Acne Scarring
The breakouts may have stopped, but the marks remain. Acne scarring takes time and consistent treatment to improve — but real, visible change is possible.
What's actually happening
Acne scars form when the skin's repair process after inflammation doesn't go quite right. During breakouts, the skin is damaged — and how it heals determines whether you're left with smooth skin or lasting marks.
The degree of scarring often depends on the severity of the original acne, how it was treated (or not), and individual healing tendencies. Picking at spots definitely makes things worse — but even carefully managed acne can leave scars.
How scars form
When acne causes inflammation deep in the skin, the body rushes to repair the damage. This repair process involves collagen — the structural protein that gives skin its strength.
Too little collagen → depressed scars (the tissue doesn't fill in properly)
Too much collagen → raised scars or keloids (excess tissue builds up)
The type of scar you develop depends on your skin type, genetics, the type of acne you had, and how your body heals.
The types you might see
Ice pick scars — Deep, narrow, pitted scars that look like the skin has been punctured. Often on cheeks.
Boxcar scars — Wider, with defined edges. They look like rectangular depressions with sharp sides.
Rolling scars — Broad depressions with sloping edges that create a wave-like appearance.
Hypertrophic scars — Raised scars that stay within the boundary of the original wound.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — Dark marks left after acne. Technically not a scar, but often grouped with scarring. More common in darker skin tones.
Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) — Red or pink marks from damaged capillaries. Common in lighter skin tones.
What determines the outcome
Several factors affect both scar formation and how well scars respond to treatment:
- Depth of original damage — deeper inflammation tends to leave more significant scars
- Skin type — darker skin tones are more prone to PIH; some skin types scar more easily
- Genetics — some people are more prone to keloids or hypertrophic scarring
- Treatment history — early intervention with active acne can reduce scarring
- Time since formation — older scars are generally more established, but still treatable
How Eden approaches acne scarring
Acne scar treatment is a gradual process. We're essentially encouraging your skin to remodel itself — to produce new collagen, to smooth out depressions, to fade discolouration. This takes time and usually multiple approaches working together.
Active acne first
There's no point treating scars while you're still creating new ones. If you have active breakouts, we address those first before focusing on scarring.
Combination approach
Different scar types respond to different treatments. Most people benefit from a combination of approaches working at different levels of the skin.
Progressive improvement
Each treatment session builds on the last. Results are cumulative — you'll see gradual improvement over your treatment series.
Treatments we use
ECIT Skin Needling
The cornerstone of our scar treatment. Creates controlled micro-channels that stimulate your skin's natural collagen production. Effective for ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars.
Learn moreClinical Peels
Accelerate cell turnover and help with surface texture and pigmentation. Often used alongside needling for comprehensive improvement.
Learn moreIPL for Redness
Targets the red marks (PIE) left after acne by addressing damaged capillaries. Helps even skin tone.
Learn moreHealite II LED
Supports collagen production and accelerates healing between treatments. Often used as part of a combination protocol.
Learn morePigmentation Treatments
For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — the dark marks — we use targeted brightening approaches alongside scar treatments.
Learn moreWhat to expect
Scar remodelling is slow. It takes 3-6 months for new collagen to mature, and multiple treatment sessions to see significant change.
First consultation: We assess your scarring type, severity, and skin condition. We'll discuss realistic expectations and create a treatment plan.
Treatment series: Most people need 4-6 skin needling sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Some scars need more.
First visible changes: Usually around treatments 3-4, you'll start noticing texture improvement. Photos help — day-to-day changes are subtle.
Full results: 6-12 months after completing your treatment series, as collagen continues to mature.
Maintenance: Some people choose ongoing treatments to maintain and continue improvement.
The home care factor
Home care supports your professional treatments:
Vitamin A (retinol) — Stimulates cell turnover and collagen production. We'll recommend an appropriate strength.
Vitamin C — Supports collagen synthesis and helps with pigmentation.
Niacinamide — Helps with texture and post-inflammatory marks.
Sunscreen — Essential. UV exposure can darken PIH and interfere with healing.
We'll phase these in appropriately — some actives need to be stopped before and after certain treatments.
Is this you?
You might benefit from acne scar treatment if...
- Your acne has cleared, but you're left with textured, uneven skin
- You have visible pitting or indentations from past breakouts
- Dark or red marks from acne take months to fade
- Makeup sits unevenly because of skin texture
- You feel self-conscious about your skin's surface even though breakouts have stopped
- You've been told nothing can be done for scars (this often isn't true)
I finally got my acne under control but now I'm left with all these marks. I want to do something about it properly, not waste money on things that don't work.
These scars affect my confidence. I need a realistic plan — what can actually be improved, and how long will it take?
Related concerns
Ready to work on your scarring?
Acne scar treatment requires a considered approach. We'll assess your scarring properly, discuss what's realistic, and create a plan that works for your skin and your life.
Prefer to chat first? Call us on 02 9550 1777