Acne Scarring Treatment Melbourne

The best acne scar treatment depends on the type of scarring and your individual skin concerns. Acne scars can include pitted or indented scars, uneven texture, red marks (post-inflammatory erythema) or darker pigmentation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).

Because different scar types respond to different technologies, treatment is often tailored using a combination approach.

At Liberty Belle Skin Centre, acne scar treatment plans may include RF Microneedling, Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing, Dermapen Microneedling, Customised Skin Peels or Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing. A consultation allows your clinician to assess scar depth, skin tone, active breakouts and downtime preferences before recommending the most suitable treatment pathway.

Fraxel and RF Microneedling can both improve acne scarring, but they target different concerns and work in different ways.

Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing may be recommended when acne scarring is combined with pigmentation, uneven skin tone, sun damage or texture irregularities. Different Fraxel wavelengths can target both collagen stimulation and pigmentation concerns.

RF Microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate deeper collagen remodelling. It is commonly used for acne scarring, enlarged pores, uneven texture and overall skin rejuvenation.

The most suitable option depends on factors like the type and depth of your scars, your skin type and tone, whether redness or pigmentation is present, the desired downtime and recovery, and your overall treatment goals. In many cases, combination treatments may provide the best outcome.

Red acne marks and pitted acne scars are different concerns and often require different treatment approaches.

Red marks after acne are commonly linked to post-inflammatory erythema and vascular changes in the skin. These concerns may respond to vascular laser treatments such as Excel V Laser.

Pitted or indented acne scars are texture-related and often benefit from collagen-stimulating treatments like RF Microneedling, Dermapen Microneedling, Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing, or Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing.

Because many people experience both redness and textural scarring, a tailored treatment plan may combine multiple technologies to address each concern more effectively.

Acne marks and acne scars are not the same thing.

Acne marks usually refer to colour changes left behind after a breakout, including red marks (post-inflammatory erythema) and brown or darker pigmentation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).

Acne scars refer to permanent or semi-permanent changes in skin texture, like pitted scars, depressed or indented areas, and uneven skin texture.

If your main concern is redness or pigmentation, treatments such as Excel V Laser, Fraxel or Customised Skin Peels may be discussed. If texture and indentation are the primary issue, collagen-stimulating treatments such as RF Microneedling, Dermapen Microneedling or Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing may be more appropriate.

Acne scars can often be significantly improved, but complete removal is not always possible. The goal of treatment is usually to soften scar appearance, improve skin texture and reduce redness or pigmentation over time.

Results vary depending on the scar type and severity, your skin type, the treatment method used, and your individual healing response.

Some people may benefit from a combination of laser resurfacing, RF microneedling, skin peels or other modalities to achieve gradual improvement. For deeper or more complex scarring, your clinician can advise whether non-surgical treatments are appropriate or whether referral for more intensive treatment may be beneficial.

The number of acne scar treatments needed varies depending on the type of scarring, treatment method and your skin’s response.

As a general guide:

• RF Microneedling may involve 2 to 5 treatments
• Fraxel Laser treatments may involve 1 to 5 sessions
• Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing may require 1 to 3 treatments

Some patients notice gradual improvement after their first session, while deeper or longstanding scars may require a staged treatment plan over several months. Your clinician can provide a more personalised recommendation after assessing your skin in person.

Customised Skin Peels may help improve post-acne pigmentation, congestion, uneven skin tone and superficial textural changes. They can also support overall skin clarity and maintenance for acne-prone skin.

However, deeper pitted or indented acne scars usually require treatments that stimulate collagen remodelling beneath the skin surface. In these cases, treatments such as RF Microneedling, Dermapen Microneedling or Fraxel may be recommended as part of a broader acne scar treatment plan.

Microneedling can be an effective treatment option for certain types of acne scarring because it stimulates the skin’s natural healing response and collagen production.

At Liberty Belle Skin Centre, both Dermapen Microneedling and RF Microneedling are available:

• Dermapen Microneedling focuses on controlled micro-injuries to improve texture and superficial scarring
• RF Microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy for deeper collagen stimulation and skin remodelling

Microneedling may be suitable for pitted scars, uneven texture and enlarged pores, depending on your skin type and treatment goals.

Lower-downtime acne scar treatments may include Customised Skin Peels, The Belle Facial with Dermasweep and some forms of Dermapen Microneedling.

These treatments may involve mild redness or flaking with relatively short recovery periods.

More intensive treatments, like Fraxel Laser or Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing, generally involve longer downtime but may provide more significant improvement for deeper textural concerns and advanced scarring.

Your clinician can help balance treatment intensity, expected results and recovery time based on your lifestyle and goals.

Active acne and acne scarring often require different treatment strategies. If breakouts are still ongoing, treatment may initially focus on reducing inflammation, congestion and oiliness before targeting residual scarring.

Early-stage management may include:

• Customised Skin Peels
• Hydrafacial
• The Belle Facial with Dermasweep
• Medical-grade skincare recommendations

Once active acne is more controlled, treatments like RF Microneedling, Fraxel or Dermapen Microneedling may be introduced to address lingering acne scars and texture concerns.

For more severe or persistent acne, medical assessment or prescription management may also be recommended.

Many acne scars can be managed with non-surgical treatments, particularly when scarring is mild to moderate. However, severe, deeply tethered or complex scars may require a more advanced treatment approach.

In some cases, referral to Dr Chris Moss may be appropriate for assessment and discussion of specialist-led treatment options, including Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing or other advanced procedures.

A professional consultation can help determine whether non-surgical treatment is likely to provide sufficient improvement or whether a surgical opinion may be beneficial.

The most suitable acne scar treatment depends on several factors, including:

• Whether your scars are red, pigmented, shallow or deeply pitted
• Your skin type and sensitivity
• Presence of active acne
• Downtime preferences
• Budget and long-term goals
• Medical history and previous treatments

Because acne scarring is highly individual, the best first step is a professional skin consultation. Your clinician can assess your skin and create a tailored treatment plan using the most appropriate options, which may include RF Microneedling, Fraxel, Excel V Laser, Dermapen Microneedling or Customised Skin Peels.