Acne is a common, multi-factorial inflammatory skin condition. It typically appears as raised red lesions (pimples or papules) that can contain fluid such as lipids and pus, and is often accompanied by comedones (blackheads), milia (whiteheads), excess oil, dead skin cells and dry, flaky skin.
Acne can affect males and females from the teenage years well into adulthood, and has many contributing factors — including hormones, medication, diet and lifestyle, weather, skin care or make-up, and genetics.
Treating acne and residual scarring
There are many treatment options that can help reduce and manage acne, but even when acne clears, some residual scarring is common. The most common types of acne scarring are atrophic (pock marks), hypertrophic (raised) and pigmented (coloured) scarring. How any individual scar responds to treatment varies from person to person, and not all scarring can be fully removed — the realistic aim is usually to improve the appearance of scarring rather than erase it.
Types of Treatments for Acne Scarring
At MedAesthetics we offer several treatments for acne scarring. Which treatment suits you, and how many sessions you may need, depends on your skin, the type and depth of your scarring, and how you respond individually — this is determined at an assessment with a qualified practitioner. Individual results vary, and each of the treatments below carries some risks, which are discussed with you before you start.
Skin Needling
Skin needling uses fine, disposable micro-needles that pass across the skin while a serum is applied. We choose the serum based on the type of scarring and the condition of the skin. The controlled micro-injury is intended to prompt the skin’s own repair response — cell turnover and collagen stimulation — alongside the hydration, vitamins and minerals in the serum. We often finish with LED Healite to support healing. Redness is common in the first day or two, and some people experience minor pinpoint bleeding or swelling; results build gradually over the following weeks.
Laser Genesis
Laser Genesis targets pigment in acne scarring while also stimulating collagen, and is often used for the redness in scarring, broken capillaries or diffuse redness. A full-face treatment takes around 30 minutes. Comfort during any laser treatment varies between individuals, and temporary redness or warmth in the treated area is common afterwards.
Venus Viva MD Skin Resurfacing
Venus Viva MD Skin Resurfacing uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to create a controlled inflammatory response in the skin, which can help reduce atrophic (pock-mark) scarring. We usually treat only the affected areas, though the full face can be treated if appropriate, and a TCA CROSS peel is sometimes combined in the same session for more pronounced scarring. Expect some redness, swelling and a temporary grid-like pattern on the skin for a few days, and factor in short-term downtime.
Revlite Laser
The Revlite laser is often considered for pigmented acne scarring, where scarring has left darker pigment. It targets pigment in the cells to break the colouring down gradually, while also supporting collagen and elastin production. A treatment takes around 15 minutes. As with any laser, temporary redness in the treated area is common, results develop over a course of sessions, and how your skin responds is individual.
Scar Reduction Program
Our Scar Reduction Program combines several treatment modalities to address a range of scar types. Each treatment works by breaking down scar tissue and encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin. The program is tailored to your scarring, and the number and combination of treatments is decided with you — results vary between individuals and develop over time.
Talk to the professionals for treatment suited to you
We recommend a consultation with our qualified dermal clinicians to work out which treatment is appropriate for you, how many sessions may be needed, what recovery involves, and the likely cost. We carry out a full skin analysis and can suggest cosmeceutical-grade skin care to support your treatment. Having any cosmetic treatment is a considered decision, and we’ll talk through the benefits, limitations and risks so you can make an informed choice.
To book a consultation at our Perth clinic, call us on (08) 9381 5840. We’ll take the time to understand your individual skin concerns and put together a treatment plan suited to them.
