look brighter or slightly smoother. |
| 3 to 6 weeks | Early texture improvement becomes visible as collagen starts rebuilding. |
| 3 to 6 months | Fuller results: softer scar edges, smoother texture, more even tone. |
| Long term | Structural improvements tend to hold; new breakouts can create new scars, so acne control continues to matter. |
As for how long it lasts, the improvement to a true scar is generally long-lasting, because you have changed the skin’s structure. The catch is that your skin keeps living. New acne can create new scars, and natural aging continues, so keeping breakouts under control is part of protecting the result. Filler results are the exception, since those fade over months to a couple of years and need topping up.
Is acne scar removal safe, and who should avoid it?
Acne scar treatments have a solid safety record when they are done by a trained provider on a suitable candidate. The devices used, such as lasers and radiofrequency microneedling systems, are licensed as medical devices in Canada. You can read more about how Health Canada oversees medical devices if you want to understand the framework. Device licensing is about the equipment, though, and it does not replace a proper assessment of whether a treatment suits your skin. The two are separate things.
Most side effects are mild and short: redness, swelling, temporary darkening, small scabs, or bruising. More serious issues, like infection, lasting pigment change, or new scarring, are uncommon but possible, which is one more reason the provider’s skill matters. On darker skin tones in particular, the main risk is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so settings and treatment choice have to be adjusted, and it is completely fair to ask about a provider’s experience treating skin like yours. For a general medical overview of scar treatment options, the American Academy of Dermatology’s page on treating acne scars is a useful reference, though it reflects U.S. information.
Who is usually not a good candidate right now
A provider will typically advise you to wait, or choose a gentler option, if you:
- Have active, inflamed acne in the area. Scar treatment generally comes after the acne is controlled.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding, depending on the specific treatment.
- Have an active skin infection or cold sore in the treatment area.
- Have a history of keloid scarring, which changes the approach and rules some treatments out.
- Have recently used isotretinoin (Accutane), since many clinics ask you to wait a set period after finishing it.
- Have very tanned or sun-exposed skin at the time, which raises the risk of pigment problems.
This is general information, not a verdict on your own situation. Screening for these is a big part of what a consultation is for, so be upfront about your health history and anything you have used on your skin recently.
Acne scar treatments compared
To pull it together, here is a side-by-side look at the common options. None of these is automatically the best. They solve different problems, and the right pick is the one matched to your scars.
| Treatment | Best for | Downtime | Rough cost per session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical peel | Discolouration, very shallow scars | None to 1 day | $150 to $500 |
| Microneedling | Mild rolling scars, texture | About 1 day | $300 to $700 |
| RF microneedling (Morpheus8) | Deeper rolling and some boxcar scars | 1 to 3 days | $600 to $1,500 |
| Subcision | Tethered rolling scars | A few days (bruising) | $500 to $1,500 |
| Fractional laser | Boxcar and mixed scarring | 2 to 5 days | $800 to $2,500 |
| Ablative CO2 laser | Deep, widespread scarring | About a week | $2,000 to $6,500+ |
Many people end up with a combination over time, and a good consultation will sometimes steer you toward a gentler or cheaper route than you walked in expecting. That is a sign of an honest clinic, not a lost sale.
Choosing a clinic for acne scar removal in Vaughan or Mississauga
Both Vaughan and Mississauga have plenty of clinics offering scar treatments, so the harder question is how to choose well rather than where to look. A few things are worth weighing before you book.
- Ask who performs the treatment and what their training is. Laser and RF scar work should be done by a qualified medical professional.
- Ask to see real before and after photos from that clinic, ideally of people with scar types and skin tones similar to yours.
- Expect a proper in-person consultation, not a firm price quoted over the phone. Anyone pricing your scars sight unseen is guessing.
- Ask which devices and settings they plan to use and why, especially if you have a deeper skin tone.
- Be a little wary of prices that look too cheap for the treatment described.
Canada MedLaser performs acne scar treatments at its Vaughan clinic and its Mississauga clinic, with assessments done in person before any plan is set. You can also look through the full range of skin treatments in Vaughan and skin treatments in Mississauga, or book a Mississauga consultation to get a personalized plan. If you are still deciding between approaches, our general guide to how to get rid of acne scars and the comparison of microneedling versus Morpheus8 are both good background reading.
Is acne scar removal worth it?
For the right person, yes, though I would not pretend it is quick or cheap. If you have scars that bother you, realistic expectations, and the patience to let results build over months, modern treatments can make a real difference, often a 50 to 80 percent improvement for suitable candidates. If you are expecting flawless skin, or you need results immediately, it will probably disappoint you, and a good provider should say so plainly.
More than the price, what decides whether it is worth it is the match between what you are hoping for and what the treatment can actually deliver for your specific scars. That is a conversation to have in person, with someone looking at your skin, which is exactly what a consultation is for.
Frequently asked questions about acne scar removal in Vaughan and Mississauga
Can acne scars be removed completely?
Usually not completely, and any clinic promising 100 percent removal is overselling. The realistic goal is significant improvement, often 50 to 80 percent for the right candidate and scar type. Deeper scars improve but rarely vanish entirely. A consultation gives you a more honest estimate for your own skin.
