Scars and stretch marks are common skin concerns that may develop after acne, surgery, injury, burns, pregnancy, rapid growth or weight changes.
At Dermé Aesthetic Clinic in Camberwell, Melbourne, we provide personalised consultations and treatment planning for patients concerned about acne scars, surgical scars, traumatic scars and stretch marks.
Following an individual clinical assessment, treatment may include skin needling, laser treatments, chemical peels, LED Light Therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment, Plasma Pen Treatment, Rejuran-S (scar), professional skincare or other treatment options where clinically appropriate.
Treatment recommendations are based on the type of scar, skin type, medical history, previous treatments and individual assessment.
A scar forms as part of the body’s natural healing process after the skin has been injured. When the skin repairs itself, new collagen is produced to close and strengthen the area. This collagen can look and feel different from the surrounding skin, creating a visible mark, indentation, raised area or change in texture.
Scars can appear in different ways, including:
The final appearance of a scar depends on many factors, including the cause of the injury, the location on the body, skin type, genetics, inflammation, wound healing, sun exposure and how the scar was cared for during the healing phase.
Stretch marks, also called striae, are a type of scar that forms when the skin is stretched faster than it can adapt. This can affect the collagen and elastin fibres within the deeper layers of the skin, leaving visible lines or streaks on the surface.
Stretch marks commonly appear on the:
They may start as red, pink, purple or darker lines and gradually fade to a lighter, silvery or white colour over time. Early red or purple stretch marks may respond differently to older white stretch marks, so treatment selection depends on the stage and appearance of the stretch marks.
Scars develop when the skin repairs itself after an injury, inflammation or surgical procedure. As part of the normal healing process, the body produces new collagen to repair damaged tissue. The appearance of the scar depends on how the skin heals and remodels over time.
Common causes of scars include:
Acne and Inflammation
Acne is one of the most common causes of facial scarring. Inflammatory acne can damage the deeper layers of the skin, resulting in changes to collagen that may lead to pitted, rolling or boxcar scars. Acne may also leave post-inflammatory redness or pigmentation, which differs from true scarring and may require a different treatment approach. Active acne should generally be managed before commencing more intensive scar treatments.
Surgery and Medical Procedures
Surgical scars may develop following procedures such as caesarean section, mole removal, cosmetic surgery or other operations. While many surgical wounds heal as fine linear scars, some may become raised, thickened, wider or more noticeable depending on individual healing characteristics, wound tension and genetics.
Injury and Trauma
Cuts, abrasions, accidents and other traumatic injuries can result in scars that vary considerably in appearance. Some heal with minimal visible change, while others may become indented, raised, firm, pigmented or irregular in texture.
Burns and Skin Trauma
Burns may damage multiple layers of the skin and can result in scars that feel firm, tight or uneven. Depending on their depth and severity, burn scars may require a more gradual and individualised treatment approach.
Skin Type and Genetics
The way scars heal differs from one person to another. Genetics, age, skin type and the body’s natural healing response all influence scar formation. Some individuals are more likely to develop hypertrophic or keloid scars, while olive, Asian and darker skin types may have a greater tendency to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following inflammation or skin injury.
Stretch marks (striae) develop when the skin stretches more rapidly than its collagen and elastin fibres can adapt. This causes microscopic changes within the deeper layers of the skin, resulting in visible lines or streaks.
Common causes of stretch marks include:
Pregnancy
Stretch marks frequently develop during pregnancy as the abdomen and breasts expand over a relatively short period. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may also influence collagen and elastin, making stretch marks more likely to occur.
Growth During Puberty
Rapid growth during adolescence can lead to stretch marks, particularly on the thighs, hips, buttocks, shoulders and back. This is a common and normal part of development for many teenagers.
Weight Changes
Rapid weight gain or weight loss can place additional tension on the skin and contribute to the development of stretch marks, particularly on the abdomen, flanks, thighs and upper arms.
