Tetra Pro CO2 laser
Assessment considers scar pattern, active acne, skin type and pigment history before suitable options are discussed.
Book a consultationAcne scars can differ in depth, shape and structure. The first step is assessing the scar pattern, active acne, skin type and pigment history.
Scar depth, shape and tethering influence which approach may be appropriate. A procedure used for surface texture has a different role from one used for tethered rolling scars. Dr Wong assesses the scar pattern before discussing a starting point.
Tetra Pro CO2 laser is a resurfacing procedure that may be considered for selected indented scars and uneven texture. Intensity is selected according to scar depth, skin characteristics and expected recovery time.
Lighter or more intensive settings may be discussed. Recent tanning, melasma, pigment history and healing response can affect suitability. CO2 resurfacing does not release fibrous bands beneath tethered rolling scars.
Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy and may be considered for selected texture concerns and acne scars.
Temporary redness, swelling, roughness or pinpoint marks can occur. Settings depend on scar pattern, tissue thickness and the area assessed. Subcision may be considered where tethering is identified.
Subcision is a focused procedure used to release fibrous bands beneath selected tethered rolling scars. Whether tethering is present is assessed before the procedure is considered.
Bruising, swelling and tenderness can occur. After the area settles, resurfacing or RF microneedling may be discussed if residual texture remains.
Supportive skincare and skin-quality options may be discussed when skin is reactive, dehydrated or recovering between procedures.
Their role is supportive rather than a substitute for procedures used for deeper or tethered scars.
The assessment looks at the feature creating the visible indentation or texture. It distinguishes structural scars from colour changes, checks whether acne is active and identifies factors that may affect recovery or pigmentation risk.
Tethering or active inflammation may need to be addressed before resurfacing. Prominent pigment changes may require a different starting approach.
An appointment includes a final skin review, preparation of the area, the selected procedure and individual aftercare. Exact steps differ between CO2 laser, RF microneedling and subcision.
We check for changes in your skin, health, medications and recent sun exposure before confirming whether the procedure can proceed.
The area is cleansed and prepared. Numbing or other comfort measures may be used where appropriate.
CO2 resurfacing may feel warm or sharp, RF microneedling may involve pressure or heat, and subcision can cause pressure or tenderness.
Before you leave, the clinic explains aftercare and which changes should prompt contact. Further appointments are discussed after recovery and response are reviewed.
Established acne scars are not expected to disappear completely. Visible change depends on scar type, depth, skin response and the procedure used. Deeper or tethered scars may remain visible after a procedure.
Changes are assessed after initial redness, swelling or peeling has settled. Resurfacing and collagen-remodelling procedures may continue to change in appearance over time, so review timing depends on the procedure.
Mixed scar patterns may require more than one procedure or approach. Response is reviewed after each stage before another appointment is considered.
Recovery varies between procedures and between people. Lighter resurfacing may cause temporary redness, dryness and mild peeling. More intensive CO2 laser can produce visible redness, swelling, sensitivity, crusting or peeling. RF microneedling commonly causes redness, swelling, roughness and pinpoint marks. Subcision can leave tenderness and bruising.
Important risks can include infection, prolonged redness, pigment change, burns, delayed healing and additional scarring. RF microneedling has also been associated with uncommon but serious tissue or nerve injury. Dr Wong discusses risks relevant to the selected procedure, your skin and the treated area.
Dr Kee Sing Wong, MBBS, FRACGP, is a registered medical practitioner and Director of W Medical Aesthetics. AHPRA registration: MED0000996242. Registration status: Registered.
Dr Wong leads the assessment of scar type, active acne, pigment history and procedure suitability. Where more than one scar pattern is present, options can be discussed in stages rather than as a fixed package.
The clinic explains the role, limits, recovery and relevant risks of each option before anything is planned.
Costs depend on the procedure, area, intensity and number of appointments discussed after assessment. A focal subcision appointment has a different scope from full-face CO2 resurfacing or RF microneedling.
W Medical Aesthetics provides relevant costs after the scar assessment, once appropriate options have been discussed.
Established acne scars are not expected to disappear completely. The degree of visible change varies with scar type, depth, procedure and individual skin response. These limits are discussed during assessment.
No single procedure suits every scar pattern. CO2 resurfacing may be discussed for selected texture concerns, RF microneedling for some uneven scars, and subcision where tethering is identified. Mixed patterns may need a staged approach.
The number of appointments cannot be confirmed from a photograph alone. Scar depth, procedure type, recovery and response to the first appointment all affect whether another stage is appropriate.
No procedure is automatically suitable for every skin type. Recent tanning, melasma, pigmentation history, active inflammation, medication and previous healing reactions can change the risk of CO2 laser, RF microneedling or subcision.
BBL may be considered for selected post-acne redness or pigmentation, but it does not address structural tethering or the depth of indented scars in the same way as subcision, CO2 resurfacing or RF microneedling.
Take the next step
A consultation begins by identifying whether the main concern is indentation, tethering, pigmentation, active acne or a mixed scar pattern. W Medical Aesthetics can then discuss which procedures, if any, may be appropriate.
Book a consultation