What is the best treatment for acne scars?
There is no single best treatment, because it depends on your scar type. Rolling scars often respond to subcision and RF microneedling, boxcar scars to laser and resurfacing, icepick scars to TCA CROSS or punch techniques, and discolouration to peels and topicals. Most people need a combination.
How much does acne scar removal cost in Vaughan and Mississauga?
Expect about $150 to $2,500 or more per session depending on the procedure, with most people needing three to six sessions. Peels sit at the lower end and ablative CO2 laser at the higher end. A consultation gives you an exact quote for your plan.
How many sessions will I need?
Most plans run three to six sessions spaced about four to six weeks apart. Discolouration can clear in fewer, while deep structural scarring may need more. Your provider sets the number after assessing your scar types.
Does acne scar removal hurt?
It is uncomfortable rather than painful for most treatments. A numbing cream is applied beforehand for lasers, RF, and subcision, so what you usually feel is pressure and warmth. Peels and microneedling tend to be milder. It is manageable but not completely painless.
Is there downtime?
It depends on the treatment. Peels and microneedling might leave you pink for a day. RF microneedling usually means one to three days of redness. Fractional CO2 laser can involve about a week of redness and peeling. Subcision often causes some bruising.
How long until I see results?
You may notice early smoothing within a couple of weeks, but fuller results build over three to six months as collagen remodels. It is a gradual treatment, so patience is part of it.
Are the results permanent?
Improvement to a true scar is generally long-lasting, because the skin’s structure has changed. New acne can create new scars, though, and filler results fade over months to a couple of years. Keeping breakouts under control protects your results.
Is acne scar removal safe for darker skin tones?
It can be, but the main risk is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so treatment choice and settings have to be adjusted. RF microneedling is often considered more suitable across skin tones than some lasers. Ask about your provider’s experience treating your skin type.
Can I treat acne scars while I still have active acne?
Usually not yet. Most providers want your acne under control first, because treating scars while breakouts continue tends to create new scars and can irritate inflamed skin. Getting the acne managed is step one.
What is the difference between acne scars and dark marks?
Dark or red marks left after a breakout are discolouration (PIH or PIE), not changes in the skin’s structure, and they often fade on their own. True scars involve a dent or a raised area in the skin and need treatment that rebuilds or releases tissue.
Does microneedling work for acne scars?
Yes, for shallow rolling scars and overall texture, by prompting new collagen. RF microneedling reaches deeper and suits deeper rolling and some boxcar scars. It works best over a series of sessions rather than a single visit.
What does Morpheus8 do for acne scars?
Morpheus8 is radiofrequency microneedling, combining tiny needles with heat below the surface to remodel scar tissue and build collagen. It is often used for rolling and some boxcar scars, usually over three to four sessions with results building over months.
Do lasers work for acne scars?
Yes. Non-ablative fractional lasers improve texture with less downtime, while ablative lasers like fractional CO2 are more powerful for deep scars but need more recovery. Laser settings must be chosen carefully on darker skin tones.
What is subcision?
Subcision is a small procedure where a fine needle or cannula is swept under a rolling or tethered scar to release the fibrous bands pulling it down. Once released, the dip tends to lift. It is often combined with microneedling, RF, or filler.
Can acne scars come back?
A treated scar does not usually return, because its structure has changed. New breakouts can create new scars, though, so ongoing acne control matters. This is why clinics want your acne settled before scar work begins.
How do I choose a clinic in Vaughan or Mississauga?
Look for a qualified medical provider, real before and after photos of similar skin, an in-person consultation rather than a phone quote, and a clear explanation of the devices and settings they will use. Be cautious of prices that seem too low for the treatment.
Is at-home treatment enough for acne scars?
At-home retinoids, vitamin C, and sunscreen can help with discolouration and prevention, but they do not rebuild or release true structural scars. Home dermarollers are generally weaker than professional microneedling and carry infection risk if misused. Deep scars need in-clinic treatment.
Who should avoid acne scar treatments?
Treatments are usually postponed for active acne or infection in the area, during pregnancy or breastfeeding depending on the method, with a history of keloid scarring, soon after isotretinoin use, or on freshly tanned skin. A consultation screens for these.
When can I wear makeup after treatment?
For gentler treatments like peels or microneedling, often after about 24 hours. After stronger laser or subcision, your provider may ask you to wait longer until the skin has settled. Follow the specific aftercare instructions you are given.
Related reading
- Best Treatments for Acne Scars: Matching the Right Treatment to Your Scar Type
- Acne Scar Treatment Cost in Toronto and the GTA: Price by Scar Type and Sessions
- Does Morpheus8 Work for Acne Scars? RF Microneedling Explained
- Best Laser Treatments for Acne Scars: A 2026 Guide
- Chemical Peels for Acne Scars: Can They Really Help?
- Microneedling vs Morpheus8: Which One Is Right for Your Skin
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Acne scar removal is a medical treatment, and individual results, suitability, costs, and risks vary. Prices listed are typical GTA ranges for informational purposes and are not a quote. Always consult a qualified medical provider about your own situation before starting any treatment.
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