Muscle Development
People who experience rapid muscle growth through strength training or bodybuilding may develop stretch marks on the shoulders, upper arms, chest or thighs as the skin adapts to increasing muscle size.
Genetics and Hormonal Influences
Some individuals are naturally more prone to developing stretch marks than others. Family history, genetics, skin type and hormonal influences all affect the skin’s ability to stretch and remodel without forming striae.
Scars and stretch marks develop when the skin repairs itself after injury or when it is stretched beyond its normal capacity. Although they can look very different, both involve changes to the skin’s natural collagen and elastin fibres during the healing process.
The Role of Collagen
Collagen is the main structural protein in the skin. It provides strength, support and firmness and plays an important role in wound healing. When the skin is injured by acne, surgery, burns, cuts or other trauma, the body produces new collagen to repair the damaged tissue.
The collagen produced during healing is organised differently from the surrounding normal skin. As a result, the healed area may appear raised, indented, firmer, lighter, darker or have a different texture. The amount and arrangement of collagen produced during healing contribute to the final appearance of a scar.
The Role of Elastin
Elastin is another important protein within the skin. It allows the skin to stretch and return to its original shape after movement or changes in body size.
Stretch marks (striae) develop when the skin stretches more rapidly than its collagen and elastin fibres can adapt. This may occur during pregnancy, puberty, rapid growth, muscle development or significant weight changes. As these deeper structural fibres are disrupted, visible lines or streaks may appear on the skin.
How Wound Healing Influences Scar Formation
Every wound passes through several stages of healing. Initially, the body controls bleeding and inflammation before producing new collagen and repairing the damaged tissue. Over the following months, the scar gradually remodels as collagen fibres reorganise and mature.
This process can continue for many months, and in some cases up to one year or longer. During this time, the appearance of a scar may continue to change, with improvements in colour, firmness and texture occurring gradually.
No two scars are exactly alike. The appearance of a scar depends on many factors, including:
For example, acne scars often become indented because collagen is lost during inflammation, whereas surgical scars may appear as fine linear scars if healing progresses normally. Some people naturally develop raised or thickened scars, while others are more prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation after healing.
Because scars and stretch marks differ considerably in their appearance and underlying causes, there is no single treatment that is suitable for everyone. A comprehensive consultation and skin assessment help determine which treatment options may be appropriate for your individual skin concerns, skin type and medical history.
There is no single treatment that is suitable for every scar or stretch mark. The most appropriate treatment depends on several factors, including the type of scar, its age, colour, depth, location, your skin type, medical history and previous treatments.
Many scars involve more than one concern. For example, an acne scar may have surface irregularity, collagen loss, redness and pigmentation at the same time. Similarly, stretch marks may involve changes in skin texture, colour and elasticity. For this reason, a combination of treatments is often considered following a comprehensive consultation and skin assessment.
Skin Needling (Dermapen® 4)
Skin needling creates controlled microchannels within the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. It may be considered for selected patients with acne scars, textural scars, surgical scars and stretch marks where collagen remodelling is an important treatment objective. Treatment is usually performed as a series of sessions, with gradual changes occurring over time.
Q-Switched Laser Rejuvenation
Q-Switched laser rejuvenation may be considered when pigmentation, uneven skin tone or post-inflammatory pigmentation is a significant component of the scar. Depending on the individual assessment, it may also be incorporated into a broader skin rejuvenation treatment plan.
Candela GentleMax Pro Vascular Laser
Some newer scars appear pink or red because of increased blood vessels within the healing tissue. In selected patients, vascular laser treatment using the Candela GentleMax Pro may be considered to target visible redness associated with selected scars. It does not replace treatments that address collagen loss or textural changes.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) may be incorporated into selected treatment plans where clinically appropriate. Depending on the individual assessment, PRP may be combined with skin needling as part of a personalised approach to skin quality and scar management.
Rejuran® Skin Booster and Rejuran® S
Rejuran® Skin Booster and Rejuran® S may be considered for selected patients depending on the type and location of the scar. Rejuran® S is commonly considered for more localised areas of scarring, while Rejuran® Skin Booster may be incorporated into treatment plans focusing on overall skin quality. Suitability is determined following clinical assessment.
