Close-up of womens face with acne scarring on cheeks.


Acne Scarring

Long after active acne has settled, scarring can persist and for many patients it can be just as distressing as the acne itself. Acne scars develop when inflammation disrupts the normal healing process of the skin, affecting collagen, elastin, blood vessels, and surface skin remodelling.

The risk of scarring varies between individuals and can be influenced by skin type, genetics, severity of inflammation, secondary infection, and previous treatments. Early assessment and intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes, as the skin has the greatest capacity for repair while active remodelling is still occurring.

Not all acne scars are the same, and they present in a variety of ways including rolling scars atrophic scars, post inflammatory redness,  so identifying what type you have, will allow us to determine what treatment modality will work for you. At Gold Coast Dermatology Clinic our practitioners assess the type, depth, and behaviour of your scars using clinical examination and imaging where appropriate. Treatment involves a tailored combination approach rather than a single procedure.

After determining the most appropriate plan, treatment may include:

  • Prescription skin care and medical acne control

  • Chemical peels

  • Microneedling with or without radiofrequency

  • Broadband light therapy or vascular laser for redness

  • Fractional ablative or resurfacing laser

  • Subcision for tethered scars

  • Steroid injections for hypertrophic or cystic scars.

Please see below for more information about the treatments offered in clinic:

Do you need your acne scarring treated?