Acne Scarring

This is currently the accepted gold standard in acne scarring treatment. It is more effective but has longer “down time” ie recovery time than other milder treatments. This can last from several days to two weeks. Fractional carbon dioxide lasers are ablative lasers, in that they vapourise columns of skin as well as causing thermal injury. This leads to more collagen stimulation and new skin formation leading to superior results compared to other methods. It can significantly improve the appearance of sun damaged (pigmented/wrinkled) skin as well. At Western Dermatology we use the Dinona Fractionated CO2 laser. Medicare rebates may apply for this treatment.

Can be effective for treating superficial acne scars by puncturing the skin with multiple fine needles. This stimulates collagen production and helps to lift up any ‘indented’ scars. The advantage of this treatment is the fact that it can be used on all skin types including darker skin types including Asian, Indian and African. with less risk pigmentation changes in comparison to laser treatments. Also, it penetrates very deeply so that collagen can be stimulated on deeper acne scars. It generally requires several treatments, usually on a monthly basis. Usually it takes 3 to 7 days to recover from the treatment, depending on the degree of the treatment. We use the Dermapen skin needling device at our clinics.

Is most commonly used for small indented acne scars. It involves placement of high concentrations of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) into the scar with a toothpick. This stimulates the production of new collagen and remodelling of existing collagen to fill in the acne scar. The advantage of this treatment is that it is localised to the affected area only and not the uninvolved skin.

Is also suitable for treating depressed acne scars. The size of the scar usually needs to be fairly large or deep. It involves manouvering a needle under the depressed scar thus released it from being tethered to underlying structures. This proceudre is often combined with skin needling, TCA CROSS and / or laser treatments.

Can be used to help promote collagen production and help improve mild superficial acne scarring to help raise small indentations in the skin. The advantage of this treatment is that it has only a small amount of downtime in comparison to the above treatments, however multiple treatments need to be performed. It also generally improves skin texture.

Can treat more superficial acne scarring and there is usually less down time with this treatment.

Uses radiofrequency waves to cause deep collagen stimulation in the dermis. The advantages of this treatment are the low downtime and its applicability to all skin types with minimal risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.