Plasma Pen
Plasma Pen treatment may be considered for selected superficial scars in carefully chosen patients and treatment areas. It is not suitable for every scar type and may not be recommended for darker skin types or patients at increased risk of pigmentation changes or abnormal scar formation.
Professional Skincare
Professional skincare often forms an important part of scar and stretch mark management. Appropriate skincare may help prepare the skin before treatment, support recovery following procedures and assist with the long-term management of skin quality and pigmentation where appropriate.
Rather than relying on a single procedure, many patients may benefit from a combination of treatment modalities. For example, one treatment may focus on collagen remodelling, another may address pigmentation, while another targets redness or overall skin quality.
Following your consultation, your practitioner will assess your skin and discuss the treatment options that may be appropriate for your individual circumstances. Your personalised treatment plan may include one treatment or a combination of treatments performed over time, depending on your skin concerns, clinical assessment and treatment goals.
Your treatment begins with a professional consultation. During your appointment, your practitioner will assess the scar or stretch mark, your skin type, medical history, previous treatments, current skincare and treatment goals.
Your consultation may include:
Dermé has a cosmetic doctor on site, and you can be referred to the doctor if your scar requires medical assessment, if the scar is raised or symptomatic, if there is concern about keloid tendency, or if prescription or doctor-led management is more appropriate.
Acne scars may appear as pitted, indented, rolling, textural or uneven areas on the skin. Some clients also have redness or pigmentation after acne, which may need to be treated differently from true scarring. Treatment may include skin needling, chemical peels, LED, RevLite® SI Q-Switched Laser Rejuvenation, skincare and other collagen-supporting treatments depending on suitability.
Surgical scars may appear after procedures such as mole removal, cosmetic surgery, caesarean section, abdominal surgery, breast surgery or other operations. Treatment aims to improve texture, redness, firmness, pigmentation and overall blending with the surrounding skin.
Traumatic scars can develop after cuts, accidents, abrasions or injuries. These scars may be raised, flat, indented, red, brown, pale or irregular in texture. A personalised approach is important because traumatic scars can vary significantly in depth and appearance.
Raised or thickened scars can feel firm, itchy, sensitive or uncomfortable. These scars may need medical review, and in some cases you may be referred to the cosmetic doctor on site for further assessment before treatment is recommended.
Some scars become darker than the surrounding skin, especially after acne, burns, irritation or trauma. These scars may benefit from professional skincare, peels, pigment-focused treatments and strict sun protection. Treatment is selected carefully to avoid worsening pigmentation.
Newer scars may appear pink, red or purple due to increased vascularity during the healing phase. Depending on suitability, laser vascular removal using Candela GentleMax Pro may be considered to help reduce visible redness in selected cases.
Stretch marks are most common on the body, especially the abdomen, breasts, hips, thighs, buttocks, back and upper arms. Although they are a type of scar, they are treated differently from acne or surgical scars because they are related to changes in collagen and elastin within stretched skin.
At Dermé, treatment for stretch marks focuses on improving skin texture, firmness, tone and overall skin quality. The aim is to make stretch marks look softer, smoother and less noticeable rather than promising complete removal.
Treatment may include skin needling with Dermapen 4, chemical peels in selected cases, LED support and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment, professional skincare and collagen-supporting treatment plans. For red or purple stretch marks, vascular-focused treatment may be considered depending on assessment and suitability.
Dermé performs advanced skin needling using Dermapen 4. Skin needling, also known as microneedling or collagen induction therapy, creates controlled microchannels in the skin to stimulate the body’s natural repair response.
This process encourages collagen and elastin production, helping to improve texture, firmness and the appearance of scarring over time. Dermapen 4 may be suitable for selected concerns such as:
Skin needling is often performed as a course of treatments. Results develop gradually as the skin remodels and produces new collagen.
