Years after breakouts clear up and blemishes disappear, many people are left with one common frustration: acne scars. And more times than not, people invest in serums, peels, and viral skincare products hoping for smoother skin. But here’s the thing: acne scars require a more advanced, regenerative approach that addresses deeper structural changes responsible for scarring. Enter: the AVAVA laser.
AVAVA is an FDA-cleared, non-ablative laser used for skin rejuvenation, collagen stimulation, and skin resurfacing. Safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types, this system uses Focal Point Technology™ to deliver focused energy deep into the dermis—exactly where acne scar tissue resides. The result? A treatment that’s redefining what’s possible for acne scars.
Below, we’ll tell you why AVAVA laser treatments are one of the most innovative approaches to acne scars. We’ll discuss how it works, what types of acne scars AVAVA can target, what the side effects are, and how to combine treatments for the best results. Most importantly, you’ll find out why AVAVA has become a valuable addition to modern medical aesthetic treatment plans.
AVAVA Laser for Acne Scars: Does It Really Work?
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been tempted by an influencer recommendation, viral skincare trend, or popular product promising to “erase acne scars.” Guilty? You’re not alone. However, acne scarring isn’t surface-level—it’s structural damage deep within the skin. Knowing this, most of what you hear online is pure marketing.
The AVAVA (miria) laser isn’t. Representing a newer approach to acne scar treatment, the AVAVA laser focuses on stimulating collagen production while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue. Beyond that, its growing popularity stems from its ability to treat acne scarring across a broad range of skin types and tones. And that includes patients with darker skin who have previously been told acne scar treatment is “too risky.”
Not only can AVAVA laser treatments improve the appearance of acne scars, but they can also support healthier, stronger skin over time. And that’s all with minimal disruption and downtime! (Just look at some of our client testimonials after receiving AVAVA.)
But first, it’s important to understand how this process works. So before we discuss what types of acne scars this treatment can be effective for, let’s first talk about what the AVAVA laser is and what it does.
What Is Avava Laser?
AVAVA is an FDA-cleared, non-ablative laser treatment designed to stimulate deep tissue remodeling while preserving the top layer of skin and the surrounding tissue.
Unlike traditional ablative laser technologies, AVAVA utilizes proprietary Focal Point Technology™ (FPT). This technology delivers targeted, cone-shaped laser energy deep into the dermis, enhancing precision, minimizing tissue disruption, and activating the body’s natural regenerative response to support long-term collagen production.
This is why when we use the term “innovative,” we don’t use it lightly. AVAVA laser’s unique approach targets the structural changes caused by acne scars, fine lines, uneven skin texture, and visible signs of skin aging. And for many patients, these improvements become visible after just one session.
Most importantly, rather than focusing on aggressive surface ablation, the AVAVA laser focuses on deeper collagen remodeling. This results in meaningful improvement with less downtime than other minimally invasive technologies.
Another major advantage of the AVAVA laser? It’s safe for all skin types and tones, making it a valuable option for patients seeking skin rejuvenation without some of the limitations associated with older technologies.
However, just like with every other approach in medical aesthetics, who your physician is matters. Dr. Kling, Emerge Aesthetic’s double-board-certified Emergency Medicine physician, brings surgical expertise to non-surgical aesthetics. During your consultation, she will assess your skin, physiology, and biology to create a comprehensive, multimodal approach tailored to your aesthetic goals and long-term skin health.
Interested in learning how the AVAVA laser treatment can fit into your unique treatment plan? Emerge Aesthetics is the only verified med spa in Bergen County offering AVAVA and one of just two practices in the greater New Jersey area with this technology. In other words… Schedule your appointment with Dr. Kling today!
Self-care is healthcare—you deserve it.
How Does AVAVA Laser Work for Acne Scars?
Creation of Precise Treatment Zones
AVAVA creates microscopic, controlled thermal zones up to 2mm beneath the skin’s surface using highly controlled laser energy. More specifically, its Focal Point Technology™ shapes the laser beam into a conical shape, protecting the epidermis and surrounding tissues from damage and pigmentation risks.
In addition to the FPT, the AVAVA laser uses a proprietary ComfortCool™ system. This provides real-time epidermal cooling to protect the skin, minimize redness, and reduce sensation during treatment.
See what an AVAVA treatment looks like in action on our Instagram!
Stimulation of Fibroblasts
The AVAVA laser delivers controlled thermal stimulation to precise treatment areas, creating microscopic treatment zones within the dermis. In response, the body activates its natural healing process, stimulating fibroblasts to produce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. And because this process occurs in the deeper layers of the skin, it carries a much lower risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation.
New Collagen Production
As fibroblasts become more active, new collagen production begins. For acne scars in particular, this triggers a cascade of regenerative processes that help rebuild the structural support and improve scar appearance. As collagen continues to rebuild, it plumps indented skin and reorganizes scar tissue.
Skin Remodeling Over Time
Skin remodeling and rejuvenation are biological processes—not overnight transformations. (This is why we reminded you earlier that anyone who says otherwise is relying on marketing and false promises!) AVAVA laser relies on the body’s natural repair process, and that takes time.
