Acne Scarring Treatment Adelaide — Options Explained

Acne scarring is usually managed with a combination of treatments chosen for the scar type, such as skin needling, RF microneedling, fractional laser or chemical peels, often over several months. Active acne should be controlled first. Improvement is usually gradual and partial, so a skin assessment with a qualified practitioner is the right starting point.

Acne scarring can be challenging to treat because no single treatment suits every scar type. A sensible approach starts with identifying the type of scarring you have, then discussing which options suit that pattern, your skin type and your circumstances.

Scar types you might have

Atrophic scars (depressed) — the most common adult presentation, with three sub-types:

• Rolling scars — broad, shallow depressions with sloping edges
• Boxcar scars — broader, with sharper edges
• Ice-pick scars — narrow, deep, vertical scars

Hypertrophic / keloid scars — raised scars (less common from facial acne; more common from chest or back acne)

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — brown marks left after acne. These are not technically scars and are often confused with scarring. PIH often fades over time with sun protection and skincare; textural scars generally don’t.

Options often discussed for each type

Scar type	Options a practitioner may discuss
Rolling scars	RF microneedling, subcision
Boxcar scars	RF microneedling, fractional laser
Ice-pick scars	TCA CROSS, surgical excision
Hypertrophic / keloid	Medical treatments your GP or dermatologist may discuss, vascular laser
PIH	Skincare, light peels, sometimes laser

Treatment options in Adelaide

RF microneedling

Often one of the first options discussed for atrophic acne scarring. It combines fine needles with radiofrequency heat delivered into the deeper skin to stimulate collagen remodelling. It is usually a course of several sessions spaced weeks apart; your practitioner will advise. Adelaide cost: $500–$1,200 per session.

Subcision

A procedure in which a practitioner releases the fibrous bands that tether a scar down, most often discussed for rolling scars. Suitability, risks (such as bruising and swelling) and cost should be explained at consultation.

Fractional laser

Ablative or non-ablative fractional lasers create microscopic treatment columns in the skin to stimulate collagen turnover. Ablative fractional laser involves a real recovery period, which can include several days of redness, swelling and peeling. Recovery varies; your practitioner will explain what to expect. Adelaide cost: $600–$1,500 per session, usually as part of a course your practitioner will advise on.

TCA CROSS

A technique where a concentrated trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solution is applied precisely into individual ice-pick scars to prompt a localised healing response. It is usually repeated over several months. Ask your practitioner about suitability and pigmentation risk for your skin type.

Combination plans

Many practitioners combine approaches — for example, RF microneedling for general texture alongside targeted techniques for specific scars. Ask for the full plan, number of sessions and total cost in writing before you start.

If you’d also like to discuss concerns such as volume loss, they can be raised at a facial consultation.

What is unlikely to help on its own

• Skin needling alone (without RF) — usually a modest effect on deeper scarring; often used for maintenance
• Light chemical peels alone — limited effect on textural scarring (more relevant to PIH)
• HydraFacial — a surface treatment; not a scar treatment
• Skincare alone — limited effect on established atrophic scars (helpful for PIH)

Realistic expectations

Acne scar treatment aims for improvement, not elimination. How much change you see depends on scar type, depth, skin type and how your skin heals — your practitioner should give you an honest assessment rather than a promise. Some people with severe scarring are referred to a specialist for surgical options.

Collagen remodelling takes months after each session, so changes typically develop gradually over a longer period.

Risks and suitability

All of these treatments carry risks, including redness, swelling, bruising, infection, pigment change (darkening or lightening) and, rarely, further scarring. People with active acne, a recent course of certain acne medicines, a history of keloid scarring, darker skin types or some medical conditions may need a different plan or a delay. Recovery varies; your practitioner will explain what to expect.

For darker skin types, practitioners often discuss RF microneedling ahead of ablative laser because of the risk of pigment change — ask how your skin type affects the options.

Before you book

• If the person treating you is a registered health practitioner, check their registration on the Ahpra public register and ask what type of registration they hold. For device-based treatments, ask about their training on the specific device.
• Ask about all your options, including skincare, other treatments and doing nothing.
• Ask for the full cost, including any course of sessions, in writing.
• Take time to think — you don’t need to decide on the day.
• Cosmetic consultations are for adults (18+).

Request a consultation

Tell us what you’d like to discuss and we’ll get back to you within 24–48 hours to arrange a no-obligation consultation. Requesting a consultation is free and there’s no obligation; any consultation fee is confirmed before you book.

Request a consultation

See also: skin needling, skin needling vs RF microneedling, Skin & Laser Treatments.

Frequently asked questions

Can acne scars be removed completely?

Usually not. Most treatments aim to improve the appearance of scarring gradually, and results vary from person to person. A practitioner can explain what is realistic for your scar type and skin.

Should I treat active acne before scarring?

Generally, yes. Active acne can keep creating new marks and scars, so getting it under control comes first. Your GP or a dermatologist can discuss medical treatment for active acne.

Is skin needling good for acne scars?

Skin needling and RF microneedling are often discussed for atrophic (depressed) acne scars. Whether they suit you depends on your scar type, skin type and any active acne. See our skin needling page and ask your practitioner about risks and the number of sessions.

How long does acne scar treatment take?

It is commonly a course of sessions over several months, sometimes combining more than one approach. Your practitioner will give you a plan with the expected number of sessions and the total cost in writing.