For suitable clients, Dermé may recommend combining skin needling with Rejuran Skin Booster or Rejuran Tone-Up Booster to support skin quality and rejuvenation. This approach may be considered when the goal is to improve overall skin texture, hydration, resilience and radiance while targeting scarring or uneven texture.
Suitability will be assessed during consultation, especially for clients with sensitive skin, active acne, pigmentation tendency or recent treatments.
Professional chemical peels may help improve superficial texture, uneven tone, post-inflammatory marks, dullness and mild scarring concerns by encouraging controlled skin renewal. Different peel options may be selected depending on your skin type, scar type and tolerance.
Peels may assist with:
Peels are not suitable for every scar type, especially deep, raised or complex scars, but they may form part of a combined treatment plan.
LED Light Therapy may be used to support skin healing, calm inflammation and assist recovery after certain skin treatments. It can be useful as part of a broader plan for acne-prone skin, post-treatment recovery and general skin rejuvenation.
LED does not remove scars on its own, but it may help support the skin environment and reduce inflammation when used alongside other treatments.
RevLite® SI Q-Switched Laser Rejuvenation may be considered for selected clients with post-inflammatory pigmentation, uneven tone, post-acne marks or general skin dullness associated with scarring. It delivers short pulses of laser energy to target excess pigment and support skin clarity.
This treatment may be useful when the main concern is discolouration around scars rather than deep indentation. Suitability depends on your skin type, scar type and pigmentation risk.
Dermé offers laser vascular removal using Candela GentleMax Pro. In selected cases, vascular-focused laser treatment may help reduce visible redness in newer red or pink scars by targeting unwanted redness in the skin.
This treatment is not suitable for every scar and does not replace collagen-remodelling treatments for indented scars or stretch marks. Your practitioner will assess whether vascular laser treatment is appropriate for your concern.
Professional skincare is an important part of scar and stretch mark management. The right products can help support the skin barrier, improve texture, reduce irritation, brighten uneven tone and maintain results between in-clinic treatments.
At Dermé, your practitioner may recommend selected skincare products to help prepare your skin before treatment, support healing after treatment and maintain long-term improvement. Your homecare plan may include:
Using unsuitable or harsh products can irritate the skin and may worsen redness, pigmentation or sensitivity. This is especially important for darker skin types, post-inflammatory pigmentation and scars that are still healing.
If your scar appears raised, thickened, painful, itchy, rapidly changing, complex, or outside the scope of dermal treatments, you can be referred to the doctor for further assessment. This helps ensure that treatment is appropriate, safe and matched to the type of scar you have.
Scars and stretch marks often involve several changes within the skin rather than a single problem. For example, an acne scar may involve collagen loss, uneven skin texture, pigmentation, persistent redness and changes in skin quality at the same time. Similarly, stretch marks may involve changes in colour, texture, collagen and elastin within the deeper layers of the skin.
Because different treatments target different aspects of the skin, a combination approach may be considered following a comprehensive consultation and clinical assessment. Rather than relying on a single treatment, your practitioner may recommend a personalised treatment plan that addresses multiple components of the scar or stretch mark over time.
Depending on your individual assessment, your treatment plan may include:
Not every patient requires every treatment. The most appropriate combination depends on the type of scar or stretch mark, its age, location, skin type, previous treatments and your individual clinical assessment. During your consultation, your practitioner will explain the potential benefits, limitations and suitability of each treatment option and develop a personalised management plan where appropriate.
Scars continue to change for many months after an injury or surgical procedure. During this time, the body gradually remodels collagen as part of the normal healing process. Because scar tissue is still developing, the appearance, texture and colour of a scar may continue to evolve during the first 6–12 months, and sometimes longer.
Not every new scar requires treatment immediately. In some situations, allowing the wound to heal completely before commencing treatment may be recommended. In other cases, early assessment can help identify appropriate scar care, skin protection and treatment options where clinically appropriate.
