Acne scar treatment in Brisbane
Acne scar treatment is rarely a single procedure — most people with significant scarring benefit from a combination of approaches matched to their scar types. This independent guide explains the main treatment options used in Brisbane, what they typically cost, and how to plan a sensible course.
Understanding your scars first
The right treatment depends almost entirely on the scar type — and most people have a mixture. A useful first step is having a clinician examine the skin in good light and stretch the cheeks gently to see which scars distend (often rolling scars, which respond to subcision) versus which stay sharp-edged (often boxcar scars, which often need resurfacing).
- Ice-pick scars — narrow, deep pits
- Boxcar scars — wider depressions with sharp edges
- Rolling scars — soft, wave-like depressions tethered by fibrous bands
- Hypertrophic/keloid scars — raised scars, more common on jawline and back
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation — red or brown marks (not true scars)
Main treatment options
- Fractional CO2 laser. Strong remodelling for textural change and boxcar/atrophic scars. See our CO2 laser resurfacing guide.
- Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling. Less downtime than CO2; often used in courses of 3–4 sessions; suits a wide range of skin types. See our RF microneedling guide.
- Subcision. A needle is passed under tethered scars to release the fibrous bands holding them down — particularly effective for rolling scars.
- TCA CROSS. A small drop of high-strength trichloroacetic acid placed into individual ice-pick scars to remodel them.
- Dermal filler. Used carefully to lift specific atrophic scars — see our dermal fillers guide.
- Punch excision/elevation. Small surgical removal or repositioning of individual scars.
- Intralesional steroid or anti-fibrotic injection. For hypertrophic and keloid scars.
- Topicals and pigmentation management. For the colour component — including sun protection, which is non-negotiable in QLD.
Typical costs in Brisbane
| Service | Typical price range (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RF microneedling — single session | $450 – $900 | Per-session pricing; full course typically 3–4 sessions. |
| RF microneedling — course of 3–4 | $1,500 – $3,000 | Often discounted as a package. |
| Fractional CO2 — cheeks / scar areas | $800 – $2,000 | Single session; depth and area dependent. |
| Subcision (per session) | $300 – $800 | Often combined with filler or microneedling in the same visit. |
| TCA CROSS (per session) | $200 – $500 | For ice-pick scars; usually a course of 2–4. |
| Full combination plan over 6–12 months | $3,000 – $8,000+ | Plan depends on scar mix and skin type. |
| Initial consultation | $0 – $200 | May be waived if you proceed with treatment. |
Prices are illustrative ranges from publicly listed clinic information and may not reflect current fees. Confirm pricing directly with the clinic before booking.
Pricing is indicative and changes over time. Treatment of acne scarring is cosmetic and generally not Medicare-rebatable.
Sequencing matters
- Ensure active acne is well controlled — see your GP or dermatologist if needed.
- Address pigmentation alongside or before structural treatments.
- Begin with low-downtime modalities (RF microneedling, subcision) for many patients.
- Reserve deeper CO2 resurfacing for after lighter modalities have done their work, where appropriate.
- Maintain strict sun protection throughout — Queensland UV will undo pigment progress quickly.
How to choose a clinician
- Confirm the practitioner is a registered medical practitioner on the Ahpra register.
- Ask whether they offer multiple modalities, or only the one they own equipment for.
- Ask for a written treatment plan with expected sessions, sequencing and total cost.
- Be wary of single-modality "scar removal" promises — full removal is rarely achievable.
- If you have Fitzpatrick V–VI skin, ask specifically about their experience and pigmentation precautions.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of acne scars are there?
Atrophic (depressed) scars are the most common and are further divided into ice-pick (narrow, deep), boxcar (wide, sharp-edged) and rolling (wavy, distensible). Hypertrophic or keloid (raised) scars are less common but more visible on darker skin types. Post-inflammatory pigmentation — red or brown marks — is not a true scar and often resolves with time and treatment.
Which treatment is best for which scar type?
No single treatment suits all scars. Rolling scars often respond to subcision and RF microneedling; boxcar scars frequently benefit from laser resurfacing and TCA CROSS for individual scars; ice-pick scars usually need TCA CROSS or punch excision; hypertrophic scars need different management again, often involving intralesional injection. Most patients with significant scarring benefit from a combination plan.
How much does acne scar treatment cost in Brisbane?
A typical course of 3–4 RF microneedling sessions costs $1,500–$3,000 in Brisbane. A single fractional CO2 treatment of the cheeks typically costs $800–$2,000. Subcision is often $300–$800 per session. Full treatment plans combining modalities commonly run $3,000–$8,000+ over 6–12 months.
How long does it take to see results?
Most modalities trigger gradual collagen remodelling. You will typically notice early changes 6–8 weeks after each session, with peak results 6–12 months after a course completes. Some redness or pigmentation may improve faster, while textural change takes longer.
Is acne scar treatment Medicare-rebatable?
Cosmetic acne scar treatment is not Medicare-rebatable. Active acne treatment by a GP or dermatologist may attract a rebate, and some intralesional injections for hypertrophic or keloid scars by a specialist may be billable under specific MBS items. Confirm with the clinic in advance.
When should I start scar treatment?
Active inflammatory acne should generally be well controlled before structural scar treatments are started — otherwise new scars can keep forming. Pigmentation can often be addressed earlier with topical agents and sun protection. A clinician should help you sequence treatment appropriately.
Related cosmetic guides
Sources
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)last checked 2026-05-12
- AHPRA — Advertising obligations for registered health practitionerslast checked 2026-05-12
- DermNet — Laser resurfacinglast checked 2026-05-26
- Healthdirect Australia — Cosmetic procedureslast checked 2026-05-12