Scarring
Scarring is the body’s natural way of repairing the skin after injury or inflammation. When the dermis—the deeper layer of skin—is damaged, the body produces new collagen fibres to close and strengthen the wound. This healing process can result in visible changes to skin texture and colour, which we recognise as scars.
Not all scars form in the same way. Their appearance depends on several factors, including the type and depth of injury, genetic predisposition, skin type, and how the wound heals. Common scar types include:
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Fine-line or flat scars – often the result of surgical incisions or minor injuries.
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Hypertrophic scars – raised, firm scars that stay within the boundary of the original wound.
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Keloid scars – an overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the original injury.
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Atrophic scars – sunken scars often associated with acne or chickenpox.
While scars are permanent, their appearance can often be improved. Modern treatment options such as advanced laser therapy, microneedling, chemical resurfacing, medical-grade skin care, and targeted dermal therapies can help remodel collagen, smooth irregularities, and blend scar tissue more seamlessly with surrounding skin.
At Tiffany Matthewson Dermal Aesthetics, we provide a comprehensive assessment of scar type, skin condition, and healing history to develop a personalised treatment plan. Our goal is to achieve natural-looking improvements and support long-term skin health.
Treatment Recommendations
At Tiffany Matthewson Dermal Aesthetics, we offer evidence-based treatments designed to remodel scar tissue, improve skin texture, and restore a more even skin surface. Each treatment is selected based on scar type, skin health, and individual goals.
SkinPen® Microneedling
SkinPen® is the only TGA-approved microneedling device for scar treatment. This advanced technology works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the natural healing response and encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin. Over a series of treatments, this process helps to soften the appearance of acne scars, refine texture, and improve overall skin quality. SkinPen® is particularly effective for atrophic (pitted) scars and is safe across all skin types.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Laser therapy is an advanced treatment that works by delivering controlled energy into the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This process strengthens the skin’s underlying structure, helping to remodel scar tissue and improve overall resilience. In addition to improving texture, laser rejuvenation can reduce redness within scar tissue and support faster healing, leading to smoother, more balanced skin. It is particularly effective for surgical scars, hypertrophic scars, and areas of post-inflammatory redness.
Chemical Peels
Medical-grade chemical peels resurface the skin by promoting controlled exfoliation and stimulating cellular turnover. This process helps reduce superficial scarring, smooth texture, and even pigmentation. Peels are especially effective for mild acne scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation, and they can also be combined with other modalities for enhanced results.
For more severe atrophic acne scars, such as ice pick scars, TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peels may be recommended. TCA can be applied in higher strengths or through a focused technique known as TCA CROSS (Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars), which targets deep, narrow scars to stimulate new collagen formation at the base. Over a series of treatments, this approach can significantly improve depth and visibility of stubborn ice pick scars.
Product Recommendations
