Acne Scars: Understanding Your Treatment Options

Is it a scar or a mark left after acne?

A flat patch of redness or pigmentation is not the same as an indentation or raised scar. More than one change can be present. Describing the colour, texture and timing is more useful than choosing a treatment from a photograph online.

Different scars can need different approaches

Indented scars may be described as rolling, boxcar or ice-pick scars. Raised scars need a different assessment. One person can have a mixture, so one procedure may not address every area in the same way.

What should an assessment consider?

Discuss current breakouts, your skin tone, previous pigment changes, scarring history, medicines and earlier treatments. Explain what bothers you most and the recovery time you can manage. Active acne may need medical management before a scar procedure is considered.

Seek medical advice for ongoing painful acne, raised or changing scars, uncertain skin changes or symptoms affecting your wellbeing. My BioHealth does not replace diagnosis or specialist dermatology care.

What are the options for acne scars?

Skin care and treatment of active acne

Protecting your skin and addressing ongoing acne can be part of the plan. Medical advice may be needed. Skin care for discolouration is a different discussion from procedures for structural scars.

Skin needling and fractional laser

These are procedures that may be discussed for selected texture and scar concerns. Suitability, recovery and treatment risks matter. Neither promises complete scar removal. Read our comparison of skin needling and fractional CO₂ laser and the individual skin needling appointment information.

Specialist approaches outside our clinic

Dermatologists may consider other approaches for particular scars, including procedures that release tethered scars or treat individual deep scars. These are not presented as My BioHealth services. A referral or a different provider may be the appropriate next step.

What results and risks should you discuss?

Improvement is individual, and scars may remain visible. Ask how progress would be assessed, whether more than one approach might be needed and what follow-up involves. Procedures can involve discomfort, redness, swelling, infection, pigment changes or further scarring. Recovery and risk depend on the procedure and your circumstances.

A brighter-looking complexion or temporary redness change is not proof that structural scarring has improved. Compare photographs taken consistently and review the plan with your treating practitioner.

Discuss your skin at My BioHealth in Campbellfield

You do not need to decide between a laser and skin needling before asking for advice. Tell our team what you are noticing, what you hope to change and whether you have already sought medical advice. We can explain our consultation pathway and where another assessment may be more appropriate.

My BioHealth is based in Campbellfield, welcoming visitors from surrounding areas including Broadmeadows, Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park. Check the clinic location and ask about a skin consultation. Preparation, suitability and costs are discussed before proceeding.

Common questions

Can all acne scars be completely removed?

No treatment can promise that. Discuss realistic goals for the type of change being assessed.

Should I book a treatment if I still have breakouts?

Ask for advice first. Active acne and other skin conditions may change suitability or require medical care before a procedure.

Does red light replace scar resurfacing?

These are different discussions. Do not assume evidence about skin appearance or wellbeing establishes correction of indented or raised scars. Our Red Light Therapy for skin page explains its role and limitations.

Sources and further reading

DermNet: acne scar types, assessment and treatment approaches · TGA: microneedling precautions · Mayo Clinic: acne-scar treatment options.