Are Acne Scars (Atrophic Scars) Genetic in Da Nang? The Little-Known Truth

Hi everyone, it’s your familiar companion on the journey to achieving flawless skin.

Throughout my consultations and skincare-sharing experiences, I’ve noticed that atrophic scars (pitted acne scars) are always the most terrifying obsession for anyone—especially after the stormy teenage years marked by acne.

Unlike post-acne pigmentation that can gradually fade over time, pitted scars are permanent damage—“deep craters” that make the skin surface look uneven, rough, less smooth, and even older at first glance.

Many young people in the beautiful city of Da Nang have reached out to me with great anxiety:
“My parents have very severe acne scars—does that mean I’ll have them too?” or
“Are pitted scars genetic, and is there any place in Da Nang that can treat this issue effectively if it’s due to my skin type?”

Today, I’ll dedicate this entire article to dissecting this topic from a scientific and modern medical perspective.

We won’t rely on feelings or assumptions—we’ll look at genetics and skin structure research so you can understand the truth, and then choose the most suitable solution for yourself.

Scientific Answer: Are Pitted Scars Genetic in Da Nang?

To answer the question directly—are pitted scars genetic?
I want to be very clear:

✅ The scars themselves are NOT directly inherited,
but ✅ the tendency (skin predisposition) to scar IS influenced by genetics.

Sounds contradictory? Let me explain.

Pitted scars are not a genetic disease like hemophilia or color blindness that is automatically passed down from generation to generation.

Instead, pitted scars are the result of the body’s natural wound-healing process after the skin has suffered deep damage—most commonly from severe inflammatory acne, chickenpox, or trauma.

When the dermis is destroyed, the body produces collagen and elastin to “repair” the wound.
If the amount of collagen produced is not sufficient to fill the lost tissue, the skin surface collapses inward, forming atrophic scars.

However, genetics play a major role in determining how your skin reacts to injury.

Scientific studies show we inherit biological skin traits from our parents, such as:

1) Skin type and oil glands

If your parents have oily skin, enlarged pores, and overactive sebaceous glands, there’s a high chance you may inherit the same skin type.

Oily skin is an ideal environment for P. acnes bacteria to thrive, leading to inflammatory acne—the number one cause of atrophic scarring.

2) Collagen structure and regeneration capacity

Genes influence the density of collagen in the skin and the speed at which your body regenerates cells.

If your family tends to heal quickly and rarely leaves marks, you’re lucky.

But if your parents have “scar-prone skin”—meaning they easily develop depressed or raised scars even from minor wounds—then you may inherit that tendency too.

3) Immune-inflammatory response

The severity of acne inflammation is also influenced by genetics.

Some people have an immune system that overreacts to acne bacteria, creating large, painful, deep inflammation and tissue destruction—dramatically increasing scar risk.

So, when we ask “Are pitted scars genetic?” the correct interpretation is:
You don’t inherit the scar itself—you inherit the risk profile and biological tendencies that make scarring more likely.

If you already know you belong to a higher-risk group, prevention must be stricter and started earlier.

Other Risk Factors That Contribute to Pitted Scars

Besides genetics—which we can’t change—there are many other causes that come from our own habits and choices.

Understanding these helps you focus on prevention instead of only worrying about your genes.

1) Delayed or improper acne treatment

This is the most common issue I see among clients in Da Nang.

Many people self-treat with unregulated “quick-fix” products, unknown creams, or herbal alcohol mixtures. These may calm acne temporarily but often thin the skin and worsen deeper inflammation.

Once acne tunnels and destroys follicle structures, scars become almost inevitable.

2) Aggressive squeezing and picking

That “itchy hands” feeling to pop pimples is the number one enemy of smooth skin.

Using unclean hands or non-sterile tools, squeezing immature acne, or applying excessive force can rupture follicles underneath the skin.

This spreads bacteria and pus into nearby healthy tissue, turning a small pimple into a large inflammatory lesion—and leaving deep pitted scars behind.

3) Environment and sun exposure

Da Nang is a coastal city with strong sunshine.

UV rays not only darken post-acne marks but also break down fragile new collagen that’s trying to heal the skin.

This disrupts regeneration, prevents scar bases from filling, and causes scars to become worse and more fibrotic over time.

4) Lifestyle and diet

Regular lack of sleep, spicy foods, high sugar intake, and dairy can increase systemic inflammation.

When the body is inflamed, wound healing becomes slower and less effective, which increases the risk of poor scarring.

So even though genetics play a role, your daily skincare and lifestyle decisions determine up to 70% of your outcome.

Scar Types Matter: Classifying Atrophic Scars for the Right Treatment

To treat pitted scars effectively, one-size-fits-all never works.

Correctly identifying scar types helps doctors at Foxy M.D create a targeted plan.

