Acne Scars Treatment

Acne-related inflammation can damage deeper layers of the skin, leading to a range of scar types. In clinical practice, the most commonly encountered acne scars include:

  • Ice-pick scars
  • Boxcar scars
  • Rolling scars
  • Raised scars (hypertrophic or keloid)
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin)

Acne and acne scarring are dermatological conditions. In selected patients, treatment may be provided in a medical setting following appropriate assessment by qualified clinicians. Treatment suitability and outcomes vary between individuals depending on scar type, skin type, and overall health.

We frequently see patients who have previously undergone non-medical treatments with limited improvement. Acne scarring often requires medical assessment and a tailored treatment approach.

At MedAesthetics, Dr Jadoon has been treating acne scars since 2008. We assess each patient’s concerns and consider the available treatments according to their clinical needs, skin type, medical history and recovery time limitations.

Treatment options available at MedAesthetics in Perth include:

Acne Scar Treatment Cost

From $600 - $2400 per session

The cost associated with Acne Scar Treatment depends upon the type and extent of the scarring. Each patient is unique and requires a different treatment regimen. This is assessed during the initial consultation with the treating doctor. A treatment is mapped out for each client and the cost can be assessed at this time. The best option is to book a consultation for personalised advice.

What Acne Scar Treatment Involves

Treatment Areas

  • Cheeks
  • Temples
  • Lower face
  • Forehead
  • Back or Shoulders
  • Hips (Buttocks)

Common Names

  • Acne Scar revision
  • Acne Scar reduction
  • Laser scar treatment
  • Skin resurfacing for scars
  • Subcision for acne scars

How Acne Scar Treatment Works

Acne scar management targets the structural changes beneath and within the skin that cause depressions and uneven texture.

Treatment Options for Acne Scars at MedAesthetics
Fractional CO₂ Laser Resurfacing

Fractional CO₂ laser treatment creates controlled microscopic zones of injury within the skin. The healing response stimulates collagen remodelling and may improve the appearance of selected depressed scars, uneven texture and scar edges.

The treatment settings and coverage are determined by the clinical assessment, skin type and anticipated recovery period. Potential risks include infection, scarring, changes in pigmentation and prolonged redness.

Subcision

Subcision is a minor procedure that releases fibrous bands beneath selected depressed scars. These bands can tether the skin downwards, contributing to an uneven surface.

By releasing the attachments, the procedure may allow the depressed area to lift. It is particularly considered for suitable rolling scars and may be combined with other treatments where clinically appropriate.

Micro Fat Grafting

Micro fat grafting involves harvesting a small amount of the patient’s own fat, processing it and placing it into selected areas of tissue deficiency.

It may be considered when acne scarring is associated with localised volume loss or contour irregularities. Suitability depends on the distribution of the scars, available donor tissue and individual clinical factors.

TCA CROSS (50%, 80%, 100%)

TCA CROSS is a focal chemical reconstruction technique in which a clinician applies a chemical solution to selected scars, commonly narrow ice-pick scars.

The controlled response encourages collagen remodelling within the treated area. Several sessions may be needed, and treatment requires careful selection because irritation and changes in pigmentation can occur.

Dermapen Skin Needling

Dermapen skin needling uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen and elastin, which may improve skin texture and the appearance of scars. Multiple sessions may be required.

Minor Scar Excision

Selected deep, well-defined scars may be assessed for minor surgical revision. This involves removing the scar tissue and closing the area, where appropriate.

Scar excision creates a new surgical wound and may leave a linear scar. It is considered only when the expected benefits, limitations and risks are appropriate for the individual.

Combination Treatment Planning 

Acne scars frequently have more than one underlying feature. For example, a patient may have tethered rolling scars alongside narrow ice-pick scars and broader areas of uneven texture.

In these circumstances, a combination approach may be considered. Depending on the clinical findings, this could involve subcision, TCA-Cross, fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing and micro fat grafting.

Treatments may be performed in stages rather than all at once. The sequence and interval between sessions depend on healing, skin response and the specific procedures selected. We discuss the rationale, expected limitations, alternatives, potential risks and likely recovery requirements before proceeding.

