Acne Scarring: Why It Happens and Why It’s Treatable
Acne scarring is very common, especially for people who have had moderate to severe breakouts in their teens or early adulthood. When inflammation from acne reaches deeper layers of the skin, it can damage collagen and leave behind permanent changes in texture. The good news is that with modern, doctor-led technologies available in Sydney, acne scars can be significantly improved with the right combination of treatments. At Medical Aesthetics 360° (MA360) in Chatswood and Hurstville, we design personalised acne scar treatment plans that target multiple layers of the skin for smoother, clearer and more even-looking skin.
Types of Acne Scars We Commonly See at MA360
Not all acne scars are the same, and different scars respond to different treatments. Our doctors will first identify the scar types before recommending a plan.
• Ice-pick scars – narrow, deep, V-shaped scars that look like small ‘holes’ in the skin.
• Box-car scars – wider defects with sharp edges, often creating noticeable pits.
• Rolling scars – broad depressions with gentle slopes and an undulating surface.
• Hypertrophic scars – raised, thicker tissue that sits above the surrounding skin.
• Post-inflammatory colour changes – red, brown or dark marks that remain after acne.
Because each type forms differently, effective acne scar treatment in Sydney must be customised rather than using a single one-size-fits-all method.
Doctor-Led Acne Scar Assessment in Sydney
All acne scarring treatments at MA360 begin with a full doctor consultation. Your doctor will:
• Examine the type and depth of your scars.
• Assess skin thickness, sensitivity and overall condition.
• Decide on the best mix of technologies, intensities and treatment intervals.
Our dermal therapists then perform the treatment strictly according to the doctor’s parameters, ensuring consistency, safety and optimal outcomes. This doctor-led model is one of the reasons patients from across Sydney choose MA360 Chatswood and Hurstville for acne scar improvement.
Advanced Acne Scar Treatments Available at MA360
We use multiple evidence-based technologies to treat acne scarring at different depths of the skin. A combination approach is often the most effective.
Fractional Erbium YAG Laser (approx. 60 minutes)
This fractional resurfacing laser gently removes micro-columns of the skin surface and upper dermis. It is ideal for rolling scars, box-car scars and shallow ice-pick scars. By stimulating fresh collagen, it helps smooth rough texture and brighten dull, scarred skin.
Morpheus8 Radiofrequency Microneedling (approx. 40 minutes)
Morpheus8 combines microneedles with radiofrequency energy to remodel deeper tissue. It is particularly helpful for rolling scars, larger depressions and scars made more visible by skin laxity. Over time, the skin becomes firmer, with a more uniform texture.
Fractional CO₂ Laser (approx. 60 minutes)
For more severe or long-standing acne scarring, fractional CO₂ laser can reach deeper dermal layers. It is suitable for deeper box-car scars and significant textural irregularities. Downtime is longer but results can be more dramatic when deeper resurfacing is required.
Professional Microneedling (approx. 40 minutes)
Microneedling is a versatile option for mild to moderate atrophic scars, uneven texture and enlarged pores. It stimulates natural repair and collagen formation, helping the surface gradually become smoother.
Polynucleotide (PN) Skin Rejuvenation (approx. 30 minutes)
Polynucleotides support dermal repair, improve elasticity and enhance skin quality. They are useful for thin, fragile or dehydrated skin that needs better resilience before or after other energy-based acne scar treatments.
Volume Restoration for Atrophic Scars (approx. 30 minutes)
Some deeper rolling or box-car scars benefit from careful volume restoration under the scar base. This helps lift the depression, soften shadows and blend the scar into surrounding skin. It is often combined with lasers or radiofrequency for a comprehensive result.
Steroid Treatment for Raised Scars (approx. 10 minutes)
For thick, raised hypertrophic scars, small doses of steroid-based medication can help soften excess tissue and flatten the scar over a series of treatments.
TCA CROSS for Deep Ice-Pick Scars (approx. 20 minutes)
TCA CROSS focuses on deep, narrow ice-pick scars that many lasers cannot fully reach. High-strength TCA is placed precisely into each scar opening to trigger local collagen production. As the skin repairs, these scars become shallower and less visible.
Effectiveness, Results and What to Expect
Most patients notice improvement in skin texture and brightness within the first few weeks, with progressive changes as collagen continues to remodel over several months. Depending on scar severity and skin type, a series of sessions – usually spaced 4–8 weeks apart – is recommended for optimal results.
Typical recovery times:
• Fractional CO₂ laser: about 7–14 days of visible redness, dryness and flaking.
• Erbium YAG, Morpheus8, microneedling, polynucleotides, TCA CROSS: usually 5–7 days of mild redness, roughness or dryness.
With proper aftercare and sun protection, acne scars can be softened, shallow depressions lifted and overall texture smoothed, while still keeping the skin looking natural and healthy.
Aftercare for Best Long-Term Results
To support healing after acne scar treatments:
• Keep the skin moisturised with gentle occlusive products (e.g. silicone gel or Vaseline).
• Avoid aggressive cleansing and scrubbing for the first 48 hours.
• Do not pick or peel flaking skin.
• Protect the skin from heat and direct sun; use broad-spectrum sunscreen once the skin barrier has recovered.
Following these steps helps minimise complications and supports more even long-term results.
Why Choose MA360 in Sydney for Acne Scarring?
• Doctor-led assessment and customised parameter setting for every patient.
• A full suite of technologies – fractional lasers, radiofrequency microneedling, TCA CROSS, PN injections and more – in one clinic.
• Treatments delivered by highly trained dermal therapists under medical direction.
• Two convenient locations in Sydney: Chatswood and Hurstville.
• Focus on natural-looking, progressive improvement rather than over-aggressive resurfacing.
Whether you are searching for acne scar treatment in Sydney, or specifically in Chatswood or Hurstville, MA360 offers a structured, evidence-based pathway to smoother, clearer skin.
Ready to Treat Your Acne Scars? Book a Consultation
If acne scarring is affecting your confidence, you do not need to live with it forever. A personalised acne scar treatment plan can make a real difference to how your skin looks and feels.
We invite you to book a doctor consultation at our Chatswood or Hurstville clinic to discuss your concerns, treatment options, expected results and downtime. Together, we can design a realistic, step-by-step plan to help you achieve smoother, more refined skin.
Disclaimer
All acne scarring treatments are medical procedures and require assessment by a qualified practitioner. Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed. Potential risks include redness, swelling, bruising, pigmentation changes, infection and scarring. Your doctor will discuss suitability, risks, benefits and alternatives with you during consultation before any treatment is performed.
