Acne Treatment in Medellín — Active Acne, Marks and Scars

Acne is not one problem but three that often coexist: active breakouts (inflamed papules, pustules, cysts), post-inflammatory marks (red or brown spots left behind), and atrophic scars (ice-pick, boxcar and rolling depressions). Each one needs a different tool, and treating them in the wrong order — needling scars while acne is still active, for example — makes things worse. Dr. Catalina Henao's protocol in Medellín addresses them in sequence, with a plan that fits a short stay for patients traveling from the USA, Canada or Europe.

Step 1 — Medical evaluation and classification

We classify the acne by type (comedonal, inflammatory, nodulocystic), severity, skin phototype and scar pattern. We also review what you've already tried: benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, antibiotics, isotretinoin. This determines the sequence and rules out cases that need a dermatologist-led systemic treatment first. The evaluation is free and can be started remotely with photos via WhatsApp before you travel.

Step 2 — Clearing active acne

Deep medical cleansing with comedone extraction and high-frequency to reduce bacterial load. Medical chemical peels — salicylic, mandelic or modified Jessner depending on skin type — to unclog pores, reduce oil and inflammation. Two to three sessions spaced 7-14 days apart fit a typical stay. You leave with a written home protocol (cleanser, topical retinoid or azelaic acid, SPF) that we adjust by WhatsApp follow-up. See our chemical peel and facial cleansing pages.

Step 3 — Fading post-acne marks

Red marks (erythema) and brown marks (hyperpigmentation) are treated with depigmenting peels and Nanopore — needle-free microchanneling that drives tranexamic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide into the skin without the downtime of needling. Ideal for darker skin tones where aggressive treatments risk more pigmentation.

Step 4 — Rebuilding acne scars

Atrophic scars are treated with Dermapen microneedling: 12 ultrafine needles create controlled micro-injuries at 1.5-2.5 mm that trigger new collagen in the scar bed. Protocol: 4-6 sessions, 4 weeks apart. Expect 30-50% improvement in depth and texture after a full series. Deep ice-pick scars may add TCA CROSS (spot-applied high-concentration acid). Rolling scars respond best; boxcar scars need more sessions.

Planning your visit to Medellín

Short stay (7-10 days): evaluation, deep cleansing, one or two peels, home protocol. Best for active acne and marks. Two trips or extended stay: needed for a full scar series, since sessions must be 4 weeks apart. Many patients do the first 2 sessions here, continue at home with our protocol, and return for the last ones. Direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York and Houston; the office is in El Poblado, 45 minutes from the airport. See our medical tourism guide.

Pricing in Medellín 2026

At the current exchange rate a complete active-acne protocol runs roughly USD $300-$450, and a full scar series USD $700-$1,000 — a fraction of US pricing for the same procedures with the same equipment and INVIMA-registered products.

Who should NOT do this protocol

Patients currently on isotretinoin or within 6 months of stopping it (needling is contraindicated), active herpes outbreak, pregnancy or breastfeeding (for certain peels), keloid tendency, and severe nodulocystic acne that needs systemic treatment first. In those cases we tell you clearly and refer you rather than treat.

Frequently asked questions