More specifically, collagen production is only part of the equation. The skin is also remodeling itself as old, damaged tissue is replaced with healthier tissue. For most patients, initial healing generally lasts 1–2 weeks, collagen production can begin anywhere from 4–6 weeks, and the remodeling process continues over the course of months.
Improvement in Scar Texture and Depth
As remodeling continues, many patients notice that acne scars appear smoother and less noticeable. This is because newly produced collagen helps restore some of that structural support lost during the initial breakout and healing process.
Over time, depressed scars may appear shallower, skin texture can become more even, and transitions between scarred and unaffected tissue become less pronounced. While no laser treatment can completely erase acne scars, AVAVA can achieve meaningful improvements in overall skin quality.
Gradual Healing Process
One of the factors that sets the AVAVA laser apart is its gradual regenerative process, thanks to its non-ablative technology. In other words, while it targets deeper layers of the dermis, it leaves the outer layer of skin intact. So instead of hiding out at home, patients who receive AVAVA can generally return to their normal schedule the same day.
That said, it’s completely normal to experience temporary redness, swelling, and sensitivity immediately after treatment. However, downtime is significantly reduced, and improvements typically become more noticeable over the following weeks.
Skeptical of how minimal the downtime is? Just check out Dr. Kling’s AVAVA laser recovery process!
What Types of Acne Scars Can AVAVA Treat?
Not all acne scars are equal, which is why a thorough consultation is essential before beginning any treatment. At Emerge Aesthetics, we carefully assess your skin to determine which scar patterns are present and how the AVAVA laser can address your goals.
With this in mind, here are the most common types of acne scars and how AVAVA laser can treat them:
Rolling Scars
Rolling scars, characterized by shallow, wave-like depressions with sloping edges, commonly occur on the lower cheeks and jawline. Because the fibrous bands pull the upper layers of skin downwards, it creates a dimpled or “wave-like” appearance. AVAVA treats rolling scars by stimulating collagen production deep within the treatment area, softening depressions, and improving overall skin texture.
Interested in how to combine AVAVA with other effective skin treatments? Visit our comprehensive guide, “How to Even Out Skin Texture!”
Boxcar Scars
Boxcar scars are broader, round, or oval depressions with steep, sharply defined vertical edges. Often following inflammatory acne, their U-shaped or “punched-out” appearance results from the body’s ineffective tissue regeneration during healing. Through collagen remodeling and skin rejuvenation, AVAVA can help reduce the appearance of boxcar scars while simultaneously improving skin tone and quality.
Curious about what you can pair with the AVAVA laser for multimodal skin rejuvenation? Don’t forget to review our client-focused article, “Does Niacinamide Help with Acne Scars?”
Ice Pick Scars
Ice pick scars are characterized by deep, narrow, V-shaped depressions, typically appearing on thin skin, such as the forehead. Resembling a punctured skin surface, this type of atrophic scar often results from severe inflammatory acne. However, because AVAVA stimulates new collagen production deep within the dermis, it can be particularly valuable for treating deeper, harder-to-target ice pick scars.
Mixed Acne Scar Patterns
Not every scar pattern looks the same, especially for patients dealing with different types of acne at the same time. (AKA, hormonal acne, cystic acne, inflammatory acne—need we go on?) In these situations, your physician can incorporate AVAVA into a personalized, multimodal treatment plan to address various texture concerns at once.
This is one of the many reasons why AVAVA has become increasingly popular for patients seeking comprehensive acne scar improvement.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of AVAVA Laser?
The likelihood of experiencing severe, long-lasting side effects with AVAVA laser is significantly lower than with many traditional ablative laser treatments. (Once again, thanks to its tissue-preserving approach!) However, it’s definitely not uncommon to experience the following:
- Temporary redness
- Swelling
- Skin sensitivity
- Dryness
- Temporary pigment changes
- Variation in healing responses
- Warmth
Like any other non-surgical medical aesthetic treatment, AVAVA can cause temporary side effects as the skin begins its natural healing response. That said, because the technology preserves so much of the surrounding skin, many clients experience an extremely manageable recovery period.
Most importantly, to reduce side effects:
- Pause the use of actives at least one week prior to and after treatments
- Avoid sun exposure
- Hydrate (aggressively)
- Skip hot showers, strenuous workouts, and chlorinated pools for at least 48 hours.
How Much Does AVAVA Laser Treatment Cost for Acne Scars?
The cost of AVAVA laser treatments varies depending on several factors, including the size of the treatment area, the severity of acne scarring, the number of recommended sessions, and whether you combine AVAVA with additional skin treatments.
Additionally, each patient comes in with different skin types, tones, scar patterns, and treatment goals. Because of this, there’s no universal cost for AVAVA laser treatment. However, Dr. Kling will provide a more precise cost breakdown during your consultation as she assesses your skin and creates a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs and personal goals.
That said… Investing in yourself always pays off—especially when you choose a physician who approaches aesthetics through the lens of medicine—not marketing. Dr. Kling doesn’t guess, she doesn’t sell trends, and she isn’t in the business of doing treatments just to do them.