Atrophic scars typically fall into three main categories:

1) Ice Pick Scars

The most common—and also the hardest to treat.

They look like narrow but very deep holes, as if the skin was pierced with a sharp object.
Often caused by deep cystic acne and follicle destruction.

Because they’re narrow and deep, topical products are nearly useless—more aggressive medical methods like TCA CROSS or laser are needed.

2) Boxcar Scars

These have sharp, vertical edges like a small “box-shaped crater,” with a wider opening than ice pick scars.

They often appear on cheeks and temples and respond well to subcision and fractional CO2 laser.

3) Rolling Scars

These create a wave-like uneven texture without clear edges.

They are caused by fibrous bands under the skin that tether the surface downward.

To treat rolling scars, subcision is essential to release the tethering bands so the skin can lift.

At Foxy M.D, many clients have mixed scar types on one face—so a combined approach is usually necessary.

That’s why asking “Are pitted scars genetic?” should go hand-in-hand with finding a skilled doctor who understands multi-modality scar treatment.

Medical-Grade Scar Treatment Solutions at Foxy M.D Da Nang

If you already have “cratered” skin, don’t lose hope.

Modern aesthetic medicine can improve atrophic scars by 70% to 90%—as long as you’re consistent and follow the right plan.

At Foxy M.D, we use medical protocols and advanced technology for people in Da Nang.

1) Subcision (Scar Release)

A gold-standard treatment for long-standing, fibrotic scars.

The doctor uses a medical needle under the skin to cut scar tethering bands that pull the surface down.

Without releasing these bands, even expensive lasers or growth-factor treatments may not work well long-term.

2) Fractional CO2 Laser

Creates controlled micro-injuries to trigger the body’s repair process.

The laser heat stimulates strong collagen remodeling, improving texture and smoothness.

3) TCA CROSS

Designed specifically for ice pick scars.

High-strength TCA is applied directly into the scar base to stimulate local collagen formation over time.

4) Scar Meso & PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

Delivers growth factors from your own blood or bioactive ingredients into deeper skin layers.

This provides “raw materials” for faster tissue regeneration and shorter recovery.

A personalized combination of these methods is the key strategy Foxy M.D uses to help thousands of clients overcome scar concerns—regardless of genetic predisposition.

What Determines the Cost of Scar Treatment in Da Nang?

Scar treatment is a long-term journey, not an overnight fix, so financial planning matters.

In Da Nang, scar treatment costs vary widely depending on:

1) Scar severity

New scars (under 3 months) respond faster, require fewer sessions, and cost less.

Old, fibrotic, mixed-depth scars need a more complex plan and higher investment.

2) Technology used

Simple microneedling may be cheaper (around 1–2 million VND/session).

But combining CO2 laser, subcision, and bio-meso typically costs more (often 3–5 million VND/session or higher depending on products).

3) Doctor’s expertise

Subcision and TCA CROSS require high-level technique.

Poor technique can worsen scarring or create new problems.
That’s why specialized clinics like Foxy M.D—where doctors perform procedures—reflect the true value of safety and quality.

Avoid cheap “scar-dabbing” services at unlicensed spas—fixing complications later can cost far more than doing it correctly from the beginning.

At-Home Prevention: How to Reduce Scar Risk Early

“Prevention is better than cure” is always true.

Whether or not you inherited scar-prone skin, correct acne care can determine 80% of whether you end up with scars.

Here’s what I always recommend:

Cleanse properly with gentle makeup remover and cleanser
Treat inflammation early with active ingredients like Benzoyl Peroxide, Adapalene, or prescribed topical antibiotics
Never squeeze acne at home—get medical-grade extraction when acne is mature
Moisturize and repair with B5, HA, Niacinamide, Centella (Cica)
Strict sun protection with broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily
Healthy diet rich in Vitamin C, Zinc, and protein to support collagen production
Drink 2 liters of water/day for better metabolism and skin regeneration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: My parents have clear skin, but I have pitted scars—why?
A: Genetics is only one factor. Severe acne and improper care (picking, poor hygiene, delayed treatment) can cause deep damage even without genetic predisposition.

Q2: Can pitted scars fill in naturally over time?
A: Unfortunately, no. Atrophic scars are permanent tissue loss, and once healing is complete (after ~3 months), the body cannot regenerate enough collagen on its own without medical intervention.

Q3: What age can I start scar treatment?
A: Once inflammatory acne is controlled and stable. Treating early—especially when scars are still red—often yields the best results and costs less.

Q4: Is subcision painful?
A: Numbing creams and local anesthesia are used, so discomfort is well-controlled. You may feel slight pressure, but it’s generally very tolerable.

Q5: What improvement can I expect at Foxy M.D?
A: Results vary by individual response and scar type, but most clients improve 60%–90% with a proper medical plan.