Treatment options for acne scarring
Options worth exploring
For acne scarring, treatment options generally focus on stimulating collagen remodelling. The most appropriate approach depends on scar type, depth, skin type and individual assessment.
Skin Needling
Creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate the skin's own collagen remodelling process.
RF Microneedling
Combines radiofrequency energy with fine needling to stimulate collagen deeper in the skin.
Resurfacing Peels
Deeper peel-based treatments aimed at improving surface texture and tone.
Resurfacing Treatments
Broader category of treatments aimed at improving skin texture and surface quality over a course of sessions.
Fluorescent Light Energy Therapy
A non-invasive treatment that uses fluorescent light energy and may be considered for inflammatory skin concerns such as acne.
Compare options
| Treatment | What it targets | Downtime | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Needling | Creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate the skin's own collagen remodelling process. | Short | Response varies by scar type. Rolling and some shallow boxcar scars may respond differently from deep boxcar or ice-pick scars. |
| RF Microneedling | Combines radiofrequency energy with fine needling to stimulate collagen deeper in the skin. | Minimal | Response varies significantly by scar depth and skin condition, assessed individually. |
| Resurfacing Peels | Deeper peel-based treatments aimed at improving surface texture and tone. | Varies | Generally less effective for deeper, indented scarring than collagen-remodelling treatments. |
| Resurfacing Treatments | Broader category of treatments aimed at improving skin texture and surface quality over a course of sessions. | Varies | Suitability depends heavily on scar type, depth and individual skin condition. |
Some skin changes should be assessed medically before considering cosmetic treatment. If a spot or lesion is new, changing, bleeding or concerning, seek assessment from an appropriate medical professional rather than using this tool.
Want to discuss your options in person?
An individual consultation can help determine which options may be appropriate for your skin.
Laser Clinics Cairns CentralThis tool provides general educational information and does not diagnose skin conditions or determine individual treatment suitability. Skin concerns can have different causes, and appropriate treatment depends on individual assessment. Seek professional medical advice for persistent, changing or concerning skin conditions.
This content is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute individual medical advice. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified health professional, who can assess your specific circumstances. Outcomes vary between individuals. Read our full medical disclaimer.