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ACNE SCARRING
HOW IS ACNE SCARRING TREATED?
Acne scars form when a breakout reaches the deeper, structural layers of the skin and damages the supporting tissue. This is more likely to happen with certain types of acne, particularly when inflammation is more severe or longer lasting.
As the skin works to repair the damage, new tissue forms. Sometimes, the skin doesn’t rebuild enough supporting tissue, which can leave behind indented scars (atrophic). Other times, excess scar tissue forms, resulting in raised hypertrophic or keloid scars.
Because acne scars develop in different ways and at different depths, treatment is guided by the type of scarring present and how the skin has healed.
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TYPES OF ACNE SCARS
Not all acne scars are the same. Some sit below the surface and change the skin’s texture, while others form firmer areas above the skin. Understanding the type of scarring present is an important first step when exploring acne scarring treatment options, as different scar patterns respond to different treatment approaches.
Ice pick scars
Narrow, deep scars that extend into the skin.
Boxcar scars
Broader indentations with more defined edges.
Rolling scars
Shallow, uneven depressions that create a wave-like texture.
Hypertrophic scars
Raised, firm scars that remain within the original breakout area.
Keloid scars
Raised, firm scars that extend beyond the original breakout area.
CLINICAL ACNE SCARRING TREATMENTS
Treatment begins with a consultation to closely assess your skin and the scarring patterns present. This also allows us to understand how your acne has been managed so far, and any factors that may influence how your skin responds to treatment.
From there, professional skin treatments can help to address the structural changes associated with scarring. Some treatments work closer to the surface to refine texture and tone, while others reach deeper layers to encourage new tissue formation and support longer-term skin renewal.
ACNE SCARRING BEFORE & AFTER
Treating acne scars usually involves more than one approach. Treatment plans are tailored to the type and depth of scarring, with therapies selected to support texture, tone, and skin quality over time. The results shown represent real treatment journeys and individual responses.
![Vbeam [BEFORE]](https://www.victoriandermalgroup.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/before-1-1.jpg)
![Vbeam [AFTER]](https://www.victoriandermalgroup.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/before-4-1.jpg)
CLEAR + BRILLIANT
CLEAR + BRILLIANT
SKINCARE PRODUCTS FOR ACNE SCARRING
While skincare products alone can’t remove established acne scars, they do play an important role in supporting the skin during acne scarring treatment.
Well-chosen products can help maintain skin barrier health, support healthy skin turnover, and protect the skin while it remodels. If you need guidance, our dermal clinicians can help recommend products suited to your skin condition and current treatment plan.
YOUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here, our dermal clinicians have answered some of your most frequently asked questions about our acne scar treatment.
Acne scarring is usually treated by matching different types of treatments to how the scars sit within the skin.
When scarring is more surface-level or mild, treatments like chemical peels and microneedling are often used to refresh the skin’s surface and gradually refine overall texture.
For deeper or more established scars, laser resurfacing or radiofrequency microneedling treatments can be introduced to work beneath the surface, where scarring has affected the skin’s support structure.
If scars are being held down by fibrous tissue beneath the skin, subcision may be used to release these attachments, allowing the skin to lift and remodel.
Alongside these treatments, LED light therapy is often included to help calm visible redness and support the skin as it heals. Some treatment plans may also include additional skin-support therapies to optimise skin quality and recovery.
Salicylic acid is commonly used to support exfoliation and skin clarity, particularly in acne-prone skin. While it can help support surface skin turnover and improve overall skin appearance, it does not change established acne scars that sit deeper within the skin.
Salicylic acid may be included as part of a skincare routine to support skin health alongside professional acne scarring treatments.
Acne scars are usually identified based on how they sit within the skin, such as whether they appear indented, uneven, or raised.
Because different scar types can look similar and may exist together, professional assessment is the most reliable way to determine the type of scarring present. During a consultation, a clinician can examine the skin and explain which scar patterns are present and how they may influence treatment planning.
Skincare for acne-scarred skin focuses on supporting the skin barrier, encouraging healthy skin turnover, and protecting the skin while it remodels.
The most suitable products depend on your skin type, sensitivity, and any professional treatments you’re undergoing. A clinician can help guide product selection to ensure your skincare routine complements your acne scarring treatment plan.