Scarring & uneven texture
CONCERNS
Acne scarring and rough, uneven texture can linger long after breakouts have cleared. The reassuring part is that skin is always renewing, and there are professional options that may help improve the appearance of scarring and texture over time.
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What causes scarring and uneven texture?
Scarring and uneven texture usually develop from a combination of factors:
Inflammatory acne:
Deep breakouts damage the skin as they heal.
Picking and squeezing:
Increases inflammation and the risk of scarring.
Slow healing:
Skin that heals slowly is more likely to scar.
Collagen loss:
Skin becomes rougher and less smooth with age.
Sun damage:
UV exposure coarsens texture and tone over time.
Genetics:
Some skin types scar more readily than others.
Understanding acne scars
Not all acne scars are the same, and the type matters because it determines what may help. Ice pick scars are narrow, deep pits that look like small puncture marks. Boxcar scars are wider depressions with defined edges. Rolling scars are broad, shallow dips that give the skin a wave-like unevenness. Many people have a mix of all three.
Scars also differ by age - newer scarring that's still red or pink is behaving differently from old, settled scarring, and the approach differs accordingly. That's why a consultation begins by identifying what type of scarring you have before anything else is discussed.
It's also worth knowing that most scarring improves gradually over a course of treatments rather than in one session, and the goal is always improvement in appearance rather than complete removal.
Areas we can help with
acne scarring
Pitted or depressed scars left after breakouts.
Acne scars form when inflammation damages the deeper layers of skin and it heals with too little tissue, leaving a depression. The three main types - ice pick, boxcar and rolling all differ in depth and width, and most people have a combination. Deeper, longer-lasting and picked breakouts are the most likely to scar.
rough or bumpy texture
Skin that feels uneven to the touch.
Rough texture is often a combination of factors - accumulated dead skin cells, small blocked pores, old shallow scarring and sun damage all contribute. It tends to be most noticeable across the cheeks and forehead, and can make skin look dull even when tone is even.
other scars
Scarring from injury, surgery or chickenpox.
Scars from injury, surgery or childhood chickenpox can leave depressed or uneven areas in the skin similar to acne scarring. These are assessed individually - the age, depth and location of the scar all affect what may be appropriate.
post-inflammatory marks
Red or dark marks that linger after scarring heals.
Newer scarring often comes with lingering redness or darkened marks as the skin settles. These aren't true scars - red marks are residual inflammation, and dark marks are pigment triggered by the healing process. They usually fade over time, though sun exposure can prolong them considerably.
sun-damaged texture
Coarse, mottled or leathery skin from UV exposure.
Long-term sun exposure breaks down collagen and elastin in the deeper skin and thickens the surface, creating a coarse, uneven texture often alongside pigmentation and fine lines. It's most common on the face, chest and hands, and very common in regional Australia.
general resurfacing
Refining overall smoothness and clarity.
Some people don't have one specific concern but want their skin's overall surface to look and feel smoother. General resurfacing addresses the accumulation of small irregularities - minor texture, dullness and fine lines as a whole rather than targeting one area.
What to expect at your consultation
A scarring consultation begins with identifying what type of scarring or texture you have, because ice pick, boxcar and rolling scars each respond differently, and newer scarring is approached differently from old. Your nurse will take a full medical history, including any history of keloid or raised scarring, medications, and previous treatments, and assess your skin type, as this affects which options are suitable.
We'll talk through what's realistically achievable for your scarring, how many treatments a course might involve, and what recovery looks like. From there, we'll create a personalised plan tailored to your skin.
Options and costs are always discussed in person at your consultation.
Treatments we offer for scarring & uneven texture
At W.D.I Clinic, a selection of professional treatments may be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to acne scarring and uneven texture. Suitability is always determined during a required consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can acne scarring be completely removed?
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Treatments aim to improve the appearance of scarring rather than remove it entirely, and results vary depending on the type and depth of scarring. Your nurse will give you a realistic idea of what's achievable at your consultation.
What are the different types of acne scars?
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The three main types are ice pick scars (narrow, deep pits), boxcar scars (wider depressions with defined edges) and rolling scars (broad, shallow dips). Most people have a combination, and each type is approached differently.
What types of scarring can be treated?
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Different treatments suit different scar types, and older, settled scarring is approached differently from newer scarring. Your nurse will assess your skin and recommend the most appropriate approach.
How many treatments will I need?
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Texture and scarring usually respond best to a course of treatments rather than a single session. Your nurse will outline a plan tailored to you.
Is there downtime?
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It depends on the treatment. Some resurfacing options involve a short recovery period, which your nurse will explain so you can plan around it.
Can old scars be treated?
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Yes, older scarring can still be assessed and may respond to treatment, though it's often approached differently from newer scarring. The age, depth and type of scar all affect what's suitable.
Does W·D·I Clinic offer fine lines and wrinkles consultations near me?
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W·D·I Clinic is based in Dubbo and regularly travels to locations across Western NSW. Visit our Locations page to see upcoming clinic dates and find the nearest location to you.
What causes scarring and uneven texture?
Scarring and uneven texture usually develop from a combination of factors:
-
Inflammatory acne: Deep breakouts damage the skin as they heal.
-
Picking and squeezing: Increases inflammation and the risk of scarring.
-
Slow healing: Skin that heals slowly is more likely to scar.
-
Collagen loss: Skin becomes rougher and less smooth with age.
-
Sun damage: UV exposure coarsens texture and tone over time.
-
Genetics: Some skin types scar more readily than others.