Many new patients arrive at Genomed unsure whether they have PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), true acne scars, or both. In Dubai’s high-UV climate—and across Fitzpatrick IV–VI tones—getting the diagnosis right determines everything: the sequence of care, the devices we pick, and how we prevent pigment rebound. PIH is mainly a color problem; acne scars are structure problems. Pigment is treated with Chemical Peels/Medical Facials, while structural scars need collagen remodeling via Microneedling (Biosome Skin Pen) ± PRP and RF Facial Contouring (VFR). (Deeper dives and citations appear where relevant.) 

How to spot PIH vs a scar (quick check)

  • PIH: flat brown/grey marks; smooth to the touch; darkens with sun; gradually fades with pigment control (peels, sunscreen). 

  • Scar: indented or raised texture that doesn’t fade on its own; needs collagen remodeling (microneedling/RF). 

Most people have both—pigment overlaying texture—so we often alternate pigment-safe peels/facials with needling-based remodeling in a plan tailored to your tone and tolerance.

Scar type 1 — Rolling scars (soft edges, wavy skin)

How it looks: broad, shallow depressions with soft edges; shadows shift with side-lighting.

Primary goal: smooth the dermal “waves” by reorganizing collagen.

Best at Genomed (Fitz IV–VI-safe):

  • Microneedling (Biosome Skin Pen): first-line for rolling scars; multiple sessions (typically 3–5) improve texture with a strong safety profile in skin of color. 

  • Microneedling + PRP: enhances clinical improvement and satisfaction vs microneedling alone without more serious AEs; we use PRP as glide and post-infusion. 

  • RF Facial Contouring (VFR): consider when rolling scars coexist with early laxity; RF adds controlled dermal heat for tightening plus remodeling, with low rates of dyspigmentation in skin of color when parameters are tailored. 

Support:

Scar type 2 — Boxcar scars (wider bases, sharper walls)

How it looks: round/oval depressions with clearly defined edges; depth varies.

Primary goal: soften edges and build collagen at the base.

Best at Genomed:

  • Microneedling (Biosome Skin Pen): systematic, depth-mapped passes to stimulate uniform remodeling over 3–5 sessions. 

  • Microneedling + PRP: improves outcomes vs needling alone; helpful for stubborn boxcar areas. 

  • RF Facial Contouring (VFR): when skin thickness or mild laxity suggests benefit from thermal tightening alongside remodeling; evidence supports acne-scar improvement with RFM. 

Support:

Scar type 3 — Ice-pick scars (narrow, deep tracks)

How it looks: small, pinpoint openings that taper deep into the dermis—hard to fill with collagen alone.

Primary goal: focal remodeling at the opening and tract.

Best at Genomed (our approach):

  • Microneedling (Biosome Skin Pen) ± PRP: improves overall texture; softens surrounding skin so ice-picks are less stark. 

  • Targeted techniques (case-by-case): some ice-picks respond best to focal chemical reconstruction (e.g., TCA-CROSS) performed by experienced clinicians; evidence supports CROSS for ice-picks, including in darker skin types, but it requires careful patient selection and aftercare to minimize PIH. 

Support:

Where Chemical Peels/Medical Facials fit (and where they don’t)

  • Do: fade PIH, smooth superficial roughness, and prep skin between remodeling sessions—especially with lactic/mandelic or other pigment-safe blends in Fitz IV–VI. 

  • Don’t: rely on peels alone to correct deep indentations; medium/deep peels can help select scars but carry higher dyschromia risk in darker tones and are used cautiously.

Why we “alternate, don’t stack” for pigment-prone skin

To limit cumulative inflammation (and PIH risk) we typically alternate remodeling sessions (Microneedling / RF VFR) with Chemical Peels/Medical Facials 10–14 days apart, rather than doing everything on the same day. This maintains momentum on texture + tone with lower irritation.

How many sessions? What to expect

  • Microneedling series: commonly 3–5 sessions at 4–6-week intervals; collagen remodeling builds gradually over months. 

  • RF Microneedling (VFR): similar cadence (3–5 sessions), with subtle tightening benefits alongside texture change; maintenance can be 6–12 months. 

  • Peels/Facials: often scheduled between sessions; pigment clearance frequently needs a series rather than a single peel.

Dubai-specific safety notes (Fitz IV–VI)

  • Sun protection is non-negotiable: broad-spectrum SPF (UVA/UVB; ideally visible-light protection with iron oxides) + hats/shade; reapply outdoors about every 2 hours. This is central to PIH prevention. 

  • RF microneedling & standard microneedling show low dyspigmentation risk in skin of color when parameters and aftercare are right. 

  • Cynosure Elite+ (Laser Hair Removal): an outstanding LHR platform—but not our first-line choice for acne scars or PIH; for pigment/texture we prioritize peels, microneedling, PRP, and RF VFR.

The Genomed treatment matrix (quick reference)

  • Rolling: Microneedling (Biosome Skin Pen) → MN+PRP → RF VFR if laxity present | Peels/Facials between sessions

  • Boxcar: Microneedling → MN+PRP → RF VFR as needed | Peels/Facials assist tone

  • Ice-pick: Microneedling to improve context; consider focal techniques (e.g., TCA-CROSS) after assessment | Peels/Facials for PIH

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)​

1) What’s better for rolling scars in Dubai—Microneedling (Biosome Skin Pen) or RF Facial Contouring (VFR)?

Start with Microneedling for collagen remodeling across a series; add VFR if you also want subtle tightening or have thicker dermis. Both are Fitz IV–VI-safe under tailored settings.

2) Will Chemical Peels/Medical Facials fix my boxcar scars?

They’ll brighten tone and refine the surface but won’t correct deep indentations alone. We pair peels/facials with Microneedling ± PRP or RF VFR for structure.

3) What works best for ice-pick scars at Genomed?

We often improve overall texture with Microneedling ± PRP and, when appropriate, consider focal techniques (e.g., TCA-CROSS) performed by experienced clinicians; evidence supports CROSS for ice-picks, including in skin of color.

4) Is Microneedling + PRP truly better than microneedling alone?

Meta-analyses show better clinical improvement and patient satisfaction with MN+PRP vs MN alone, without increased severe adverse events.

5) How many Microneedling or RF (VFR) sessions do I need?

Most patients need 3–5 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart; results build gradually as collagen reorganizes.

6) I’m Fitzpatrick V—are RF VFR and Microneedling safe for me?

Yes—when parameters are conservative and aftercare is strict, published reviews report low dyspigmentation rates in skin of color. We design pigment-safe plans for Dubai’s UV.

7) Can you do Chemical Peels on the same day as Microneedling/RF?

We usually alternate (not stack) to reduce cumulative inflammation and PIH risk—e.g., a mandelic/lactic peel or enzyme facial 10–14 days away from a needling visit.

8) Do I need special sunscreen after these treatments?

Choose broad-spectrum SPF with visible-light protection (iron oxides) and reapply outdoors about every 2 hours; hats and shade make a visible difference in PIH prevention.