Acne Scar Treatment · Red Marks
Laser for Red Marks After Acne in Mount Gravatt, Brisbane
Flat red or pink marks after acne aren't true scars. They come from small blood vessels, and they often respond well to vascular laser.
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 MitchRed Acne Marks (DermaV) at a Glance
What Causes Red Marks After Acne
As a spot heals, small blood vessels in the area can stay dilated for months, leaving a flat red or pink mark. This is called post-inflammatory erythema. It's common in fair skin and is often treated alongside indented scars as part of our acne scar treatment.
A quick check: if the mark is flat and turns paler when you press on it, it is usually a red mark rather than a scar.
- Flat red or pink marks after acne
- Redness around or within healing scars
- Red marks on the cheeks, jaw and chest
How DermaV Treats Red Marks
We use the DermaV vascular laser, with settings for your skin.
Vessels are targeted
Laser light is absorbed by the small vessels that cause the redness.
Vessels shrink
The targeted vessels are gradually cleared by the body.
Redness fades
Marks fade over the weeks after each session, without damage to the skin surface.
What to Expect
Most people go straight back to normal activities.
On the day
- A warm snapping sensation, with cooling
- About 15 to 30 minutes
- No numbing needed for most people
Recovery
- Mild redness and swelling for a day or two
- Occasional bruising, depending on settings
- Sunscreen daily
- Further fading in the weeks after each session
Often Combined With
Red marks often sit alongside brown marks and indented scars.
Risks and Side Effects
All procedures carry risks. Suitability, recovery and results vary between individuals.
Possible side effects
- Swelling and redness
- Bruising
- Temporary darkening or lightening of the skin
- Rarely, blistering
Lowering the risk
- Avoiding tanning before treatment
- Settings chosen for your skin type
- Cooling during treatment
- Sun protection afterwards
Common Questions
Red Acne Marks (DermaV): Common Questions
Are red marks after acne scars?
No. Flat red marks come from small blood vessels and usually fade. A scar changes the skin surface, as a dent or a bump.
Will red marks fade on their own?
Many do, slowly over months. Laser can speed this up.
How many DermaV sessions will I need?
Usually 2 to 4, about a month apart.
Can I have DermaV while I still have acne?
Often yes. It can run alongside acne treatment, though controlling acne stops new marks forming.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel a warm snapping sensation, and cooling keeps it comfortable.
How much does DermaV for red marks cost?
It depends on the area and number of 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.