Cosmetic Tattoo · Paramedical · Skin · Plasma Fibroblast

Skin concern

Acne scarring and texture

Acne scarring — the rolling and boxcar depressions left behind after years of breakouts — keeps affecting how skin looks and feels long after the acne itself has settled. It's also one of the most treatable concerns on this list, especially with collagen-stimulating microneedling.

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Skin treatment in progress at Cosmetic Tattoo by Lorraine — collagen-stimulating treatment for acne scarring and texture, Gold Coast
A skin treatment in progress at Lorraine's Runaway Bay studio.

Scars versus marks — they're not the same

Two different things get called "acne scarring," and they're treated differently:

  • True textural scars — depressions in the skin where collagen was lost during inflammation. Rolling scars (broad, sloped) and boxcar scars (sharper-edged) are the most common. These are a texture problem, best addressed by rebuilding collagen.
  • Post-acne pigmentation (PIH) — flat dark or red marks left after a breakout heals. These are a colour problem, not a texture one, and they respond to brightening treatments and time.

Most people have a mix of both, and Lorraine treats them with a combined approach.

How Lorraine treats acne scarring

Lorraine's primary treatment for textural acne scars is microneedling (collagen induction therapy) — the technique with the strongest evidence base for rolling and boxcar scars. Fine needles create controlled micro-channels that trigger the skin to lay down fresh collagen, gradually softening the depth and edges of the scars over a series of treatments.

For the pigmented marks left behind (PIH), medical-grade chemical peels play a supporting role, lifting the discolouration and evening the tone. The two together — collagen for texture, peels for colour — address both halves of the problem.

What causes it

Why acne leaves scarring behind

Understanding what's in the skin helps set realistic expectations for what treatment can achieve.

Rolling scars

Broad, shallow depressions with sloping edges that give the skin a gently undulating, uneven look. They respond particularly well to collagen-stimulating microneedling over a series of sessions.

Boxcar scars

Sharper-edged, more defined depressions, like small craters. These are more stubborn than rolling scars but still improve meaningfully with consistent treatment.

Post-acne pigmentation (PIH)

Flat brown or red marks where breakouts have healed. Not scars — pigment. They fade with peels, brightening actives and time, and protecting them from sun stops them darkening.

Active or recent acne

Treatment works best once breakouts have settled. Occasional spots are no barrier, but widespread active or cystic acne needs to calm down first — pushing collagen treatments through active inflammation can make things worse.

How we treat this

Rebuilding texture with microneedling

The core treatment is microneedling, supported by peels for any pigmented marks.

1. Collagen for texture. Microneedling triggers the skin's own collagen production, which gradually fills and softens rolling and boxcar scars from underneath. It's the most evidence-backed approach for textural acne scarring.

2. Peels for colour. Where post-acne dark marks remain, medical-grade peels lift the pigment and even the tone, complementing the texture work.

3. A series over months. Typically 4–6 microneedling sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, with noticeable improvement usually visible from around the third session. Progress is gradual but cumulative — and lasting.

Full microneedling details →
L Skin Solutions glycolic peel used to fade post-acne pigmentation alongside microneedling at Cosmetic Tattoo by Lorraine, Gold Coast
What to expect

What to expect

  1. Skin assessment

    Lorraine looks at the type of scarring you have — textural scars, pigment marks, or a mix — and maps a realistic plan. She'll be honest about what's achievable; significant improvement is realistic, complete erasure usually isn't.

  2. Settling active acne first

    If you still get widespread or cystic breakouts, those need to calm down before collagen treatments begin. Occasional spots are fine. Lorraine will advise if a dermatology referral makes sense first.

  3. A microneedling series

    Typically 4–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, often combined with peels for pigmented marks. Each session is booked and paid on its own. Expect mild redness for a day or so afterwards, like mild sunburn.

  4. Gradual, cumulative results

    Improvement builds over the series, usually becoming clearly visible from the third session. Collagen continues to remodel for months after the final treatment.

FAQs

Common questions about acne scarring

Will my scars go away completely?

Usually not entirely — but significant improvement is realistic for most clients. The depth and texture of rolling and boxcar scars typically reduce substantially over a series of treatments. Lorraine is honest at consultation about what's achievable for your particular scarring.

How many sessions will I need?

Typically 4–6 microneedling sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Some clients see good results sooner; deeper or more established scarring may need more. Each session is booked and paid individually.

Will my dark spots go away?

Post-acne dark marks (PIH) usually respond well to a combination of microneedling, medical-grade peels and consistent home skincare with daily SPF. These marks are pigment rather than texture, and they generally fade more readily than true scars.

Can I have treatment if I still get the occasional breakout?

Yes — occasional breakouts are not a barrier. Active inflammatory acne that's widespread or cystic needs to be settled first, because treating through active inflammation can aggravate the skin. Lorraine will assess this at consultation.

How much does it cost?

Acne-scar treatment is planned as a series, and pricing depends on the combination of microneedling and peels your skin needs. Each session is booked and paid on its own — there's no package. Lorraine gives you a clear plan and price at your consultation.

Treatments

Other treatments that help with this

Skin Treatments

Microneedling

Collagen induction therapy for texture, pores and acne scarring.

View treatment → Skin Treatments

Medical-Grade Peels

Glycolic, salicylic and enzyme peels — pigmentation, acne, glow.

View treatment →

Begin with a complimentary consultation.

A relaxed conversation about your concerns and what would suit you best — no commitment.

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