Acne Scar Treatment
Addressing acne scars early can help improve overall skin quality and prevent long-term changes from becoming more noticeable over time.
Acne scars are a common concern after inflammatory or severe acne and can appear as indentations, raised areas, uneven skin texture, redness or pigmentation marks. While active acne may clear over time, breakouts that cause inflammation can affect the skin’s natural healing process, leaving behind changes to the skin’s texture, appearance and structure.
Book an acne scar consultation with our team to discuss personalised treatment options for improving acne scars, uneven skin texture and overall skin quality.
What are acne scars?
Acne scars are changes to the skin that remain after acne has healed. They develop when inflammation from acne breakouts damages the deeper layers of the skin and affects the way the skin produces collagen during the healing process.
When acne becomes inflamed, particularly with deeper pimples, nodules or cysts, the skin may not repair itself evenly. This can result in changes to the skin’s structure and lead to different types of acne scarring, including indented scars, raised scars, uneven skin texture, redness or changes in pigmentation.
Acne scars can vary significantly between individuals. Some people experience small indentations in the skin, while others may notice uneven texture, raised scars or persistent marks after acne has resolved.
Unlike active acne, acne scars usually require targeted treatments that focus on improving skin texture, stimulating collagen production and supporting skin regeneration.
What causes acne scars?
Acne scars are more likely to develop when acne causes significant inflammation and damage beneath the skin’s surface. Factors that can increase the likelihood of acne scarring include:
• Severe or inflammatory acne
Deep acne lesions, including nodules and cysts, create more inflammation within the skin and have a higher risk of causing permanent changes.
• Delayed acne treatment
Leaving inflammatory acne untreated for longer periods may increase the chance of scarring developing.
• Picking or squeezing pimples
Manipulating acne lesions can increase inflammation and interfere with the skin’s natural healing process.
• Genetics
Some people are more prone to developing certain types of scars due to how their skin produces collagen during healing.
• Skin healing response
Everyone’s skin repairs itself differently. Some individuals may produce too little collagen, resulting in indented scars, while others may produce excess collagen, leading to raised scars.
Types of Acne Scars
Indented (Atrophic) Acne Scars
Indented acne scars are the most common type of acne scarring. They develop when inflammation damages collagen beneath the skin, leaving small depressions or uneven skin texture.
- Ice Pick Scars – Deep, narrow scars that extend into the skin.
- Boxcar Scars – Wider scars with defined edges that may be shallow or deep.
- Rolling Scars – Broad depressions that create a soft, wave-like appearance.
Raised Acne Scars
Raised acne scars occur when the skin produces excess collagen during the healing process. These scars are less common than indented acne scars and include hypertrophic scars (raised scars that remain within the original acne lesion) and keloid scars (raised scars that extend beyond the original area of skin injury).
Post-Acne Marks
Not all marks left after acne are true scars. Many people notice lingering red or brown marks after a breakout has healed. These changes, known as post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are caused by inflammation and often fade gradually over time.
When should you seek treatment for acne scars?
If acne has left changes to your skin’s texture, appearance or overall skin quality, a consultation with our experienced team can help assess your concerns and determine the most suitable treatment options.
It may be time to seek professional acne scar treatment if:
- Acne has left indented, raised or uneven scars.
- Skin texture has changed following previous acne breakouts.
- Red or brown marks remain long after acne has healed.
- Skincare has not improved the appearance of acne scars.
- Acne scars are becoming more noticeable over time.
- You’re considering laser acne scar treatment, skin resurfacing or other professional treatment options.
At Perth Cosmetic Dermatology, our team will assess your skin, identify the type of acne scarring present and recommend a personalised treatment plan based on your skin type, concerns and treatment goals.
What acne scar treatment options are available?
Our experienced practitioners assess each patient’s acne scars individually to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Treatment options may include:
- Laser Resurfacing Treatments
- Fractional Laser Treatments
- Skin Needling
- Chemical Skin Peels
- Vascular Laser
- Combination Treatments
A tailored combination approach may be recommended to address different aspects of acne scarring, including texture, pigmentation and overall skin quality. Come in for a consultation to learn more today.
Start Your Acne Scar Treatment Journey
Book a consultation with our team at Perth Cosmetic Dermatology to assess your acne scars and explore personalised treatment options designed to improve skin texture, tone and overall appearance.
WHERE TO FIND US
Hollywood Medical Centre, Suite 60/85 Monash Avenue Nedlands, Western Australia 6009
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday | 9am – 4pm
P: 08 6166 3704
E: admin@cosmeticderm.com.au
Enter through the front door and walk straight ahead to the elevators. Take the elevators up to Level 2. When you exit the elevators, turn left and follow the corridor around the corner (we are located along the corridor).