Acne Scar Treatments Sydney

Acne Scar Treatment Sydney

Dr Davin Lim, Dermatologist | Woollahra, Sydney

I will be consulting & performing acne scar revision procedures in Sydney at The Melasma Clinic, located within The Skin Hospital in Darlinghurst. Read more to understand what is possible & the time lines of services that my team & I will be providing.

What types of acne scar revision will I be offering in Sydney?

I will be conducting selected scar revision procedures in Sydney, with a focus on developing the laser centre at The Skin Hospital throughout 2026 and beyond. Treatments will depend on the available equipment, facilities & suitability of each case.

Our procedural repertoire includes cannula subcision, selected soft tissue treatments, RF microneedling, pigment & vascular lasers & non-ablative lasers for scarring. We also consider TCA CROSS/Paint techniques for selected acne scars.

As the Sydney laser centre develops, the aim is to introduce additional technologies, including advanced fractional lasers, picosecond lasers for selected pigmented acne scars, as well as newer-generation RF microneedling & vascular lasers.

How to book?

If you are keen to see us for a treatment plan you can –

1. Fill out the expression of interest form.
2. Arrange a virtual consultation with myself.

Will my current Sydney patients be able to book immediately?

If you reside in Sydney, Canberra or NSW & have already seen me, send your information to info@drdavinlim.com & I will take a look at your file. If your scars are amenable to treatment at The Melasma Clinic, I will advise on the next steps for your remaining sessions.

Acne scar revision techniques available in Sydney depend on the equipment and clinical facilities. These may include subcision, RF microneedling, TCA CROSS/Paint, selected soft tissue treatments, QS laser & vascular lasers.

For existing patients only, please go through the virtual consultation portal if you are a new patient. Please do not use this email for advice. Much appreciated.

I am in Sydney or NSW, can I have an appointment?

Absolutely, however my consultation appointments are subject to availability. You can see me in person at The Melasma Clinic within The Skin Hospital in Darlinghurst, or ideally book a virtual consultation.

Expression of interest form for Sydney here.

Virtual consultation form here. 

What is the address of the Sydney practice?

The Melasma Clinic is located within The Skin Hospital at 121 Crown St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010.

Please confirm your appointment details before travelling to the clinic.

What about international patients?

Sydney is an international destination, & patients may travel from interstate or overseas to seek advice about acne scar revision.

If you are planning to see me in Sydney, please book a virtual consultation as I can ascertain if your pattern of scarring is amenable to revision at the clinic. This also allows me to plan your visit & determine whether the necessary equipment and facilities are available for your case.

What types of acne scar lasers are currently in Sydney?

There are plans to have a laser & energy device selection in Sydney to equal that to those at Cutis Clinic in Brisbane. We currently have the following devices to treat acne scarring-

Vascular lasers: including the Cutera Excel V, 532 & 1064. Laser genesis can be useful to treat active acne, & also remodel early acne scars, especially with gentle dermal heating using the longer wavelength. Red acne scar or macular erythema can be effectively treated with this laser. Vascular laser treatments are provided by Dr Vee Mang or our dermal therapists. 

LLED or Healite by Lutronic: best employed for active acne lesions in addition to remodeling early acne scars. Collagen stimulation is minimal, however this treatment is useful as a healing low-level laser post scar revision. 

RFM by Secret RF: RF microneedling is most useful for rolling acne scars in darker skin types, however it can also provide scar improvement in lighter skin types who do not have the downtime. In late 2024 we will update our RFM devices in Sydney to the latest generation 3 RF microneedling devices such as Potenza RF. 

Thulium 1927 (LaseMD Ultra/Fraxel): thulium laser is only useful for very superficial scars & enlarged pores in lighter skin types. It can be used to treat enlarged pores in lighter skin as well as pick scars (not ice pick) & pits. Darker skin types can also be treated, however it does require 5-6 sessions more – purely because of the physics of the wavelength. 

Q switch nano lasers: are good for treating PIH or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 5-8 sessions are recommended over a period of 10-14 weeks. The dermal toning setting can marginally improve collagen production- the word is ‘marginal’. 

What types of lasers are planned for Sydney?

Lots, with the aim of making this one of the premier laser centers in Sydney- New South Wales. Lasers & energy devices will be introduced to the clinic in stages. 

Stage one — 2026 onwards

Picosecond lasers: pigment lasers may be considered for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation & flat, pigmented acne scars. Treatment selection is particularly important in darker skin types.

Hybrid non-ablative lasers: these technologies may offer options for fractional resurfacing and selected acne scar concerns, including in darker skin types. More involved ablative procedures will depend on appropriate facilities and clinical arrangements.

Stage two — ongoing development

New vascular lasers may expand treatment options for red acne scars, macular erythema & selected vascular concerns.