Acne Scar Treatment Sessions, Recovery & Aftercare

We generally recommend an initial course of 3–5 treatment sessions over 6–12 months, depending on your individual treatment plan.

The number and spacing of sessions depend on the type and severity of scarring, the treatment method selected and your individual response.

Each procedure takes approximately 15-45 minutes. The exact time depends on the extent of scarring and treatment being performed.

Sensation varies between patients — a strong topical numbing cream is applied before treatment. Patients having subcision done also require a local anaesthetic injection. Pain management is discussed at your consultation.

Allow approximately 7–14 days for localised redness and scabbing following certain acne scar treatments. Recovery varies depending on the procedures performed, their intensity and your individual healing response.

TCA Cross, subcision and fractional laser resurfacing have different recovery requirements. In selected cases, these treatments may be combined in a single session, which can influence the overall healing period. Your clinician will explain the expected downtime and aftercare requirements before treatment.

Most patients are able to see visible results in as little as a single treatment session. Improvement develops progressively as the skin heals and collagen remodels.

Improvements in scar contour and texture are usually long-lasting, although the skin continues to age and results vary between individuals. Ongoing acne activity and other skin changes may affect the overall appearance

Most light activities can be resumed immediately, depending on the treatment performed. Avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sweating and swimming for the first 24–48 hours, or as advised by your clinician. Protect the treated area from direct sunlight throughout healing and follow your recommended sun-protection and aftercare instructions.

Keep the treated area clean and follow your clinician’s wound-care instructions. Apply the recommended post-treatment cream during the healing stage as directed. Do not pick, scratch or peel scabs, as this may delay healing and increase the risk of infection, pigmentation changes and scarring.

Avoid strenuous exercise, swimming and excessive heat for the advised period. Protect healing skin from direct sunlight. Avoid exfoliants and irritating skincare products until the skin has healed. Contact the clinic if you experience worsening pain, increasing redness or other unexpected symptoms.

What to Know Before Booking Acne Scar Treatment

  1. Consultation and Assessment – We assess your acne scars, skin type, medical history and previous treatments to determine suitable options.
  2. Clinical Photography and Consent – Clinical photographs may be taken before treatment, with your informed consent, to document your baseline skin condition and assist with treatment planning.
  3. Skin Preparation – The skin is cleansed, and preparation and anaesthesia are provided as required for the selected procedure.
  4. Treatment – The selected treatment is performed according to your scar type, skin condition and individual treatment plan.
  5. Post-Treatment Care – The skin is assessed, and personalised aftercare instructions are provided, including guidance on skincare, sun protection and recovery.
  6. Follow-Up – Review appointments help assess healing and progress and determine whether additional or alternative treatments may be appropriate.

Choosing an appropriately qualified and experienced provider is important, as acne scars vary in type, depth and severity and may require different treatment approaches.

  • Relevant Clinical Experience – Look for experience assessing and treating different types of acne scarring.
  • Knowledge of Treatment Options – Your provider should understand techniques such as fractional laser resurfacing, TCA CROSS and subcision, including their suitability, limitations and risks.
  • Individualised Treatment Planning – Treatment should be selected according to your scar pattern, skin type, medical history and treatment goals.
  • Clear Expectations and Risk Discussion – Ensure the consultation covers potential improvement, recovery time, possible complications and alternative options.
  • Appropriate Aftercare and Follow-Up – Choose a provider who offers clear healing instructions and monitors your progress throughout the treatment course.
  • Extensive Clinical Experience – Dr Jadoon has been performing Acne scars treatments since 2008. We have extensive experience assessing and treating different types of acne scarring.
  • Multiple Treatment Modalities – Depending on your scar type and suitability, treatment options may include fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing, TCA-Cross, subcision, scar excision and micro fat grafting. 
  • Combination Treatment Planning – Where appropriate, different techniques may be combined or staged to address different scar patterns.
  • Medical Supervision – Treatments are supervised by Dr Ehsan Jadoon, with individual assessment and attention to patient safety.
  • Personalised Care and Follow-Up – We provide tailored aftercare guidance and follow-up to monitor healing and assess progress throughout your treatment course.

