Acne Scar Treatment
Acne scars can affect skin texture long after active acne has settled.
They may appear as shallow depressions, deeper narrow scars, broader indentations or uneven areas caused by tethering beneath the skin. Because acne scars differ in shape, depth and structure, there is no single treatment that is appropriate for every scar.
At Face and Body Adelaide, acne scar treatment begins with assessment of the individual scar pattern, skin type, active acne, previous treatments and treatment goals. Depending on clinical suitability, a plan may involve one treatment or a staged combination of approaches such as subcision, CO2 laser resurfacing, RF microneedling, TCA CROSS, Rejuran Scar, Juvelook or PRP.
The aim is to select treatment according to scar morphology and individual skin characteristics, with realistic discussion of expected improvement, downtime, limitations and risks.
What Are Acne Scars?
Acne scars develop when inflammation from acne disrupts normal skin healing. Some scars form because tissue has been lost, producing a depression in the skin. Others may become raised because excess scar tissue develops.
Acne scarring should also be distinguished from post-acne redness and post-inflammatory pigmentation. Red or brown marks may remain after acne without representing a true change in skin contour.
Many people have more than one scar type, which is why careful assessment is important before choosing treatment.
Types Of Acne Scars
Rolling Acne Scars
Rolling scars are depressed scars that can create a wave-like or uneven appearance. They may be associated with fibrous bands beneath the skin that tether the surface downward.
Where tethering is a significant component, resurfacing alone may not address the underlying attachment. Subcision may therefore be considered for selected rolling scars.
Boxcar Acne Scars
Boxcar scars are broader depressed scars with more defined edges. They can vary from relatively shallow to deeper depressions.
Treatment selection depends on scar depth, edge characteristics, surrounding skin and whether other scar types are also present.
Ice-Pick Acne Scars
Ice-pick scars are narrow, deeper scars that extend into the skin. Because of their shape and depth, they may require a different treatment strategy from rolling or shallow boxcar scars.
TCA CROSS may be considered for selected narrow atrophic scars following individual assessment.
Raised Or Hypertrophic Scars
Some acne scars are raised rather than depressed. Raised or hypertrophic scars behave differently from atrophic acne scars and require a different assessment and management approach.
If the scar pattern is uncertain, appropriate medical assessment may be recommended before treatment.
Not every mark left after acne is a scar.
Post-acne redness may appear pink or red, while post-inflammatory pigmentation can leave brown or darker marks. These colour changes may occur with or without true textural scarring.
A consultation can help distinguish colour concerns from changes in skin contour. This matters because treatment for redness or pigmentation may be different from treatment for depressed acne scars.
Why Scar Type Matters
Different scar types respond differently to treatment. A procedure that may be useful for a tethered rolling scar may not be the most appropriate option for a deep ice-pick scar.
Many patients have mixed acne scarring, for example a combination of rolling, boxcar and ice-pick scars. In these situations, a staged treatment plan may be considered rather than relying on one procedure for the entire face.
More treatment is not necessarily better. Each procedure should have a clear role in the treatment plan.
Subcision For Rolling & Tethered Acne Scars
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing may be considered for selected acne scars and textural irregularities.
Laser treatment works differently from subcision. Where tethering is present, treatment planning may need to address the deeper attachment as well as surface texture.
CO2 laser treatment can involve significant redness, swelling, crusting or recovery depending on treatment intensity. Skin type, pigmentation risk, recent sun exposure, medical history and previous treatments are important considerations.
The degree of improvement and number of treatments vary between individuals.
RF microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy delivered at selected depths.
It may be considered for selected acne scars and textural concerns, depending on scar type, skin characteristics and treatment goals.
RF microneedling can also form part of a staged combination plan when more than one aspect of acne scarring needs to be addressed. Treatment parameters and intervals should be individualised.
TCA CROSS For Selected Acne Scars
TCA CROSS is a targeted chemical reconstruction technique that may be considered for selected narrow, deeper atrophic scars, including some ice-pick scars.
It is not applied in the same way as a full-face chemical peel. Suitability depends on scar morphology, skin type and pigmentation risk.
Temporary crusting, redness and pigmentary changes can occur. The expected treatment course and risks should be discussed before proceeding.
Rejuran Scar
Rejuran is regulated in Australia as a Class III medical device. At Face and Body Adelaide, Rejuran Scar may be considered within an individual acne-scar treatment plan where clinically appropriate.