Newer-generation RF microneedling devices may also be considered as the Sydney laser centre develops.

Erbium and CO2 laser resurfacing remain relevant options for selected acne scars. More intensive ablative procedures require careful assessment, appropriate facilities & consideration of recovery time and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk.

Specific equipment acquisitions and availability will be confirmed as the laser centre develops.

What forms of subcision will I be doing?

I perform cannula & selected subcision techniques for suitable acne scars. Cannula subcision, sometimes combined with appropriate soft tissue treatments, may be useful for rolling scars tethered to the underlying tissue.

More involved procedures, including sharp subcision or combinations with ablative lasers, require careful assessment and may need to be performed in an appropriately equipped day surgery facility.

What types of injectables & hydrating treatments are offered in Sydney? 

Selected soft tissue treatments may be considered as part of an acne scar revision plan. The approach depends on the scar type, volume deficit, skin quality & individual treatment goals.

Prescription-only treatments and soft tissue injectables require an appropriate medical consultation, with suitability determined on an individual basis.

1. Superficial scars: selected shallow boxcar scars and low-volume atrophic scars may benefit from treatments designed to support skin quality. These approaches may be combined with energy-based devices where appropriate.
2. Medium to high-volume atrophic scars: rolling scars and deeper volume deficits may require a combination approach, depending on the underlying tissue changes.
3. Adjunctive collagen remodelling: selected treatments may be considered alongside energy-based procedures or subcision.
4. Age-related tissue changes: changes in collagen and subcutaneous support can influence the appearance of acne scars, particularly in more mature skin.

Will TCA CROSS be offered in Sydney?

Absolutely. Our team & I will be offering TCA (& or phenol) CROSS & Paint for the management of deep ice pick or boxcar acne scars. 

TCA CROSS is a predictable method to reduce certain forms of scarring. A series of 3-6 sessions are required for optimal results. TCA can be combined with lasers, energy devices as well as subcision & surgical excision of scars. Costing starts from $790 per session, conducted by our therapist or physician. 

*As this treatment requires multiple sessions, I tend not to conduct TCA CROSS (as it is more cost effective if it is performed by our physicians – therapists). For deeper icepick scars my treatment of choice is FUE excision of scar tissue. This yields faster results, but is associated with a slightly longer healing time. Scar selection is critical for results. This is a surgical procedure. 

What are the current limitations I have in Sydney for acne scar revision?

The facilities available at The Skin Hospital determine which procedures can be undertaken at the location. More involved procedures, such as fully ablative CO2 or erbium laser resurfacing, extensive subcision & acne scar excision, may require an appropriately equipped day surgery facility.

I aim to continue developing the Sydney laser centre, however the logistics of equipment, facilities & procedural requirements need to be coordinated. In reality, only a proportion of acne scar cases will require more involved procedures.

What is the cost of acne scar removal?

Here is a guide-

• Virtual consultation with planning $380
• New consultation $380
• Ablative lasers/subcision/excision from $3490, ranging to $5990. Medicare rebates apply, conducted off site.
• Fractional lasers/RFM ranges from $790 (therapist) to $1390 (physician).
• Vascular & pico lasers $990+. Medicare rebate in some cases.
• Rejuran S; $990 per ml
• Dermal soft tissue injectables + cannula subcision; from $1790 per syringe
• TCA CROSS/Paint; from $790 

Costs vary according to the type of scarring, the number of sessions required, the treatment approach & who performs the procedure. Where relevant, Medicare rebates depend on eligibility and the clinical circumstances.

Can treatments be performed on the day?

Hard call, as some treatments require pre-planning, namely numbing cream, setting up of equipment as well as a suitable time slot. The only treatment that can be predictably performed during the time of consultation is dependent on the procedure, your suitability & the time available.

For a more time-efficient way to plan, a virtual consultation can be arranged. This allows me to pre-plan your visit, so that you visit me in Sydney for treatment, not planning (as planning can be conducted virtually).

Do you need a referral?

A referral may allow a Medicare rebate where the relevant eligibility criteria are met. This depends on the clinical circumstances and whether the treatment is considered medically necessary rather than cosmetic in nature.

Dermatologists may assess acne scarring using established grading systems, such as the Goodman & Baron scale, alongside clinical examination and photography. The severity and characteristics of the scars help guide treatment planning.

What if I have active acne, do we treat acne in Sydney?

For Sydney patients with active acne, treatment depends on the severity of the condition & whether medical management is required.

Acne management may involve topical treatments, oral medication or procedural options, depending on the individual. Patients requiring prescription treatment or ongoing medical monitoring may need assessment by a dermatologist who provides medical acne management.

Acne scar revision is generally best planned once active acne is adequately controlled, as ongoing breakouts can lead to further scarring.

Do I perform Exosome treatments in Sydney?

