Acne Scarring & Skin Texture Concerns BRISBANE

A review of clinical trials published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology  found that a range of laser and energy-based treatments may improve acne scarring, with ablative lasers showing the most significant improvement in the studies reviewed. The review also noted that ablative lasers may involve longer downtime, and that treatment selection should be individualised based on scar type, skin tolerance and treatment goals.

At Injex Clinics, acne scarring treatment options may include CO₂ laser resurfacing, RF skin needling, skin needling, chemical peels and supportive skin treatments. Suitability depends on your skin type, scar type, medical history, downtime preferences and consultation findings. Individual results vary.

Skin needling uses controlled micro-injuries to support the skin’s natural repair process and stimulate collagen production. It may assist with skin texture, mild to moderate acne scarring and overall skin quality with relatively minimal downtime.

Laser treatments, such as CO₂ laser resurfacing, use targeted energy to resurface the skin and support collagen remodelling. Depending on the treatment selected, laser may be more suitable for deeper or more textured acne scars, although downtime is often greater than skin needling.

The most appropriate treatment depends on the type of acne scarring present, your skin tone, downtime preferences, treatment goals and practitioner assessment.

Neither treatment is universally better, as different acne scar types often respond differently to treatment.

Skin needling may be suitable for improving overall skin texture and supporting collagen production with minimal downtime. Laser treatments may be recommended for deeper, more established or more textured acne scars where more intensive resurfacing is appropriate.

In some cases, a combination of treatments may be recommended to address multiple scar types and treatment goals. During your consultation, your practitioner will assess your skin and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Acne scars are permanent structural changes in the skin, so complete removal is not always possible. However, many types of acne scarring can be significantly improved with the right treatment approach.

Clinical evidence shows that treatments targeting collagen remodelling — such as laser therapy, skin needling, and radiofrequency-based treatments — can lead to noticeable improvements in skin texture, depth, and overall appearance over time. A review published in Dermatologic Surgery highlights that while scars may not disappear entirely, combination treatments often produce meaningful cosmetic improvement for many patients.

At Injex Clinics, treatment goals focus on improving texture, tone, and skin quality, with realistic expectations discussed during consultation. Individual results vary.

CO₂ laser treatments can be effective for certain types of acne scarring, but they are not suitable for all skin tones. Deeper skin tones may have a higher risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation changes following aggressive laser resurfacing.

For this reason, suitability is carefully assessed during consultation. In some cases, alternative treatments such as radiofrequency microneedling or skin needling may be recommended, as these options can offer collagen stimulation with a lower risk profile for certain skin types.

Your practitioner will recommend the safest and most appropriate option based on your skin tone, scarring pattern, and treatment goals.

The number of sessions required depends on several factors, including the type of acne scars, their depth, and how the skin responds to treatment.

For many clients, a series of treatments is recommended, often ranging from 3 to 6 sessions, spaced approximately 4–6 weeks apart. This spacing allows the skin time to heal and remodel collagen between sessions. Your practitioner will outline a personalised treatment plan during your consultation and adjust it as your skin responds.

Downtime varies depending on the treatment performed.

• CO₂ laser treatments typically involve around 5–7 days of visible downtime, including redness, swelling, and skin crusting.

• Skin needling and radiofrequency treatments usually involve 1–3 days of redness and mild flaking, with faster recovery for most clients.

Your practitioner will explain expected downtime in detail before treatment and provide aftercare instructions to support safe healing.

Yes, many acne scar treatment plans also address post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — the dark marks that can remain after breakouts heal.

PIH is different from true scarring and often responds well to treatments that promote skin renewal, such as chemical peels, skin needling, and certain laser or energy-based therapies. A review in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology notes that controlled skin resurfacing techniques can improve both texture irregularities and pigmentation when appropriately selected.

Your practitioner will assess whether your concerns relate to scarring, pigmentation, or both, and tailor treatment accordingly.

Some clients notice early improvements in skin smoothness after an initial session. However, collagen remodelling is a gradual process, and more noticeable changes typically develop over several weeks to months following treatment.

Results often continue to improve as collagen rebuilds beneath the skin surface. Your practitioner will discuss realistic timelines and what level of improvement may be achievable based on your scar type and treatment plan.

For most acne scar treatments, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup. This allows the skin barrier time to recover and reduces the risk of irritation or infection.

Some treatments, such as CO₂ laser resurfacing, may require a longer period before makeup can be safely applied. Your practitioner will provide specific post-treatment guidance based on the procedure performed.

Yes. Injex Clinics offers flexible payment options, including ZipPay and AfterPay, for eligible acne scar treatments.

These options allow you to proceed with a treatment plan while spreading the cost over time. Full details, terms, and eligibility information are available via our payment provider links or by speaking with our team.

You can view more information here: ZipPay, AfterPay.