Skip to Content Skip to Navigation

Understanding Acne Scarring

Acne scarring is caused by the abnormal production and organisation of collagen fibres during the acne healing process. This can cause pitting and an abnormal contour of the skin surface. 

There are different types of acne scarring and this will determine your appropriate treatment plan. 

Atrophic scars are flat, shallow depressions that heal below the top layer of skin. These scars are commonly caused by severe cystic acne. However, other types of acne can cause them as well. The appearance of atrophic acne scars can vary depending on a person’s history with acne. 

There are three types of atrophic scars: 

  • Ice-pick scars – deep, narrow, pitted scars 
  • Rolling scars – broad depressions with a sloping edge 
  • Boxcar scars – broad depressions with sharply defined edges 

Boxcar scars often cover smaller areas than rolling scars and are better candidates for dermal fillers. 

Then, there are Hypertrophic or keloid scars, which are thick, lumpy scars that are raised above skin level. This happens when scar tissue builds up, sometimes from previous acne spots. These are not so suitable for dermal fillers, as they are not causing concavity requiring filler. 

Dermal filler is now a highly popular treatment option for erasing the appearance of acne scarring.

Filler is expertly placed by targeted injections beneath the skin to fill cavities caused by pitting, with the filler working to create a smooth, uniform skin surface by correcting volume inconsistencies in the skin. 

How Dermal Fillers Work

The beauty of dermal filler is that, once placed, the results can be seen straightaway.

It’s the ultimate fast solution for a multitude of skin and face concerns, and in the case of acne scarring and uneven skin texture caused by pitting, it’s a highly effective treatment. 

Filler works to restore the volume that’s been eaten away by acne related inflammation and has the goal of filling depressions to bring the skin surface to an even, uniform level. The outcome is that your acne scars and pitting are made far less visible. 

There are different types of filler product, and they come with different levels of thickness. Various thicknesses are suitable for various treatment areas.

When using filler for evening and smoothing the facial skin of acne scarring, a thin to medium thickness filler is most suitable and achieves optimum results. 

This varies from person to person and should be discussed with your injector at the time of consultation.  

The Treatment Process

The Treatment

For the procedure itself, you will be treated by one of our expert Cosmetic Doctors or Senior Cosmetic Nurses.

First, the treatment area will be cleaned with chlorhexidine disinfectant, then a topical anaesthetic (numbing cream) will be applied. Occasionally, you may receive a local anaesthetic injection prior to treatment.  

The dermal filler will be expertly placed with utmost attention and precision, and your Cosmetic Doctor or Nurse will massage the filler into place. Over the following days, the filler will be integrated with the surrounding tissues and settle further.

After Your Appointment

During the next 24 hours, it’s recommended that you do not consume alcohol, apply makeup, or expose the area to pressure, hot environments, saunas or swimming. This is a precaution applicable to any injection site. 

Your Cosmetic Doctor or Nurse will explain your aftercare to you during your dermal filler appointment and answer any questions you may have. 

We recommend that you do not consume alcohol for 24 hours before your treatment, as excessive alcohol in your system can increase the likelihood of swelling and bruising. 

It’s also recommended that you do not take blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Brufen, Nurofen), or diclofenac (Voltaren) before your treatment, as this can also encourage bruising. However, DO NOT stop taking this medication if it’s been prescribed to you by your GP.

The Following Days

The treated facial skin may feel slightly tender to the touch for the next day or two, but this will soon subside and feel entirely natural and comfortable again. 

After 1–2 weeks, you are welcomed back to the clinic for a follow-up appointment to review your results, and you may receive a complimentary top-up treatment if required. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Ask for an opinion

Required field

Are you ready?

Contact us today


or call us on (02) 8330 6679