Acne scarring treatments for all skin types

Article medically reviewed by Dr. Gavin Chan

Templestowe Lower, Berwick and Beaumaris Clinics

Dr. Gavin Chan, MBBS, General Registration (MED0001175745), founder of the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, began offering cosmetic medical treatments in 2004. Formerly a trainer for cosmetic pharmaceutical companies, Dr. Chan currently concentrates on offering ongoing training to cosmetic doctors at the Victorian Cosmetic Institute. He ensures that all doctors stay updated with the latest procedures and methods in the cosmetic industry. Read More

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Did you know that mild to severe acne outbreaks can affect men and women from puberty until their 40’s? Acne is a medical skin problem that is categorized by the incidence of cysts and pimples on the face, arms, chest or back. While acne can improve over time, it can often leave scars behind. Acne scarring treatments are available for all skin types and conditions.

Dr Sara Mullen (MBBS, FRACGP, Cosmetic Doctor) says there “are several treatment options available for acne scarring. Of course this depends on the intensity of the scarring, where the scarring is, how much scarring you have and how much recovery time you have available.”

It’s important to note that while multiple acne scarring treatments can improve acne scars, in most cases they will not be completely removed.

Different types of acne scars include:

• Boxcar scars: Boxcar acne scars are superficial punched out scars that have a cross section of vertical sharp edges. They can be round or oval shaped.
• Deep divots: Deep divot acne scars are very deep scars that involve loss of the subcutaneous tissue volume. This results in a large divot.
• Hypertrophic: This type of acne scarring is raised and can be pigmented.
• Ice pick scars: Ice pick acne scars look like shallow or deep narrow holes in the skin that are similar to an indentation left by an ice-pick.
• Keloid: A keloid acne scar is red/purple and is disproportionate to the size of the acne’s initial trauma. It is also significantly raised.
• Macular scarring: Macular acne scarring has flat areas of increased and decreased pigmentation. Even though there aren’t any indentations in the skin or raised scars, many patients consider this as a scar.
• Rolling scars: Rolling acne scars look like undulations in the skin. Tethering of the skin to underlying structures usually causes this type of acne scar.

Why does acne scarring occur?

When your skin pores get filled with bacteria, oil and dead skin cells, acne appears. If the skin pores get inflamed and burst, they can leave a wound on your skin. As the acne wound heals, an abundance of collagen can be left behind which forms the acne scars that make your skin appear uneven.

The type of acne scarring you have will depend on your skin type. Atrophic scarring occurs when tissue is lost as your skin heals. Hypertrophic scarring adds tissue because of excessive collagen production as your skin heals.

There are 4 grades of acne scars including:

• Grade 1: Macular scarring (flat scarring) is visible from greater than 50 centimetres. This is characterised by flat areas of decreased or increased pigmentation.
• Grade 2: This grade of acne scar is visible at distances of less than 50 centimetres and includes mild rolling scars. This grade of acne scar can be covered by make-up and is defined as mild disease.
• Grade 3: Defined as moderate disease, this grade of acne scar is visible at 50 centimetres or greater. It is generally hard to cover up with makeup or a shaved beard. Stretching the skin can help to flatten the scar.
• Grade 4: This grade of acne scar is defined as severe disease whereby the acne scars are not flattened by stretching the skin. It includes deep divots, severe boxcar scars, ice pick scars, and hypertrophic/keloid scarring.

Non-laser treatment to reduce acne scarring

One of the most superior forms of acne scarring treatments we offer is Infini Radio Frequency (RF) needling. Infini RF needling addresses acne scarring with a combination of control micro wounds from the needling and electro thermal heating of the collagen from the RF element. This lifts, firms and tightens the skin while reducing oil flow and results in skin texture, tone and pore size skin surface improvements.

There is a downtime of up to two weeks with Infini RF acne scarring treatment and you will require a minimum of three treatments. You may experience some micro crusting of your skin during the downtime period. After having Infini RF skin tightening treatment, you won’t be able to wear makeup for two to three days..

Dermal filler treatment to reduce acne scars

Dermal fillers can be used to treat acne scars that are deep or indented. They reduce the visibility of your acne scarring by lifting the area to align the skin surface with that of the remainder of the skin. Replacing this loss of volume with dermal fillers is particularly helpful in cases of cystic acne. Made from a clear gel substance that is found naturally in your skin, dermal filler acne scar treatment is performed by our highly trained and experienced Cosmetic Doctors and Cosmetic Nurses.

Skincare to use after your acne scarring treatment

After your treatment for acne scars, it’s important to use skincare that hydrates and nourishes your skin as well as high SPF sun protection. Aspect Dr Exfol A Plus is a concentrated AHA and Vitamin A exfoliating and brightening complex formulated to rebuild and refine all skin conditions and skin types. The powerful blend of antioxidants help deliver nutrients deep into your skin.

After your acne scarring treatment, we recommend that you use a with high SPF protection. Dermaceutic K Ceutic provides very high, photostable UVA/UVB protection with SPF 50 sun protection.

To learn more about treating acne scarring with skincare.

If you’ve had treatment for your acne scars, it’s important to use the right products. Our highly experienced and trained Skin Therapists can help you tailor a skincare regime that suits your skin type and skin condition. Book your skin consultation by calling us on 1300 863 824.

Get acne scarring treatment in Melbourne

Since 2005, led by Dr Gavin Chan our team of highly trained and experienced Cosmetic Doctors, Cosmetic Nurses and Skin Therapists have treated many acne scarring. You can view our before and after photos of patients who have been treated for acne scars here.

At your initial skin consultation with one of our Cosmetic Nurses or Skin Therapists we will discuss with you realistic and achievable outcomes for your acne scar treatment, what to expect from the treatment and the amount of downtime you will need.

It’s important to note that acne scar treatment depends a great deal on the experience and training of the practitioner. Results will only occur when the treatment is tailored for every patient’s skin type and skin condition. This highlights the importance of visiting a reputable medical clinic with experience in acne scar treatment. Call us on 1300 863 824 or book online.