The most appropriate timing for treatment depends on several factors, including:
Early consultation also provides an opportunity to discuss scar care, sun protection, skincare and realistic expectations. Where treatment is appropriate, a personalised management plan may be developed based on the stage of scar healing and your individual clinical assessment.
Scar treatment should always be tailored to the individual, and this is particularly important for patients with olive, Asian, Middle Eastern, African and other darker skin tones. These skin types often heal differently because they contain greater amounts of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour.
Following inflammation or skin injury, darker skin may have a higher tendency to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), where the treated area becomes temporarily darker than the surrounding skin. Less commonly, some patients may develop areas of lighter pigmentation (hypopigmentation). These changes are usually temporary but may take several months to improve.
For this reason, treatment plans for darker skin types often place greater emphasis on protecting the skin barrier and reducing unnecessary inflammation. Depending on your individual assessment, your practitioner may recommend:
Not every treatment is suitable for every skin type or scar. During your consultation at Derme Clinic in Camberwell,Melbourne, your practitioner will assess your skin type, scar characteristics, medical history and previous treatments before discussing the treatment options that may be appropriate for your individual circumstances. The aim is to develop a personalised treatment plan that considers both the characteristics of your scar and the way your skin heals.
The number of treatments required depends on the type of scar or stretch marks, how long they have been present, the area being treated, your skin type and the treatment selected.
Most scars and stretch marks require a series of treatments. Improvements usually develop gradually over weeks to months as the skin produces new collagen and remodels. Maintenance treatments and professional skincare may be recommended to support long-term results.
Downtime depends on the treatment performed. Some treatments, such as LED, have minimal downtime. Skin needling may cause redness, warmth, mild swelling, dryness or flaking for a few days. Peels can cause dryness, sensitivity or peeling. Laser treatments may cause temporary redness, swelling, darkening or sensitivity depending on the treatment area and skin type.
After treatment, it is usually important to avoid:
Your practitioner will provide aftercare instructions and advise which skincare products to use and which products to temporarily avoid.
Scars and stretch marks cannot always be completely removed. The goal of treatment is to improve their appearance by softening texture, reducing redness or pigmentation, improving skin firmness and helping the scar or stretch mark blend better with the surrounding skin.
Some scars respond very well, while others require ongoing management. Results vary depending on the scar type, depth, age, location, skin type and how your skin responds to treatment.
At Dermé Aesthetic Clinic, scar and stretch mark treatment is planned with a focus on safety, skin health and natural-looking improvement.
Our approach is:
We believe scars and stretch marks should be assessed carefully before treatment so that the plan is appropriate, safe and tailored to your skin.
Yes. Stretch marks can often be improved, although they may not completely disappear. Treatment focuses on stimulating collagen, improving texture and helping the stretch marks blend more smoothly with the surrounding skin.
Skin needling can be helpful for selected acne scars, textural scars and stretch marks. It works by stimulating collagen and elastin production, gradually improving skin texture and firmness over a series of treatments.
Many old scars can still be improved, but the response varies. Mature scars may require a longer treatment plan and may not respond as quickly as newer scars. A consultation is needed to assess what is realistic.
Red or pink scars may improve over time naturally. In selected cases, vascular laser treatment may be considered to reduce visible redness. Your practitioner will assess whether this is suitable for your skin and scar type.
Raised, thickened or keloid-type scars should be assessed carefully. Dermé has a cosmetic doctor on site, and you can be referred to the doctor if medical assessment or doctor-led management is needed.
Scars and stretch marks can be assessed on both the face and body. Common treatment areas include the face, neck, chest, abdomen, breasts, back, thighs, hips, arms and hands.
Most scar and stretch mark treatments require a series of sessions. The exact number depends on the type of scar, treatment chosen, area treated, skin type and response to treatment. Your practitioner will discuss this during consultation.
Discomfort varies depending on the treatment. Skin needling and some laser treatments may feel warm, prickly or sensitive. Numbing cream or comfort measures may be used where appropriate.