It should not be assumed to replace scar-specific approaches such as releasing tethering or resurfacing where those issues are present.
Whether it has a role in your treatment plan depends on the scar pattern, skin characteristics, previous treatments and clinical assessment. Treatment-specific benefits, limitations and risks will be discussed during consultation.
Juvelook & RF Microneedling Combination Planning
Juvelook is also regulated in Australia as a Class III medical device. Face and Body Adelaide may use Juvelook 50 mg in combination with RF microneedling in selected acne-scar treatment plans.
The two modalities should not be presented as a universal or guaranteed solution for acne scarring. Their role depends on individual scar morphology, skin characteristics and clinical suitability.
Where a combination approach is considered, the reason for combining treatments, expected recovery, potential risks and alternatives should be discussed before treatment.
PRP uses a preparation derived from the patient’s own blood and may be considered as an adjunct within selected scar-management plans.
Its role should be considered alongside the primary scar characteristics rather than as a substitute for treatment directed at tethering, scar depth or surface texture where those issues are present.
Combination Acne Scar Treatment
Acne scarring often involves more than one type of scar. For this reason, combination treatment planning can be useful when different procedures have different roles.
For example, a treatment plan may consider release of selected tethered scars, targeted treatment of deeper narrow scars and resurfacing or RF-based treatment for broader textural concerns.
Combination treatment does not necessarily mean performing multiple procedures at the same appointment. Treatments may be staged to allow appropriate healing and assessment of response.
The sequence, interval and number of treatments depend on the individual.
Acne Scar Treatment & Different Skin Types
Skin type is an important part of acne-scar treatment planning.
Some procedures can carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation or other pigmentary change in certain skin types. Recent tanning, sun exposure, active inflammation and previous pigmentary responses may also influence treatment selection.
A conservative plan, appropriate preparation and aftercare may be recommended according to the procedure and individual skin characteristics.
What Happens During Your Acne Scar Consultation?
Your consultation may include assessment of:
- Rolling, boxcar, ice-pick or raised scars
- Scar depth and tethering
- Active acne
- Post-acne redness or pigmentation
- Skin type and pigmentation risk
- Previous acne-scar treatments
- Medical history and medications
- Downtime preferences
- Your treatment goals and expectations
Following assessment, we can discuss which treatment options may be relevant and whether a staged or combination approach is appropriate.
Risks & Considerations
All acne-scar procedures have potential risks, limitations and recovery considerations.
Depending on the treatment selected, temporary effects may include redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, crusting, sensitivity or temporary pigmentary change. Some procedures can involve less common but more significant complications.
Active acne, infection, certain medical conditions, medications, recent sun exposure or a history of abnormal scarring may affect treatment suitability.
Treatment-specific risks, alternatives, expected downtime and aftercare will be discussed before treatment. Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Treatment For Acne Scars?
What Is The Difference Between Rolling, Boxcar & Ice-Pick Scars?
Can Acne Scars Be Completely Removed?
Acne-scar treatment should not be presented as complete scar removal. The aim is generally improvement in the appearance and texture of selected scars. The degree of change varies between individuals.
Can CO2 Laser Help Acne Scars?
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing may be considered for selected acne scars and textural concerns. Suitability depends on scar type, skin type, medical history and individual assessment.
What Is Subcision For Acne Scars?
Can RF Microneedling Be Used For Acne Scars?
Can Different Acne Scar Treatments Be Combined?
How Many Acne Scar Treatments Will I Need?
Can Active Acne Be Treated At The Same Time?
Acne Scar Treatment In Adelaide
If you are searching for acne scar treatment in Adelaide, Face and Body Adelaide provides personalised assessment for rolling, boxcar, ice-pick and mixed acne scarring.
Our clinic offers a range of scar-management approaches, including subcision, CO2 laser resurfacing, RF microneedling, TCA CROSS and selected adjunctive or combination treatments where clinically appropriate.
The treatment plan is based on scar morphology, skin type, medical history and individual goals rather than using the same procedure for every patient.
Book An Acne Scar Consultation
If acne scarring is affecting your skin texture and you would like to understand your treatment options, you can book an acne-scar consultation with Face and Body Adelaide.
Your consultation provides an opportunity to identify your scar types, discuss which treatment approaches may be relevant and understand expected outcomes, limitations, downtime, potential risks and alternatives before deciding whether to proceed.