Treatments for Acne & Acne Scarring

Acne impacts self esteem. Early intervention for acne is essential to help prevent permanent scarring. Modern treatment involves the synergistic use of medical and laser dermatology. Acne is Dr Wine’s absolute passion to treat as she know the emotional effects are difficult. She believes in long term cure and control rather than short term management. Dermatologists are experts in the management of acne & acne scarring. Dr Wines will tailor your treatment to your individual needs. (Photos above: With permission- patients of Dr Nina Wines. Combination medical and laser therapy)

My clinic now offers the revolutionary TGA approved treatment for acne - AviClear Click to learn more

My Treatment Approach: Please read prior to Consultation

  • Individualised Plan: Your treatment will be customised based on your medical history and specific acne journey.

  • Multimodal Strategy: Effective treatment often combines various methods to address all aspects of acne.

    Key Points to Remember:

  • Quick treatment of active acne is essential to prevent acne sequalae: red marks, brown marks and scarring

  • Long-Term Control: Necessary to prevent permanent skin damage as acne comes & goes for a long time.

  • Antibiotics & Topical Medicated creams: Do not cure acne; symptoms return after stopping.

  • Skincare & Diet: Not a primary treatments for acne.

  • Acne Duration: Can persist into adulthood.

    Stay Informed: Understand your treatment options and be prepared for consultations.

    Root Cause of Acne

  • Sebaceous Glands: Overactivity due to hormones, genetics, and stress.

  • Clogged Pores: Excess oil and dead skin cells lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

    Complications of Acne

  • Skin Issues: Red lesions, brown spots, scars.

  • Psychological Impact: Emotional distress and confidence issues.

    Treatment Options:

    Topical Medications

    • Usage: Start slowly, apply to the whole affected area, and use with moisturisers (read instructions carefully)

    • Common Brands: Acntac, Benzac, Differin, Retin A, Epiduo.

    • Pros: Target blackheads and whiteheads, used with antibiotics to enhance effects.

    • Cons: Can cause dryness and irritation.

    Oral Antibiotics

    • Usage: Combined with topicals, limited to 3-4 months in most cases

    • Pros: Reduce inflammation and bacterial growth. 

    • Cons: Temporary solution, potential side effects, risk of antibiotic resistance.

    1726nm AviClear

    • Usage: Medical device that targets sebaceous glands, long-term results, safe with minimal downtime, only treats where acne is without systemic side effects.Fast: 3 treatments sep one month for long term outcomes

    • Pros: Highly effective in clinical studies with nodule reduction equivalent to isotretinoin, long-term remission for many 

    • Cons: Cost $1000-$1200 per treatment

    Isotretinoin (Roaccutane/Oratane/Accutane)

    • Usage: Long-term treatment for severe acne, requires monitoring (12-18mths) & regular visits

    • Pros: Highly effective, long-term remission for many.

    • Cons: Initial flare in some, Potential side effects, including dry skin and lips, mood changes, and others (read detailed info)

    Hormonal Treatments for Women

    • Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill: Effective for hormonal acne, benefits increase with use.

    • Spironolactone: Reduces androgen levels, effective for hormonal fluctuations.

    • ments

    Final Considerations

    Treatments for Acne Sequalae:

  • Red Laser: Treats red marks early reduces atrophic acne scarring risks

  • Bleaching Creams & QS Laser: Effective for hyperpigmentation, particularly in darker skin tones.

  • Acne Scarring Treatments


    Options to Discuss with me at your consultation

  • Topical Medications: Suitable for mild to moderate acne.

  • Oral Antibiotics: For moderate acne, combined with topicals.

  • Isotretinoin: For severe cases, long-term management.

  • 1726nm AviClear Laser

  • Hormonal Treatments: For females with hormonal acne.

  • Laser Treatments: For persistent acne and post-acne marks.l and dead skin cells lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.


Acne Scarring Treatments

Dr Wines subspecialises in acne scar management. In 2022 she guest edited a journal edition on Acne Scarring and has published and lectured on this topic. Click here to learn about acne scar revision.

Single session individualised multimodal management of acne scarring enables synergistic and faster outcomes. Every persons acne is different and everyones scar type differ. Different acne scar types require different techniques. A personalised and customised single session multimodal approach is required for every individuals concerns.

Subcision

Acne Scar Revision Options

  • Punch grafting: involves removing the scar with a special instrument and then replacing it with normal skin. This procedure is then followed up with laser resurfacing.

  • Subcision®: involves dividing the scar tissue beneath the scar and thus lifting the skin back to its original position.

  • Fillers injection for acne scars:

  • Thick keloid-like scars: Keloid or hypertrophic scars require the injection of corticosteroid into them. Multiple injections separated by 4 to 6 weeks may be required.

  • Fractionated laser: this laser technique is most suitable for atrophic acne scars (the most common types of scars) It is popular, effective and extremely safe.

  • Other:

    • Radio Frequency 

    • Micro needling

    • Chemical peels

    • TCA cross

    • Excision & subcision 

Learn more about acne and acne scarring management with Dr Wines - phone 02 9958 1555 or email info@drninawines.com

All medical and cosmetic procedures involve some risks. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only. For specific advice regarding your situation, please book an appointment with Dr Nina Wines.