Non-Surgical · Dr. Susan Tan, MD ABFPRS

Acne and Acne Scar Treatment in Honolulu

Acne and acne scarring are among the most persistent and emotionally significant skin concerns — and among the most treatable when the approach is physician-directed. Dr. Susan Tan combines medical knowledge of acne’s underlying causes with leading-edge cosmetic procedures — laser peels, RF microneedling, and SkinPen — to address both active acne and the long-term scarring it leaves behind.

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ABFPRS Board Certified Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2026 Only Female Facial Plastic Surgeon in Honolulu Physician-Directed — Not Delegated

A Personalized, Physician-Directed Approach

Acne and Acne Scar Treatment in Honolulu — Solutions for All Stages

Acne affects one’s appearance and self-confidence at any age — and the scarring it leaves can be as upsetting as the active condition. Most patients arrive having tried various products and procedures without satisfying results. The issue is rarely the treatment itself — it is the absence of a physician who understands both the medical drivers of acne and the cosmetic procedures available to address the damage it causes.

Dr. Susan Tan is the founder and director of Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery and a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who has helped many patients reduce or eliminate the appearance of acne and acne scars. She brings a physician’s medical knowledge of acne’s underlying causes together with leading-edge cosmetic procedures — combining both for the most effective outcome.

The services available at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery are cutting-edge and minimize downtime and discomfort. Our goal is to produce the best results for you with the least disruption to your life and activities possible.

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Active Acne and Acne Scarring — Two Different Problems

Acne Treatment for Active Outbreaks and Acne Scar Treatment for Long-Term Damage

Acne Laser Peel — Active Acne Treatment

For patients with active acne, the Lutronic Hollywood Spectra™ laser peel is an excellent option. It kills acne-causing bacteria, exfoliates and unclogs pores, stimulates cell turnover, reduces sebum production, and tightens pores — without chemicals or significant downtime. The laser is safe for all skin types and well tolerated. Many patients elect a series of three peels, spaced 2–3 weeks apart, to produce optimal results before a milestone event. Dr. Tan has the Hollywood Spectra on-site at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery.

RF Microneedling with Morpheus8 — Acne Scar Treatment

For acne scarring — raised or depressed, from mild to severe — RF microneedling with Morpheus8 is one of the most effective treatments available. It works by heating the skin, shrinking existing collagen to produce a tightening effect, and stimulating new collagen growth that fills in depressed scars over time. The variable needle depth allows precise targeting of different scar types. Patients typically see impressive improvement after three sessions, with minimal downtime. A topical anesthetic is applied before treatment to minimize discomfort.

SkinPen® Microneedling with PRP — Texture and Pigmentation

For patients whose primary concern is post-acne texture irregularities, enlarged pores, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, SkinPen microneedling with PRP provides a gentler and highly effective option — with a strong safety profile across all Fitzpatrick skin types.

Physician-Directed Skincare — The Foundation

No cosmetic procedure produces lasting results without a physician-directed skincare foundation that supports skin healing and prevents new breakouts. Dr. Tan prescribes a medical-grade skincare protocol specifically for acne-prone skin — addressing active breakouts, post-inflammatory pigmentation, and long-term skin quality.

Understanding Acne

Acne — What Causes It and What Makes It Worse

Acne is a skin condition caused by hair follicles that become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It most commonly affects people between 12 and 18 during hormonal fluctuations — but it can occur at any age, and adult acne is increasingly common, particularly in women.

Acne presents differently on different skin types — from blackheads and pus-filled pimples to larger red bumps and painful nodules. If treated improperly — particularly by picking or squeezing — permanent scarring results. Hawaii’s climate can exacerbate both active acne and post-inflammatory pigmentation due to UV exposure and humidity.

Seeing Dr. Tan puts you under the care of a doctor with both medical and cosmetic knowledge — the combination that produces the best outcomes for acne and acne scar patients.

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The 3 Stages of Acne

1. Mild

Primarily whiteheads and blackheads — comedonal acne. Often responds well to physician-directed topical treatment and medical skincare.

2. Moderate

Multiple papules and pustules on the face. Typically requires a combination of medical and cosmetic treatment for satisfactory improvement.

3. Severe

Numerous large pustules and painful nodules — high risk of significant scarring. Requires prompt and aggressive medical treatment alongside cosmetic support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Acne and Acne Scar Treatment in Honolulu — Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a good candidate for an acne laser peel?

Nearly everyone is a good candidate. An acne laser peel with the Hollywood Spectra is safe for people of all skin tones and — unlike some other treatments — will not cause hyperpigmentation. People of all ages with any degree of active acne are good candidates. Dr. Tan will evaluate your acne and recommend the right treatment at your initial consultation.

How is the laser peel performed?

The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. Unlike other methods, injections or topical anesthesia are not required. Patients experience minimal discomfort during the treatment.

What kind of results can I expect?

After each session, you will see improvement and expect clearer skin with fewer breakouts. Any future breakouts will be milder and shorter. After your series of treatments (typically three), results continue to improve over time. Acne laser peels are highly effective and provide longer-lasting results than most topical-only approaches.

How does RF microneedling work for acne scars?

The RF microneedling procedure to treat acne scars begins with a topical numbing cream applied to the treatment area. Dr. Tan then uses Morpheus8 to carefully rejuvenate the skin, improving tone and texture. After your appointment, you can resume normal activities — some mild swelling or redness may occur and resolves quickly.

Why is RF microneedling more effective than standard microneedling for scars?

Morpheus8 can tailor needle depth to better treat varying levels of acne scars — from superficial surface irregularities to deeper atrophic scarring. RF energy adds a heating component that shrinks existing collagen and stimulates new production — producing a firmer, smoother result than mechanical microneedling alone.

Ready to take the first step toward clearing your acne and acne scars?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Susan Tan — the only female double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Honolulu. She will evaluate your acne or acne scars and give you options for the best course of treatment.

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