Reviewed by the LLC Cosmetic clinical team. Our treatments are delivered by medical doctors, registered nurses, and senior dermal therapists, with in-house laser physics oversight. We operate four Queensland clinics across Brisbane City, Sunnybank, Southport, and Robina.
Acne Scars: Laser Treatment Options in Brisbane & Gold Coast
Acne scars can linger long after breakouts settle, changing both your skin texture and your confidence. At LLC Cosmetic Laser Clinics, our team uses advanced laser technology to help reduce their appearance. Here is what clients across Brisbane and the Gold Coast should understand first.
What are acne scars?
Acne scars are lasting changes in the skin that appear after inflamed breakouts heal. When a deep pimple damages tissue, your body repairs it with collagen. Sometimes it makes too little, and sometimes too much.
As a result, the surface can dip, pucker, or rise. However, it helps to separate true scars from temporary marks. Post-inflammatory pigmentation leaves flat brown or red patches, yet it often fades over several months.
True acne scars are different, because they change the skin’s underlying structure. Therefore, they usually need a professional approach rather than time alone.
Quick facts about acne scars
- Research suggests around one in five people who get acne develop some scarring.
- Most acne scars are atrophic, meaning they sit below the skin surface.
- Scar type, depth, and skin tone all guide which treatment suits you.
- Results build gradually as new collagen forms, not overnight.
What types of acne scars can be treated?
Most acne scars fall into a few clear groups. Atrophic scars sit below the skin, while raised scars build above it. Furthermore, each type responds differently to treatment.
Knowing your scar type matters, because it shapes every decision that follows. During a consultation, our clinicians map your skin closely. Then they match the approach to what they find.
Ice pick scars
Narrow, deep pits that taper into the skin. Because they reach far down, they often need a combined approach.
Boxcar scars
Wider depressions with sharp, defined edges. Shallower boxcar scars tend to respond well to resurfacing.
Rolling scars
Broad, wavy dips caused by tethering beneath the skin. They often improve when tethering is released first.
Pigment & redness marks
Flat brown or red patches left after breakouts. These are not true scars, and they frequently fade with time.
How does laser resurfacing treat acne scars?
Laser skin resurfacing is one of the most studied approaches for atrophic acne scars. It delivers controlled energy into the skin in tiny columns. This energy clears damaged surface tissue and prompts a natural healing response.
In turn, your body builds fresh collagen over the following weeks. At our clinics, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing targets these micro-zones while leaving surrounding skin intact. Because of this, recovery is generally quicker than with older full-surface methods.
For pigment and tone concerns, PICO laser offers another pathway. Meanwhile, many clients benefit from a combined plan. Our team reviews your skin and recommends the option matched to your goals.
Your acne scar treatment journey, step by step
Every plan starts with your skin, not a fixed script. Below is the path most clients follow with us.
- Consultation and skin assessmentYour clinician examines your scars, notes your skin type, and discusses realistic goals.
- Preparation and patch testWe may suggest a skincare prep period. In addition, a test spot helps confirm suitable settings.
- Your treatment sessionWe apply numbing for comfort, then deliver the laser across the treatment area in a controlled way.
- Guided aftercareYou leave with clear instructions on cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection during healing.
- Review and ongoing planWe track your progress and space further sessions as your skin responds.
Acne scar treatment options compared
No single method suits every scar. Therefore, clinicians often combine approaches for the best outcome. The table below compares common options at a glance.
| Option | Often suited to | How it works | Typical downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fractional CO2 laser | Boxcar & rolling scars, texture | Micro-columns of energy prompt collagen renewal | A few days to about a week |
| PICO laser | Pigment marks, tone, fine texture | Rapid light pulses target pigment and stimulate skin | Minimal, often hours to days |
| Microneedling | Mild rolling & boxcar scars | Fine needles create micro-injuries that build collagen | One to three days |
| Chemical peels | Surface marks & mild texture | Acid solution exfoliates and renews the top layers | Varies with peel depth |
| Subcision | Tethered rolling scars | A needle releases bands pulling the scar down | Bruising for several days |
Want to see how these fit your skin? Explore our full range on the skin treatments page, then book a consultation.
Recovery and what to expect afterwards
Recovery depends on the treatment depth and your skin. Generally, fractional CO2 resurfacing involves a short settling period. The timeline below shows what many clients experience.
Redness and warmth, similar to mild sunburn. Gentle care and moisture help most.
Light flaking or peeling as the surface renews. Avoid picking, and keep skin hydrated.
Skin usually settles, and many clients return to makeup and routine.
New collagen continues forming. As a result, texture keeps improving over the months ahead.
Most clients need more than one session for deeper acne scars. Sessions are typically spaced several weeks apart. Above all, sun protection supports your results and protects new skin.
Safety, risks, and who treatment suits
Laser resurfacing is well tolerated by many skin types when delivered by trained clinicians. Even so, every treatment carries some risk worth understanding. Common short-term effects include redness, swelling, and temporary sensitivity.
Less often, pigment may lighten or darken, particularly in deeper skin tones. Rarely, poor healing or infection can occur. Because of this, qualified oversight and honest assessment matter a great deal.
Some people should wait or seek tailored advice first. For example, active severe breakouts, pregnancy, and certain medications may affect timing. Therefore, our clinicians review your history before recommending any acne scars treatment.
About LLC Cosmetic Laser Clinics
LLC Cosmetic Laser Clinics serves clients across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Our team includes medical doctors, registered nurses, and senior dermal therapists. In addition, an in-house laser physicist guides our technology and calibration.
We use medical-grade laser technology and tailor every plan to the individual. From your first consultation to follow-up care, we focus on informed, personalised treatment. You can visit us in Brisbane City, Sunnybank, Southport, or Robina.
To learn more about our credentials and approach, read our about us page.
Acne scars: frequently asked questions
Do acne scars go away on their own?
True acne scars rarely disappear without help, because they change the skin’s structure. However, flat pigment or redness marks often fade over several months. A clinician can tell the two apart during an assessment.
Are acne scars permanent?
Untreated atrophic scars tend to persist, and some become more visible with age. Yet modern treatments can noticeably reduce their depth and appearance. Realistic improvement, rather than total removal, is the usual goal.
What is the best treatment for acne scars?
There is no single best treatment for everyone. Instead, the right choice depends on your scar type, skin tone, and goals. Clinicians often combine methods, such as laser resurfacing with other approaches, for stronger results.
How many sessions will I need?
Mild scarring may improve after one or two sessions, while deeper scars usually need more. Sessions are generally spaced a few weeks apart. Your clinician sets a plan after reviewing your skin.
Does laser resurfacing work on all acne scar types?
Laser resurfacing tends to suit boxcar and rolling scars well. Deep ice pick scars, however, often need a combined approach. For that reason, an in-person assessment guides the plan.
Is laser acne scar treatment painful?
Most clients describe a warm or tingling sensation rather than sharp pain. We apply numbing and cooling to support comfort. You can discuss comfort options during your consultation.
How long until I see results?
Some smoothing appears within weeks as healing begins. Because collagen builds slowly, texture keeps improving for several months. Patience and sun protection both help your outcome.
Can I have treatment if I still get breakouts?
It is usually best to settle active acne before treating scars. Otherwise, new breakouts may lead to fresh scarring. Our clinicians will advise on timing during your visit.
Ready to address your acne scars?
Book a consultation with our qualified team and get a plan matched to your skin and goals.