Brisbane Skin works compassionately with a wide range of patients struggling with acne in its active state, and an equal number who are eager to reduce acne scarring. For the latter group, the visible scars on their faces can be just as traumatic as a face full of pimples. Find out more about our approach to acne scar treatment.
About Acne Scars
There is a wide range of scar types, and as such, there are a number of different treatment options that should be tailored to the types of scars that you have. At Brisbane Skin, we do not use a ‘one size fits all’ model for treating acne scars. Our dermatologists pinpoint the exact type of acne scarring that you have, and subsequently develop a treatment plan to remove acne scars for good.
We treat acne scars on a daily basis with profound impact.
Types of Acne Scars
Ice Pick Scars
Ice pick scars are a localised form of deep acne scars. They are best treated with surgical modalities such as punch excision and punch elevation or by a particular technique known as TCA CROSS. TCA CROSS is a technique which utilises high concentration trichloracetic acid inserted within the scar to cause a controlled burn and scar destruction, encouraging new, more normal skin production.
Box Car Scars
These are wider and larger than ice pick scars, but are often treated in a similar manner. They are often also suitable for treatment with ablative or fractionated laser treatments, and radio frequency needling.
Keloid Scars
These are thickened scars, which are often a challenge to treat. Repeated treatments with steroid injections, combined with Pulsed dye laser or fractionated ablative and non-ablative lasers may improve these over time.
Rolling Scars
One of the most challenging types of scars to treat, rolling scars are often addressed with a combination of ablative or fractionated laser treatments, surgical release techniques such as ‘subscision’, and dermal fillers.
Mixed Scars
Many people will have a combination of the above types of scars.
Treatments for Acne Scarring
Our dermatologists use a combination of treatments to address these types of scars, tailored to each patient’s scar and skin types, downtime and comfort levels.
Chemical Peels
Chemical Peels uses agents such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to peel away the top layer of skin. The new skin that replaces it is healthier, with less visible signs of scarring.
Rejuran S Treatment
Rejuran S is specifically designed to improve the appearance of acne scars by stimulating collagen production and accelerating skin repair. Its unique formula promotes healing from within, reducing the depth and visibility of scars for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Unlike other treatments, Rejuran S works at a cellular level, enhancing the skin’s natural regenerative processes. This targeted approach helps to restore skin texture and tone, making it an effective solution for those looking to minimise acne scarring and achieve a more even complexion.
TCA CROSS
At Brisbane Skin, we also offer TCA CROSS, a particular form of localised peel, whereby TCA is inserted into icepick and small box car scars. This is a weekend downtime procedure that helps shallow out deeper scars over a series of treatments.
Subscision
Subscision is a surgical technique that is utilised to release scars bound down to underlying tissue. This is performed under local anaesthetic and generally has no down time.
RadioFrequency (RF) Needling
At Brisbane Skin, we utilise two RF needling devices, the Infini and the Endymed Intensif. These devices deliver controlled radio frequency energy through fine gold pins into columns of skin up to 3.5mm in depth, breaking down scar tissue and promoting collagen remodelling. RF needling is generally performed with anaesthetic gels and local blocks.
Fraxel Fraxinated Lasers
For many of our patients with busy lives and little time to spare, fractional resurfacing lasers may be the best solution to treat acne scars either during treatment of acne, or on completion of acne treatment.
Fractionated lasers such as Fraxel are at the forefront of acne scar treatments. Fractionated lasers treat chosen densities of tiny micro columns of skin, sparing the surrounding tissue. This enables scars to be treated at depth, but with less discomfort, quicker recovery time and less complications.
Brisbane Skin’s laser suite includes:
- Fraxel Dual
- Fraxel Re:Pair
- Sciton Joule Erbium:YAG
- Syneron Candela CO2RE
Our multi-platform laser powerhouse allows us to treat an individual scar as minimally or as aggressively as is needed to achieve smooth and even skin texture. Patients experience less discomfort, reduced risk, and virtually no downtime whatsoever in the pursuit of freedom from acne and acne scarring.
Ablative Laser
Ablative laser treatment is excellent for the revision of severe acne scars or for patients who have capacity for a longer downtime and wanting dramatic results. It is widely considered to be one of the most effective skin resurfacing techniques available today. In addition to removing damaged skin, the laser stimulates underlying skin cells to trigger collagen production, and break down scars.
The dermatologists at Brisbane Skin are some of the countries most experienced specialists in utilising Erbium:YAG and CO2 lasers for acne scar treatment. Industry leading devices, the Syneron Candela CO2RE and Sciton Joule are utilised in specialist hands for outstanding long-term outcomes.
