Marks remaining after acne
Rolling Scars
Related terms · Wave-like scars · Rolling type
Rolling scars are atrophic scars that appear as wide, gentle, wave-like depressions caused by adhesions beneath the skin.
Overview
Rolling scars: check these three things first
- Rolling scars are atrophic scars that appear as wide, gentle, wave-like depressions caused by adhesions beneath the skin.
- Check for wide shadows that appear under side lighting or when changing facial expressions, and observe how the appearance changes when the skin is pulled.
- New inflammation and Red marksif these are mixed, the sequence of treatment is divided between treating the scar structure and treating active acne.
Meaning and Distinction
What are rolling scars?
They may be more visible under oblique lighting than from the front. Rolling scars are atrophic scars that appear as wide, gentle, wave-like depressions due to adhesions beneath the skin.
- Easily confused terms
- They differ from boxcar scars, which have distinct borders, and narrow, deep Icepick-typescars.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- This is necessary to avoid grouping scars into a single type and to consult specifically on the treatment areas.
- Information to prepare for your visit
- First, observe whether new acne and scars are increasing in the same area.
More details
Connecting rolling scars to my symptoms
Observe the extent under moving light rather than in a frontal photo
Check if wide shadows appear when light comes from the side, even if they are not clearly visible under bright frontal light. Note whether the depression flattens when the cheek is gently pulled, if shadows change when smiling or speaking, and boxcar typewhether ice-pick scars are present together.
Distinguish between treatments that only refine the surface and treatments that address adhesions
Since the structure beneath the skin can affect rolling scars, an approach that only looks at surface color and texture may not be sufficient. We consult on options suited to your skin condition by reviewing the types and intervals of previous procedures, as well as recovery reactions such as bruising, swelling, and hyperpigmentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions when looking into rolling scars
If it appears and disappears depending on the lighting, is it not an actual scar?
Gentle curves can become more pronounced depending on the direction of the light. The extent and the mixture of other scar types are confirmed through examinations and photos taken under the same conditions.
Can rolling scars be resolved with massage?
It is difficult to conclude that self-massage can correct the scar structure, and strong stimulation may cause inflammation, bruising, or hyperpigmentation. Please confirm the appropriate treatment range during a medical evaluation.
Acne Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check simple definitions before proceeding to detailed explanations.Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideAtrophic (pitted) acne scarsPitted acne scars are divided into icepick (narrow and deep), boxcar (relatively angular borders), and rolling (wide and gently undulating) types, and these can be mixed in one area. Even if they are red or brown, if the surface is flat, they may be post-inflammatory marks. Korean herbal medicine cannot promise to fill an already pitted dermal structure; we distinguish between the role of reducing recurrent inflammation and recovery conditions that create new scars, and the actual scar procedures.→
- Condition GuideAcne scarsAcne scar symptoms are divided into atrophic scars, where the skin is indented, and hypertrophic or keloid scars, which are firmly raised. Indented scars may be a mix of ice-pick (narrow and deep), boxcar (relatively distinct borders), and rolling (wide and wavy) types. Conversely, flat red or brown changes remaining after acne may be post-inflammatory erythema or hyperpigmentation and should be distinguished from scars where the skin structure has changed. If new acne continues to appear, or if there is pus, heat, rapid swelling, acne that looks like a scar grows rapidly, or bleeding and ulcers occur, a dermatology evaluation should come first.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideIf acne reappears after improving during treatmentIf inflammation decreased during treatment but returned after stopping, it does not mean the previous treatment was a complete failure. Try to note what decreased and by how much, and which types of acne returned and how many weeks after pausing treatment. It is easier to determine the priority for the next treatment if you also examine whether maintenance therapy was needed, if the treatment was not used sufficiently due to irritation, or if the recurrence coincided with changes in menstruation, sleep, or digestion.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideIcepick, boxcar, and rolling acne scars can be mixed even within a single area→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment descriptions.