Our Perth Acne Scar Treatment Team

The clinical team at MedAesthetics is at the forefront of addressing the entire spectrum of cosmetic facial rejuvenation, anti-ageing, hair restoration, laser and cosmetic surgery.

Acne Scar Treatment FAQs

As mentioned above, there are several types of acne scars and no single treatment can effectively treat all types on its own. At Medaesthetics, we offer the entire spectrum of medical and laser treatments to address any type of acne scars. Most commonly performed treatments are:

  • Subcision
  • TCA Cross (50% TCA)
  • Skin needling with PRP
  • Fractional CO2 Laser
  • Micro Fat Grafting
  • Dermal Fillers (for depressed rolling scars)
  • Steroid injections (for raised scars)
  • Combination Therapy

At Medaesthetics, we assess different types of acne scarring to determine which treatment options may be appropriate.

  • Ice Pick Scars – Narrow, deep scars that extend into the skin.
  • Boxcar Scars – Depressed scars with more defined edges and a broad base.
  • Rolling Scars – Shallow, uneven depressions often caused by fibrous bands beneath the skin.
  • Raised (Hypertrophic Scars) –

    Raised scars caused by excess scar tissue, which remain within the boundaries of the original acne lesion.

  • Mixed Acne Scarring – A combination of scar types that may require different treatment approaches.

The extent to which acne scars can be corrected depends on their type, depth and severity. Mild to moderate scarring may improve to the point where scars are no longer visibly noticeable. Deeper or more extensive scars are generally more difficult to correct completely, although treatment may significantly improve their appearance.

Most treatments are tolerated well by the patients. We use high strength topical anaesthetic cream and local anaesthesia micro-injections to numb the treatment area before each treatment.

This depends upon the size and depth of the scars and the treatment modalities used. We use Ultra-Strong Numbing creams and, if required, local anaesthetic injections to numb the skin. Most patients tolerate the treatments extremely well and are pleasantly surprised how little the treatments hurt.

On average, the initial healing phase (where the treated areas of the skin are red and swollen) lasts for the first five to seven days.

Unlike most other clinics (where the entire skin surface is treated with lasers or peels), at Medaesthetics, we only treat the actual scars, leaving the healthy skin alone.

Our CO2 Lasers have adjustable spot sizes to precisely treat each individual scar no matter how big or small. Other treatments we perform, such as TCA Cross, Subcision and Micro-fat grafting also target each individual scar, not the entire skin.

This precise treatment of the scars greatly reduces any discomfort and costs associated with the treatment and significantly reduces the recovery time.

Some visible improvement may occur within 4–5 weeks after the first treatment, with further changes developing over the following months as collagen remodelling continues.

We generally recommend an initial course of 3–5 treatment sessions over 6–12 months, depending on the type and severity of scarring and the treatment approach selected. The number of sessions required varies between individuals, and deeper or more extensive scars may require additional treatments.

Deeper scars may need five or more treatment sessions over a period of twelve to eighteen months for up to 80% improvement.

All treatments performed at MedAesthetics, come with our unique Results-Guarantee if the patient is able to follow the treatment plan we devise.

Pricing starts from $600 per session for TCA-Cross and $800 per session for Fractional CO2 laser treatments.

The exact cost of your acne scars treatment will depend on the type and severity of scarring, the treatment methods required and the number of sessions recommended. On average, a person requiring a combination treatment therapy may spend $1200 to $1800 per session for moderate to severe scars on cheeks and temples/ forehead area. 

At Medaesthetics, we provide an indicative cost guide during your consultation, based on your individual skin concerns and treatment needs. If a combination of treatments is recommended, we will explain the anticipated costs and treatment schedule before proceeding, so you can make an informed decision without pressure.

Your treatment plan is tailored to your needs, and you can discuss the available options and costs with your clinician before deciding how to proceed.

Make an enquiry

Unsure which treatment is right for you?
We’ll talk you through it.

Your experience starts with a personalised consultation. Our clinical team will take the time to understand your concerns, discuss suitable options, and guide you towards a decision that feels considered and comfortable.

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