Scarring in Brisbane
Specialist Dermatologist Assessment and Management of Skin Scars
Scarring is a common outcome of skin injury or inflammation and can result from acne, surgery, trauma, burns or inflammatory skin conditions. Scars vary widely in appearance, symptoms and response to treatment, and may affect both physical comfort and confidence.
At Your Dermatologist, scarring is managed with a diagnosis-driven, evidence-based approach, focused on understanding the type of scar present and selecting appropriate treatment options with realistic expectations.
What is a scar?
A scar forms when the skin heals after injury, inflammation or tissue damage. During healing, collagen is laid down to repair the skin, which can result in changes in texture, thickness or colour.
The final appearance of a scar is influenced by multiple factors, including:
Depth and type of skin injury
Location on the body
Genetic predisposition
Skin type and age
Ongoing inflammation or tension on the wound
Types of scars
Accurate classification of scars is essential, as different scar types respond to different treatments.
Acne scarring
Acne scars most commonly affect the face and may include:
Ice-pick scars - narrow, deep scars
Boxcar scars - wider scars with sharp edges
Rolling scars - broad depressions due to tethering of the skin
Acne scarring is best assessed once active acne is well controlled.
Hypertrophic scars
Hypertrophic scars are:
Raised and firm
Confined to the original wound area
More common after surgery or trauma
They may improve gradually over time but can remain symptomatic or cosmetically bothersome.
Keloid scars
Keloid scars are:
Thick, raised scars that extend beyond the original wound
More common in certain body sites and skin types
Often persistent and prone to recurrence
Keloids may be associated with itch, pain or tenderness and often require specialist input.
Other scar concerns
Other scar-related issues include:
Post-surgical scars
Traumatic or burn scars
Pigment changes within scars
Tight or restrictive scars affecting movement
Why specialist assessment matters
Scars are frequently:
Treated with inappropriate or ineffective therapies
Assumed to be permanent when improvement is possible
Managed without addressing ongoing inflammation or risk of progression
Specialist assessment helps to:
Identify the type and activity of the scar
Assess symptoms and functional impact
Discuss evidence-based management options
Avoid treatments that may worsen scarring
At Your Dermatologist, management is individualised and conservative, with a focus on safety and long-term outcomes.
Management approach to scarring
Scarring management depends on scar type, location, duration and patient factors. Treatment is often stepwise and may involve combination approaches over time.
Medical and non-procedural management
This may include:
Education regarding scar behaviour and prognosis
Topical or injectable treatments for selected scars
Strategies to reduce inflammation, itch or discomfort
Procedural management
In selected cases, procedural treatments may be considered to:
Improve scar texture or thickness
Release tethered scars
Stimulate collagen remodelling
Procedural suitability is assessed carefully, and multiple treatments may be required.
What results can be expected?
Scar treatment aims to improve appearance, texture and symptoms, not to completely remove scars.
Outcomes are:
Variable between individuals
Dependent on scar type and duration
Typically gradual, over months rather than weeks
A clear discussion of expected improvement, limitations and risks is a key part of care.
What to expect at your consultation
Your consultation will include:
Detailed history of the scar and how it developed
Examination of scar type, texture and activity
Discussion of management options and timing
Consideration of risks, benefits and alternatives
A personalised treatment and follow-up plan
In some cases, treatment may be deferred or staged to optimise results.
Scar assessment with a dermatologist in Brisbane
If scarring is symptomatic, changing, worsening or affecting your confidence, specialist dermatology assessment can help clarify what type of scar is present and what management options may be appropriate.
At Your Dermatologist, scarring care is evidence-based, realistic and focused on meaningful improvement not guarantees or cosmetic promises.