Acne Scar Treatment · Brown Marks
Brown Marks After Acne in Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
Flat brown marks are common after acne, especially in olive and darker skin. They are pigment, not true scars, and they usually fade with the right care.
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 MitchBrown Marks After Acne at a Glance
Brown Marks, Red Marks or Scars?
Brown marks are flat and brown, with no dip in the skin. They form when inflammation from a spot triggers extra pigment. They are often treated alongside indented scars as part of acne scar treatment.
- Brown marks: flat and brown, from pigment
- Red marks: flat and pink or red, from blood vessels
- Indented scars: dips in the skin surface
How Brown Marks Are Treated
Treatment builds from the basics.
Protect and fade
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and pigment-reducing skincare prescribed for your skin.
Laser if needed
PicoSure Pro or LaseMD to speed up fading, with settings chosen for your skin type.
What to Expect
Brown marks fade gradually, not overnight.
With skincare alone
- Gradual fading over months
- Best results with daily sunscreen
- Ongoing maintenance helps prevent new marks
With laser
- Usually 3 to 6 sessions
- Mild redness for a few hours to a few days
- Faster fading than skincare alone
Related Treatments
Brown marks often sit alongside other acne changes.
Risks and Side Effects
All procedures carry risks. Suitability, recovery and results vary between individuals.
Possible side effects
- Overly aggressive treatment can cause new dark or light patches
- Skin irritation from some skincare products
- Redness after laser
Lowering the risk
- Conservative laser settings in darker skin
- Gradual introduction of active skincare
- Daily sunscreen
Common Questions
Brown Marks After Acne: Common Questions
Do brown marks after acne go away on their own?
Usually, but it can take many months. Sunscreen and skincare speed this up, and laser can help further.
Are brown marks the same as scars?
No. They are flat pigment, not a change in the skin surface.
What is the best treatment for brown marks after acne?
There isn't one best option. Daily sunscreen and skincare come first, and laser can speed up fading.
Can laser make brown marks worse?
It can if settings are too aggressive, especially in darker skin, which is why settings are chosen carefully.
How long do brown marks take to fade?
Weeks to months, depending on depth, skin type and sun exposure.
How much does treatment cost?
It depends on whether laser is needed and how many sessions. You get a written quote after your consultation.
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.