Downtime depends on the treatment. Skin needling may cause redness and sensitivity for a few days. Peels may cause dryness or flaking. Laser treatments may cause temporary redness or swelling. Your practitioner will explain expected downtime before treatment.
Yes. Skincare can help prepare the skin, support healing and maintain results. It is especially important if you are prone to pigmentation, sensitivity or inflammation.
Complete removal cannot be guaranteed. The goal is usually to make the scar or stretch mark softer, smoother, less red, less pigmented and less noticeable.
If you have active acne, it may be better to control the acne first before starting more intensive scar treatment. This helps reduce the risk of new scars forming and allows better long-term results.
Some treatments and skincare products may not be suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. A consultation is recommended so we can discuss safe options.
The response to treatment varies between individuals and depends on the type, age and location of the scar. Newer scars may respond differently from mature scars, and different scar types often require different treatment approaches. Acne scars, surgical scars, traumatic scars, red scars and stretch marks each have different characteristics and may require different management strategies. A consultation is the best way to determine which treatment options may be appropriate for your individual scar.
The timing of treatment depends on the type of scar and how the skin is healing. Some scars benefit from early assessment once the skin has healed, while others are best managed after allowing the scar to mature further. During your consultation, your practitioner will assess the stage of healing and discuss the most appropriate timing for treatment based on your individual circumstances.
Some scars gradually become less noticeable as they mature, while others may become raised, thickened, darker or remain red for a prolonged period. Factors such as ongoing inflammation, infection, repeated trauma, excessive sun exposure and individual healing characteristics may influence how a scar develops. Early assessment may help determine whether treatment or monitoring is appropriate.
Once an acne scar has formed, it generally does not return after successful treatment. However, new acne breakouts can lead to the development of additional scars. For this reason, active acne is often managed before commencing more intensive scar treatments, and ongoing skincare may be recommended to help reduce the risk of future scarring.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) may be considered as part of a personalised treatment plan for selected patients. Depending on your skin concerns and clinical assessment, PRP may be combined with treatments such as skin needling. Whether PRP is appropriate depends on your scar type, treatment goals, medical history and practitioner assessment.
Rejuran® and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) work differently and may be suitable for different patients and treatment goals. Depending on your clinical assessment, one treatment may be recommended, or they may be incorporated into a broader treatment plan. During your consultation, your practitioner will explain the potential advantages, limitations and suitability of each option based on your individual skin concerns.
The most appropriate laser depends on the characteristics of the scar. At Dermé Aesthetic Clinic, different laser technologies may be considered depending on the concern being treated. For example, the Cynosure MedLite® C6 Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser may be considered for selected pigmentation concerns associated with scars, while the Candela GentleMax Pro may be considered for selected red or vascular scars. Not every scar is suitable for laser treatment, and some patients may benefit more from skin needling, chemical peels or other treatment approaches.
There is no single treatment that is best for every patient. In patients with olive, Asian, Middle Eastern, African and other darker skin tones, treatment plans are carefully selected to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation. Depending on your skin type and scar characteristics, conservative treatment settings, gradual treatment progression, skin preparation and personalised aftercare may be recommended. Your practitioner will discuss the most appropriate options following assessment.
Scar treatment can often be performed throughout the year; however, some treatments require careful sun protection before and after the procedure. If significant sun exposure is anticipated, your practitioner may recommend adjusting the timing of treatment or modifying your treatment plan. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen and appropriate sun protection are important throughout treatment.
Older stretch marks may still respond to treatment, although the degree of improvement varies between individuals. White or silvery stretch marks often require a different treatment approach from newer red or purple stretch marks. During your consultation, your practitioner will assess the age, appearance and location of your stretch marks before discussing the treatment options that may be appropriate.
Scar formation varies from person to person. Genetics, skin type, age, wound healing, the depth of the injury, infection, inflammation, wound tension and underlying medical conditions can all influence how a scar develops. Some individuals are naturally more prone to raised scars or post-inflammatory pigmentation than others. A personalised assessment helps determine the most appropriate management approach for your individual skin and scar type.
