Acne Scar Treatment
Acne Scar Treatment Adelaide
Acne Scar Treatment is a reconstructive cosmetic process that focuses on repairing the damage caused to the deeper layers of the skin (the dermis) during the acne healing phase. When the skin attempts to heal severe breakouts, it can sometimes produce too little or too much collagen, resulting in noticeable texture changes.
Our Acne Scar Treatment plans are highly customised, utilising different modalities to lift depressed scars, flatten raised scars, and break up old collagen bands. Understanding the specific type and severity of your scars is the first step toward determining the most effective, safe, and specialised combination of treatments to achieve maximum improvement in your skin texture.
Most effective Acne Scar Treatment procedures are classified as higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures because they involve techniques that significantly penetrate or disrupt the skin’s surface to initiate deep collagen restructuring. These treatments are elective, chosen purely for aesthetic improvement, as the scars themselves are medically harmless.
However, due to the depth of tissue manipulation involved (e.g., deep dermal heating or fractional ablation), there are potential risks, including infection, prolonged redness, temporary or permanent pigmentation changes, and, rarely, further scarring. The necessity is aesthetic, but the procedures require clinical expertise. Patients must be fully aware that while Acne Scar Treatment aims for reduction, it is impossible to restore skin to a completely pre-scarred state.
All higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures utilized in Acne Scar Treatment are performed exclusively by a registered health practitioner, as our practice adheres strictly to the professional standards and guidelines set by the National Boards and Ahpra. This commitment means the practitioner’s primary duty is always to the patient, ensuring all decisions regarding your treatment are based on clinical necessity, not financial gain.
Furthermore, every procedure will be performed by a practitioner possessing the appropriate qualifications, education, and competence relevant to the specific treatment being offered. We are obligated to provide you with clear, accurate, and objective information about the treatment, including the potential for complications. Finally, our practitioners are committed to proactively managing any potential conflict between the desire for financial return and their ethical and professional duty to provide the best and safest possible care for every patient undergoing Acne Scar Treatment.
Benefits of Acne Scar Treatment
What to Expect
Transparent Pricing Information
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Who We Are
Our Clinicians
Dr. Rahma Targett
Registered Medical Practitioner (General Registration)
MED000567890
Dr. Targett is the founder of ACM and is committed to providing responsible cosmetic care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acne Scar Treatment is classified as a higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedure because the most effective treatments (like deep chemical peels or fractional laser therapy) intentionally penetrate or significantly disrupt the skin’s surface and deeper dermal layers to induce collagen remodelling. These treatments carry potential risks, including infection, delayed healing, and pigmentation changes, and thus require assessment and administration by a registered health practitioner, as mandated by Ahpra guidelines.
The AcuPulse CO2 Laser is considered the gold standard for acne scar treatment due to its unique combination of power, precision, and effectiveness.
- Powerful Mechanism: It is a fractional ablative laser. It vaporizes damaged scar tissue and simultaneously creates controlled micro-injuries that trigger the body’s healing process, stimulating a robust production of new collagen and elastin.
- Superior for Scar Types: It is highly effective on various acne scar types, especially atrophic (indented) scars like ice-pick and boxcar scars, by rebuilding the skin’s structure from within.
- Precision and Customisation: A skilled practitioner can precisely adjust the laser’s depth and energy to perfectly match the specific type and severity of your scars, ensuring a targeted and safe treatment.
- Dramatic Results: It delivers significant, long-lasting improvement in a single or a few sessions, often outperforming less intensive treatments.
In short, the AcuPulse CO2 Laser is the benchmark for its ability to effectively resurface damaged skin and rebuild it with fresh, new collagen.
Subcision is a procedure that treats deep, depressed acne scars by targeting the fibrous bands of scar tissue that pull the skin downward.
Here’s how it works:
- Releases the Scar: A fine needle or cannula is inserted under the skin to physically break the tough, fibrous bands that are tethering the scar. This immediately releases the skin, allowing it to lift and even out.
- Stimulates New Collagen: The process creates a controlled injury under the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing response. This leads to the production of new collagen and elastin, which fills the treated area and further smooths the scar over time.
- Prevents Re-tethering: The space created under the skin prevents the fibrous bands from re-forming, making the results of subcision long-lasting.
Because it addresses the underlying structural cause of the scar, subcision is a very effective method for improving deep, indented acne scars. It is often combined with other treatments, like dermal fillers, for enhanced results.
The number of treatments for acne scars using a combination of AcuPulse CO2 Laser and subcision is highly individual, depending on scar type and severity.
- Subcision: Typically requires 1 to 4 sessions to effectively release deep, tethered scars.
- AcuPulse CO2 Laser: For resurfacing and collagen stimulation, 1 to 3 treatments are often needed for significant improvement.
When combined, a treatment plan for mild to moderate scarring may involve 1 to 2 sessions. For severe or extensive scarring, a series of 2 to 4 treatments may be recommended for optimal results.
Dr. Rahma Targett will provide a personalized plan during your consultation, outlining the estimated number of sessions required to meet your specific goals.
No, we cannot guarantee a “flawless” or “perfect” result. Ahpra guidelines prohibit us from creating unreasonable expectations regarding outcomes. Acne Scar Treatment aims for a significant, visible reduction in the texture and depth of the scars. Your clinical results depend on individual factors, scar type, and your body’s healing response. The final, realistic outcome will be discussed thoroughly during your mandatory consultation.
Yes, you should realistically expect a period of recovery or downtime after most effective Acne Scar Treatmentprocedures. Since this is a specialised procedure that intentionally disrupts skin tissue, the treatment area will typically show signs of healing, which may include temporary redness, swelling, and crusting. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to manage your recovery, which is a crucial part of the process and must not be minimised as a “quick” or “easy” fix.
Yes, a comprehensive consultation is essential and mandatory. It allows our registered health practitioner to assess your scar types, determine suitability, and discuss all potential risks and realistic expectations. Following the consultation for this higher risk cosmetic procedure, we are obligated to offer a sufficient cooling-off period before you can consent to the actual treatment, ensuring you have adequate time to make a fully informed decision.
No, due to the nature of dermal scarring, Acne Scar Treatment usually requires a planned course of procedures. Significant improvement often depends on multiple sessions of the chosen treatment, spaced appropriately to allow for collagen regeneration and healing. Your full treatment plan and expected number of sessions will be discussed during your initial consultation.