The role of exosome-based treatments in acne scar revision remains an evolving area. Evidence supporting their effectiveness and safety for this indication is limited, and claims about outcomes should be interpreted cautiously.

Any consideration of these treatments requires an appropriate discussion of the available evidence, risks & alternatives.

Do I use Rejuran or Rejuran S in Sydney?

Rejuran and the higher-viscosity Rejuran S are polynucleotide-based products that have been explored for selected skin quality and acne scar concerns.

Treatment suitability depends on the scar type, available evidence, individual circumstances & the proposed treatment plan. Multiple sessions may be considered, depending on the indication.

Do I do PRP for acne scars in Sydney?

PRP for acne scars has been investigated as an adjunct to procedures such as laser resurfacing and RF microneedling. The potential benefits depend on the procedure and individual circumstances.

PRP does not address volume deficits to the same extent as treatments designed to restore soft tissue volume.

What scar revision packages do we offer in Sydney?

Treatment plans are individualised according to scar type, severity, skin type & treatment goals. Some patients may require a series of sessions or a combination of modalities.

The number of sessions, expected recovery & total cost will depend on the treatment plan. Please enquire about current treatment options and pricing at The Melasma Clinic.

Who does the actual work — me or another clinician?

I work on challenging cases (not challenging personalities). If you have objectively severe scarring, I will assess your case and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

For milder scars, treatment may be undertaken by another appropriately qualified clinician, depending on the procedure and availability. The recommended clinician and treatment plan will be discussed during your consultation.

Do I treat keloid or hypertrophic acne scars in Sydney?

Selected hypertrophic or keloid scars may be considered for treatment using lasers, corticosteroid injections or surgical approaches, depending on the scar characteristics.

Multiple sessions may be required over several months. Suitability, expected outcomes and any potential Medicare rebate depend on the individual circumstances.

Do we perform microneedling for acne scars in Sydney?

Yes, microneedling may be considered for selected acne scars. It is generally a more superficial approach, and its suitability depends on the type and depth of scarring.

My approach is focused on selecting treatments according to the scar type. RF microneedling may be a more appropriate option for some patients, as it delivers controlled thermal energy into the skin.

What RF microneedling devices do we have available in Sydney?

The equipment available at The Skin Hospital will determine which RF microneedling treatments can be offered. The aim is to continue developing the Sydney laser centre with advanced RF and other energy-based technologies.

As a general guide, RF microneedling devices can be grouped by their generation and technology, with examples including:

• Generation one devices: Intracel, Intensif RF
• Generation two devices: Infini, Secret RF, Morpheus8
• Newer-generation devices: Genius RF, Potenza RF, Matrix RF

Please confirm current device availability before booking.

Do I perform dermal grafting or fat transfer in Sydney for acne scarring?

Dermal grafting or fat transfer for acne scars depends on the individual case and the availability of appropriate surgical facilities. These treatments may be considered in Brisbane for suitable cases.

Please enquire if you believe you may require a more involved surgical approach.

Do I treat white or hypopigmented scars in Sydney?

Hypopigmented scars can be difficult to treat. The underlying cause needs to be assessed, and any active acne or skin inflammation should be controlled before considering treatment.

Depending on the individual case, treatment approaches may include:

1. A trial of microneedling or RF microneedling alongside appropriate adjunctive treatments.
2. Consideration of selected laser treatments.
3. Further specialist assessment if initial treatments are unsuccessful.

More involved procedures, including melanocyte transfer, require specialist assessment and appropriate surgical facilities.

What other services are we offering in Sydney?

The Sydney practice is different from my Brisbane practice. The Melasma Clinic is located within The Skin Hospital in Darlinghurst, where the aim is to develop a dedicated laser centre throughout 2026 and beyond.

The broader procedural focus includes selected services such as:

Skin rejuvenation

• Laser resurfacing for wrinkles, pores & skin texture.
• Selected treatments for pigmentation and melasma.
• Skin rejuvenation for a range of skin types, with appropriate treatment selection.

Chemical peels

• Selected AHA, retinoic acid, salicylic acid and other peel treatments, depending on suitability and availability.

Pigmentation treatment in Sydney

• Picosecond lasers, subject to availability.
• Q-switched lasers, subject to availability.
• Fractional lasers.
• Selected chemical peels.

Skin tightening

• RF microneedling.
• HIFU-based technologies, where available.
• Other energy-based treatments as the laser centre develops.

PRP

• Selected skin rejuvenation indications.
• Selected under-eye concerns.
• Hair-related indications, where appropriate.

The aim for 2026 and beyond is to develop the laser centre at The Skin Hospital through considered investment in technology, ongoing training & collaboration with the nurses at The Skin Hospital. The long-term goal is to expand the range of advanced laser and procedural treatments available in Sydney.