Acne Scar Treatment · Skin of Colour
Acne Scar Treatment for Darker Skin in Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
Acne scars can be treated in olive, brown and dark skin, but the plan is different. Choosing the right treatments and settings matters as much as the treatment itself.
Specialist consultations from $395 · No referral needed to book · Treatment costs confirmed in writing before you start · See fees
A dermatologist-led clinic, founded by Dr Mitch Robinson, FACD, who teaches laser to dermatologists and registrars and has fellowship training in complex scarring.
Meet Dr MitchAcne Scars in Darker Skin at a Glance
Why Darker Skin Needs a Different Plan
Darker skin makes more pigment in response to heat or injury, so it is more likely to develop dark patches (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) after treatment. These usually fade, but can take months. This page explains how we adapt our acne scar treatment to lower that risk.
Treatment is still very possible. It just relies more on approaches that spare the skin surface.
- Olive, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, South Asian, East Asian, African and Pacific skin types
- People who tan easily or have had dark patches before
- Anyone with brown marks after acne
Treatments That Often Suit
These treatments either spare the surface or can be adjusted for darker skin.
RF Microneedling
- Energy goes in below the surface
- Lower risk of dark patches
How We Plan Treatment
Planning for darker skin starts before the first procedure.
Assess and prepare
We assess your skin type and history, then start pigment-control skincare and sun protection for several weeks.
Treat in stages
Surface-sparing treatments come first. Lasers, if used, are set conservatively with longer gaps between sessions.
Protect while healing
Aftercare and sun protection continue for months, and any dark patches are treated early.
Lasers and Peels in Darker Skin
They are not off limits, but need extra care.
Can be used with care
- CO2 and erbium laser at adjusted settings
- TCA CROSS on individual scars
- Pico laser for brown marks and mild texture
Usually avoided
- Aggressive resurfacing in one session
- Treatment straight after sun exposure or tanning
- At-home needling devices
Risks and Side Effects
All procedures carry risks. Suitability, recovery and results vary between individuals.
Possible side effects
- Dark patches, usually fading over weeks to months
- Light patches, which are less common
- Redness and swelling, depending on treatment
Lowering the risk
- Preparation skincare
- Conservative settings and test areas
- Strict daily sunscreen
- Early treatment of any dark patches
Common Questions
Acne Scars in Darker Skin: Common Questions
Can I have laser for acne scars if I have darker skin?
Often yes, with adjusted settings and preparation, but some people are better suited to other treatments such as RF microneedling.
How long do dark patches last if they happen?
Usually weeks to months. We treat them if they develop.
What is the safest acne scar treatment for darker skin?
No treatment is free of risk, but surface-sparing options such as subcision and RF microneedling carry a lower risk of dark patches.
Do I need to prepare my skin before treatment?
Usually yes. Pigment-control skincare and sun protection for several weeks before treatment lower the risk of dark patches.
Can brown marks be treated too?
Yes. Brown marks usually respond to skincare, sun protection and pico laser.
Does darker skin scar more easily?
Darker skin is more prone to raised scars and dark marks after acne, which is why early acne control matters.
Find Out What Will Work for Your Scars
Book a consultation with Dr Mitch. He'll name your scar types, explain what treatment can and can't do, and give you a written plan with the total cost before you decide.
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Clinical content overseen by Dr Mitch Robinson, FACD (AHPRA MED0001946771). Updated October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. All procedures carry risks; suitability, recovery and results vary between individuals.