For textural resurfacing
Elos Sublative Resurfacing
Fractional radiofrequency resurfacing that may be selected for suitable indented scars and uneven texture.
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Acne scar treatment · Auckland
Scarring & acne scars
Scars tell us how skin has healed. Their depth, texture and cause guide which treatments may soften their appearance.
How scars form
Scarring forms when the deeper layers of skin are injured and the body lays down new collagen to repair the area. The new tissue can differ in colour, texture and structure from the surrounding skin.
Acne scarring may be indented, raised or discoloured. Ice-pick, boxcar and rolling scars behave differently, which is why an individual assessment is more useful than a one-treatment-fits-all approach.
What affects a scar
The original injury matters, but so do inflammation, healing time, genetics and skin type.
- Inflamed or deep acne lesions
- Picking, squeezing or repeated trauma
- Surgery, injury or burns
- Individual collagen response and genetics
- Sun exposure during healing
Scarring in context
The scar type determines the strategy.
A scar is the skin’s record of repair. When inflammation or injury reaches deeper tissue, the body produces collagen to close the area. Too little collagen can leave an indentation; too much can create a raised scar. Acne can also leave flat red or brown marks that look like scars but behave differently. Identifying that difference is the starting point for a realistic plan.
Control active acne first
New breakouts can create new scars, so established texture is usually treated after inflammatory acne is under control. Our acne guide explains the role of a consistent routine, suitable clinic treatments and medical referral when breakouts are deep or painful. Picking and squeezing increases inflammation and can make both scarring and post-inflammatory colour more likely.
During assessment we look at whether scars are rolling, boxcar, ice-pick, raised or mixed. We also consider skin tone, recent medicines, previous procedures and the amount of downtime that feels manageable. Lighting and facial movement can change how texture appears, so photographs and an in-person examination provide better context than a single close-up image. Deep or raised scars may need a medical or surgical option outside the clinic, and no responsible treatment can promise to erase a scar completely.
Microneedling and resurfacing options
For suitable indented or textural acne scars, Dermapen microneedling may be used to create controlled micro-injuries that support collagen remodelling. The word microneedling describes the treatment category; Dermapen is the device used at About Skin. eLOS Sublative Resurfacing or DermaMatrix Renewal may be discussed where a different depth or combination of energy is appropriate.
Some plans use more than one approach because one face can contain several scar types. Chemical peels may help selected surface changes or post-acne colour, while deeper structural scars need a different strategy. Your clinician will explain why a recommendation fits the scars in front of them rather than applying the same treatment across every area.
What to expect while collagen remodels
Scar improvement is gradual. A course of appointments may be spaced over months, with redness, swelling, pinpoint crusting or peeling depending on the procedure. Sun protection and careful aftercare help reduce avoidable pigment change while the skin recovers. Reviews allow us to compare texture and decide whether to repeat, adjust or stop.
Before committing, view current scar-treatment pricing and our clinic FAQ. If you would like a clear assessment of the scars, active breakouts and likely downtime, book a scar consultation.
Treatments we may consider
A plan shaped around your skin.
Your clinician will assess your skin before recommending treatment. These are established options we may discuss for this concern.
For renewal
DermaMatrix Renewal
A skin-renewal option that may be considered as part of a plan for scars and uneven texture.
Explore DermaMatrixFor acne scars
Dermapen Microneedling
Controlled microneedling that supports collagen remodelling and may improve suitable acne scars and texture.
Explore microneedlingGood to know
Questions, answered.
Scar treatment aims to improve appearance and texture; it cannot erase a scar completely. The right plan depends on scar type and skin health.
Can old acne scars still be treated?
Established acne scars may still respond to treatment, but results vary by scar type and depth. Dermapen microneedling, DermaMatrix Renewal or Elos Sublative Resurfacing may be considered after assessment.
Which acne scars respond best to microneedling?
Microneedling is often considered for suitable textural and indented scars. Very deep, raised or active inflammatory scars may need a different approach or medical referral.
How long does scar improvement take?
Collagen remodelling is gradual, and scar plans commonly involve a course of treatments with recovery time between sessions. Your clinician will set expectations after seeing the scar in person.
A plan for texture
Understand the scar before treating it.
Book a consultation to identify the scar type and discuss realistic options for smoother, more even-looking skin.