Atrophic Scar
An accident-induced scar where the skin is sunken or depressed caused by loss of underlying tissue. May appear as small pits, linear depressions or broader areas of thinning skin.
Dermatology-led expertise
ACC Skin Injuries & Traumatic Scars
At Scars & Lasers, we are proud to be one of New Zealand’s leading specialist centres for ACC-funded scar treatment and traumatic skin injury management in Auckland. We assess and treat accident-related scars, burns, traumatic skin injuries, and complex scar conditions, helping eligible patients with approved ACC claim numbers access advanced laser treatments, scar revision procedures, and comprehensive scar management. Our specialist dermatologist-directed team also assists with ACC documentation, clinical assessments, and personalised treatment planning to help support the funding approval process where appropriate.
Injuries That May Be Covered
by ACC
Burn Scar
An accident-induced scar from heat or chemical injury, often resulting in discoloured, raised, or tight skin.
Cesarean Scar
A surgical accident-induced scar from C-section deliveries, typically found horizontally across the lower abdomen.
Contracture Scar
Scar that forms after skin injury , particularly burns, causing the skin to tighten and contract. Pulling on the surrounding skin, muscles or joints.
Hypertrophic Scar
Raised, firm scars remaining within the boundaries of the original wound. May be red or darker than surrounding skin Often itchy and can become more prominent over time .
Keloid Scar
An accident-induced thick, raised scar that grows beyond the original wound site, often itchy,painful or discoloured.
Self-harm Scars
Linear, repeated scars often on arms or thighs, resulting from intentional injury.
Skin Pigment Alteration
An accident-induced skin pigment alteration such as iron infusion leakage ( skin staining ) where there is leakage of iron into the skin during the infusion
Stretched Flat Scar
A flat, wide accident-induced scar caused by skin stretching during healing, often from tension or movement.
Wound Scars
A basic accident-induced scar left after the skin is cut or punctured and heals over time.
Other Types of Scars That
May Be Covered by ACC
Abrasions and Grazes
Surface-level scraped skin with raw texture, usually from falls or friction.
Adverse Skin Reactions
Medication-induced skin changes, including minocycline-induced facial hyperpigmentation.
Breast Surgery Scar
Post-surgical scarring from breast reconstruction or mastectomy, commonly semicircular or periareolar.
Cardiothoracic Incisions
Long vertical scars across the chest, sometimes extending toward the abdomen.
Dog Bite Scars
Dog bite injuries can leave uneven texture, redness, contour change, and visible marks.
Facial Scars After Injury
Scars from cuts, falls, burns, sports injuries, or other facial trauma.
Laparotomy Scar
A vertical scar from abdominal surgery running along the midline.
Orthopaedic Scar
Scars from bone or joint surgery, often found over knees, shoulders, or elbows.
Road or Cycling Accident Scars
Road trauma can result in gravel rash, abrasions, lacerations, and more extensive scarring.
Skin Infections
Accidental wounds that healed with secondary infection, often pigmented or irregular.
Skin Redness
Persistent red tint from inflammation around an injury or healing site.
At Scars & Lasers, we provide specialist assessment and treatment planning for ACC skin injuries and traumatic scars, including scars resulting from accidents, burns, surgery, and lacerations.
ACC funding decisions are made independently of clinical assessment and are subject to eligibility criteria and written approval. Not all scars are suitable for private clinic treatment.
The Process for ACC
Covered Skin Injuries
Step 1
Initial Assessment
Visit your GP or urgent care doctor as soon as possible after the skin injury. They will assess your skin injury, document how it occurred, and confirm whether it meets ACC criteria—meaning it was caused by an accident that occurred in New Zealand and therefore is possibly covered under ACC. They will also help you complete the relevant ACC45 form and forward it on to ACC on your behalf.
Step 2
ACC Confirmation
An accepted ACC45 claim and the issuing of a claim number (typically beginning with 100…) confirms that ACC has recognised your injury claim. Once you have received your claim number and are ready to arrange an appointment, please contact Scars & Lasers by phone or email at info@scarsandlasers.co.nz. Our team will then direct you to complete the appropriate online questionnaire via our website prior to your consultation. Once the required information has been received and reviewed, we will arrange an appointment with our specialist team.
Step 3
Specialist Consultation
At your initial consultation at Scars & Lasers, our laser nurse specialists or dermatologists will document how the injury occurred, photograph the affected areas, and complete an Allied Rehabilitation Treatment Plan (ARTP) form. This outlines a personalised approach to managing and improving your specific skin injury, and we will submit the ARTP form and any supporting documents to ACC on your behalf.
Step 4
Treatment & Review
ACC will then review the submitted documentation and, if approved, may contribute towards or cover the total cost of your treatment. Our team will then follow the treatment plan outlined in the ARTP and will regularly review your progress at each visit and adjust your treatment protocol as required.
Claim to Be Assessed by ACC
- Scars & Lasers acts on your behalf to ensure that the treatment protocol is suitable for your respective injury.
- It is ACC’s decision to either accept or decline our request for treatment.
- Once your claim has been accepted by ACC, please contact us to get your treatment underway.
- Should ACC decline the treatment request, we can always review their decision and reapply on your behalf if we feel it appropriate for your case.
- ACC claims relating to accident-related scars, skin injuries, or treatment injuries should ideally be lodged as soon as possible after the injury occurs. In many cases, claims are submitted within 12 months; however, delayed claims may still be considered by ACC depending on the circumstances and supporting medical information available. This is particularly relevant where scarring, pigmentation changes, or the long-term physical or psychological impact of an injury becomes more apparent over time. If you are unsure whether you may still qualify for ACC assistance, we recommend discussing your situation with your GP or contacting our clinic for further guidance.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Our Friendly Staff
For all appointment enquiries, medical referrals and urgent enquiries please contact us at info@scarsandlasers.co.nz or (09) 524 5011.