In the wise words of Dr. Kling herself: you can pay her once, or pay someone else three times over (and end up in her chair anyway). Get your money and your skin’s worth, and book your appointment at Emerge Aesthetics for AVAVA laser treatments.
Can AVAVA Be Combined with Other Acne Scar Treatments?
You CAN combine the AVAVA laser with other acne scar treatments—and you should! AVAVA works most efficiently when it’s part of a comprehensive, multimodal treatment plan that targets acne scarring from every angle.
Don’t know where to start? That’s what we’re here for. Consider pairing the AVAVA laser with…
Fractional Ablative CO2 Laser
The SmartXide Pro CO2 laser delivers concentrated thermal energy in a dot pattern, stimulating the body’s natural healing process to enhance collagen and elastin production. You can actually learn more about this process in our post, “Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment: Rejuvenating Skin Safely!”
And, yes, you can combine CO2 laser treatments with AVAVA laser technology! While the AVAVA tightens and smooths, the CO2 laser targets concerns such as fine lines and sun spots. It’s the perfect way to reduce the appearance of acne scars, improve skin quality, and get that “full-face refresh” feeling.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal filler treatments are excellent at restoring lost volume, smoothing fine lines, and enhancing natural beauty. And at Emerge, we offer a full spectrum of dermal fillers designed to address various skin concerns, including:
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers: Botero, SkinVive, and Restylane family provide instant volume and hydration for long-lasting enhancements
- Collagen Bio-Stimulators: Sculptra, Radiesse, and Hyperdilute Radiesse promote natural collagen production for long-term improvements
- Biofiller: A concentrate of growth factors and stem cells into a gel-like filler for enhancing volume and improving skin quality
Combining dermal fillers with the AVAVA laser is like taking a 360-degree approach to skin quality. While the dermal fillers restore volume and plump hollow areas, AVAVA stimulates collagen and elastin production and smooths the skin. Does it get any better?
Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive medical aesthetic procedure that creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin with fine, sterile needles to stimulate collagen production and support natural tissue remodeling. On its own, it’s highly effective for treating acne scars, fine lines, enlarged pores, and sun damage.
But when you combine microneedling with AVAVA, those benefits just compound. Microneedling can complement the AVAVA laser system’s benefits by enhancing skin rejuvenation and improving skin texture. You can learn more about this process in our guide, “How Many Microneedling Sessions for Acne Scars?”
It’s an inside-out approach that addresses the deeper structural changes responsible for acne scarring and the surface-level texture concerns that make scars more noticeable.
Medical-Grade Skincare
There’s nothing more important than skin quality, seriously. In fact, at Emerge Aesthetics, we view skincare as the foundation of every treatment plan. Think of it this way: if you’re building a house, you need something for it to sit firmly on, right? The same mindset applies to skin quality.
When we’re swimming in a sea of brands and trendy skincare products, figuring out what works (and what doesn’t) can feel like a full-time job. That’s why your best bet is to ALWAYS go with medical-grade skincare—not TikTok recommendations or influencer-driven products.
Medical-grade skincare contains higher concentrations of clinically proven active ingredients, designed to penetrate the skin and perform in the deeper layers. In other words, while topical products can only do so much, the right formulations can help support collagen remodeling, healing, and skin rejuvenation initiated by treatments like AVAVA.
You can start by reading our thorough guides, “Retinol vs. Retinoid” and “Benefits of Peptides in Skincare.” Once you’re done there, head to our skincare services page, where you can find Dr. Kling’s curated collection of medical-grade skincare products AND the Emerge RX Club!
When you join Emerge RX, you can receive customized formulations, professional guidance, and a progressive approach. Even better? When you buy Alastin skincare through Emerge, you earn aspire points—points you can put towards future treatments! Technically… that means investing in your skincare is just your current self paying back your future self.
Skip the guesswork and start treating acne scars with the AVAVA laser system!
People spend years cycling through trending skincare products and at-home hacks that promise dramatic results. But we’re here to save you the heartache: they may be great for supporting your skin quality, but they aren’t effectively treating acne scars. Instead, you need a strategic, science-backed approach that targets the deeper structural changes responsible for scarring. AKA, you need to book your appointment at Emerge to begin receiving AVAVA laser treatments.
At Emerge Aesthetics, Dr. Kling isn’t just your regular medical aesthetic physician. She’s a compassionate advocate for skin quality, skin health, and long-term rejuvenation—and she views aesthetics through a skin-first lens. The goal is never to copy and paste results. Instead, it’s about prioritizing your anatomy by building a personalized, multimodal treatment plan that delivers natural, balanced results.
Schedule your appointment at Emerge Aesthetics, proudly serving clients from Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Franklin Lakes, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Ho-Ho-Kus, Paramus, and New York City. While you wait for your appointment? Visit the Emerge Blog for comprehensive guides on all things skincare, medical aesthetics, and long-term rejuvenation. Also, don’t forget to follow the Emerge Instagram page for all of the latest deals, discounts, and updates!