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info@scarsandlasers.co.nz
15 Green Lane East, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand
Monday - Friday: 7:45 am - 5:00 pm
Atrophic scars occur when the skin heals below its normal level, creating sunken or indented areas. This type of scarring is often the result of severe acne, chickenpox, or skin trauma, and the severity can vary based on the depth and size of the scar. Common forms of atrophic scars include icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars, all of which can make the skin's surface uneven and affect self-esteem. Treatment for atrophic scars typically involves a combination of laser therapy, micro-needling, fillers and bio-stimulators, and other skin resurfacing techniques to restore a smoother and more uniform skin texture.
Atrophic scars develop when the skin is unable to produce enough collagen during the wound healing process, resulting in sunken or depressed scars. They are most commonly seen after severe acne, chickenpox, or trauma. The three main types of atrophic scars are:
- Icepick scars, which are narrow and deep
- Boxcar scars, which are wider with sharp edges, and
- Rolling scars, which are more shallow and smooth.
Treatment focuses on restoring collagen production and resurfacing the skin to minimize the appearance of these scars.
(Available on Excel V and Excel V Plus)
Best for
Mild cases or isolated vessels.
How It Works
The long-pulse Nd:YAG laser emits energy at a wavelength absorbed by haemoglobin in blood vessels. This heat causes the targeted vessels to collapse, effectively treating both surface red veins and deeper blue veins.
Results
Treated vessels may disappear immediately or gradually fade over several weeks.
(Candela VBeam Perfecta, Excel V, Excel V Plus, Sciton BBL)
Best for
Stimulating collagen and vascular remodelling to reduce persistent skin redness.
How It Works
Often recommended in combination with vascular laser or BBL treatments to enhance skin healing, texture, and redness reduction.
(Candela VBeam Perfecta, Excel V, Excel V Plus, Sciton BBL)
Best for
More severe cases or large areas of visible facial veins and redness, particularly in rosacea.
How It Works
This approach layers multiple vascular-targeting technologies in one session, including:
Results
Effectively reduces visible veins, diffuse redness, and facial flushing commonly seen in rosacea.
For atrophic scars (indented scars), the best laser approach focuses on smoothing texture and rebuilding collagen to lift and blend the depression into surrounding skin. Fraxel Dual Laser, Alma Hybrid, and Acclaro UltraClear are commonly used to stimulate collagen remodelling and refine surface unevenness, while a picosecond laser can be added to help improve overall scar texture and blending with minimal disruption. Often, the most noticeable improvement comes from a tailored combination of these treatments over a series of sessions.
Laser treatments are highly effective, with many patients seeing significant improvements in the texture and appearance of their scars. The results depend on the scar type, laser used, and number of sessions.
The selection of laser treatments are based on factors such as skin type, severity of the lesion, and the patient’s available downtime for recovery.
Most patients need 3–5 sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal results. Your dermatologist will create a customised treatment plan based on your specific needs.
Recovery time depends on the severity of these acne scars, and is usually 5 - 7 days.
Side effects are typically mild and include redness, swelling, and temporary discoloration. Rarely, pigmentation changes or scarring can occur, but these risks are minimized with proper care.
Atrophic scars are depressions in the skin caused by loss of dermal collagen, fat, or supportive tissue following acne, trauma, surgery, or inflammation. Because the issue is volume deficit and structural collapse, treatments that rebuild or replace volume—such as dermal fillers and biostimulators—play a valuable role in comprehensive scar management.
Subcision
Releases the fibrous bands pulling the scar down, helping lift and smooth the area. Often paired with fillers.
Used to lift depressed scars, replace lost volume, and prevent re-tethering after subcision. Results are immediate.
Injections such as Sculptra, Rejuran, or Jalupro stimulate natural collagen production and improve overall texture.
A precise chemical technique ideal for ice-pick scars, encouraging collagen remodelling to narrow and elevate the scar.
Includes punch excision or elevation to remove or improve deep, isolated scars that don’t respond to other treatments.
Creates controlled micro-injuries (with or without radiofrequency) to stimulate collagen and improve scar texture with minimal downtime.
ACC funding eligibility is determined by the Accident Compensation Corporation on a case-by-case basis. Approval is dependent on injury acceptance, clinical indication, and ACC policy at the time of application. Not all treatments offered at Scars & Lasers are ACC-funded. Private fees may apply for unfunded components of care.
