Not all scars respond to the same treatment, so finding a suitable approach usually starts with identifying your scar type. Keloid scars, acne scars, surgical scars, and hypertrophic scars can each behave differently and may respond to different treatment options. That is why scar removal in Melbourne is not simply about choosing a procedure, but about assessing the scar carefully and matching it with the most suitable treatment option.
Understanding Your Scar — Why Type Matters for Treatment
Scars form as part of the skin’s natural healing response after injury or inflammation. The way a scar develops can depend on several factors, including the original cause of the wound, the depth of injury, and how the skin heals. Your skin characteristics can also influence whether a scar becomes raised, indented, discoloured, or more visible over time.
This is why treatment planning should be specific to the scar rather than approached in a general way. Some scars are flat but discoloured, while others are raised, thickened, indented, tethered, or uneven in texture. Some continue to change for months, while others have been present for years and remain stable but still noticeable.
At The DOC, scar assessment usually considers the type of scar, how long it has been present, and where it is located. It also looks at whether the scar is raised, red, firm, indented, or associated with symptoms, as well as any previous treatments and your treatment goals. A consultation is important because not every scar can be removed completely, and treatment is often aimed at reducing the scar’s thickness, texture changes, colour, or visibility instead.
Keloid Scars — What They Are and How They’re Treated at The DOC
Keloid scars are raised scars that grow beyond the boundaries of the original injury. They can continue to enlarge over time and may feel firm, itchy, tender, or uncomfortable. These scars can develop after surgery, acne, piercings, or relatively minor skin trauma.
Keloid scars differ from other raised scars because they do not remain confined to the original wound site. Instead, they extend into the surrounding skin and may continue growing after the skin has healed. This is one reason it is important to distinguish them from hypertrophic scars during assessment.
Treatment for keloid scars often needs to be approached step by step rather than with a single treatment alone. Depending on the scar, options may include non-surgical management, procedural treatment, or a combination of approaches over time. In some cases, treatment may focus on reducing the scar’s bulk, settling symptoms, and making it less noticeable, with the plan based on the scar’s size, location, history, and behaviour over time.
Hypertrophic Scars — Similar to Keloids But Different Treatment Pathway
Hypertrophic scars are raised scars that stay within the boundaries of the original wound. They often develop after burns, surgery, cuts, or other skin injuries. These scars may appear thick, firm, red, or more noticeable while the skin is healing.
They can look similar to keloid scars, especially in the earlier stages, but their behaviour is different. Unlike keloids, hypertrophic scars do not extend beyond the original wound and may gradually become flatter over time. This difference in behaviour can also affect how treatment is planned.
Treatment may be considered when the scar remains raised, uncomfortable, or visibly noticeable. Depending on the scar, treatment may focus on reducing thickness, redness, or surface irregularity, and some patients may require more than one type of treatment over time. In some cases, monitoring may be appropriate first, while in others, earlier treatment may be recommended based on how the scar is developing.
Acne Scars — Laser and Needling Options in Melbourne
Acne scars are one of the most common reasons patients seek scar removal in Melbourne. Acne scarring can take several forms rather than appearing as one consistent scar type. This is why treatment usually starts with identifying the pattern and depth of the scarring.
Some acne scars are shallow and broad, while others are narrower and deeper. Some create unevenness in the skin, while others leave small indentations or changes in texture. There may also be redness or pigmentation in the area, which can make the skin look more marked.
Treatment is usually selected based on the type of acne scarring present rather than using the same approach for every patient. Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to support collagen production, while laser resurfacing uses focused light energy to target the skin and address textural irregularities associated with acne scars. It is also important to distinguish active acne from acne scarring, as ongoing breakouts may need to be addressed as part of the overall treatment plan.
Surgical Scars — Changes Over Time and Treatment Options
Surgical scars can change noticeably as they mature. In the earlier stages, they may appear red, firm, or more visible before gradually becoming softer and lighter. The final appearance can be influenced by the location of the incision, the amount of tension on the wound, your skin characteristics, and the way your body heals.
A common question is whether anything can be done to reduce how noticeable a surgical scar looks. This can depend on how the scar is developing and how long it has been healing. A scar that is still maturing may be managed differently from one that has already settled.
In some cases, non-surgical scar treatments may be considered while the scar is continuing to mature. In other cases, scar revision may be discussed if the scar remains widened, raised, uneven, or prominent after it has had time to settle. Scar revision is different from scar removal, as the aim is usually to reduce the scar’s visibility or address its texture or contour rather than remove it completely.
Can Old Scars Be Treated?
Older scars can still be assessed for treatment, even if they have been present for years. While they are often more settled and stable, that does not necessarily mean treatment is no longer suitable. The most appropriate option depends on the type of scar and the features being addressed.
Some older scars remain raised, uneven, discoloured, or texturally irregular long after they first formed. For example, one scar may still feel thick and prominent, while another may leave an uneven texture after acne. These differences are one reason treatment needs to be based on the scar itself rather than its age alone.
In some cases, older scars may still respond to treatment aimed at thickness, texture, contour, or visibility. The aim is usually to reduce how noticeable the scar appears rather than remove it completely. A consultation can help determine what may be suitable based on the scar’s characteristics and treatment history.
How Much Does Scar Removal Cost in Melbourne?
Scar removal costs in Melbourne can vary depending on the type of scar and the treatment recommended. Scar treatment is rarely the same for every patient, which is why pricing is usually based on an individual assessment. Factors such as the size of the scar, the number of scars, and whether more than one treatment is recommended can all affect the total cost.
The treatment method itself can also influence pricing. Some scars may be managed with non-surgical treatment, while others may require scar revision or a series of sessions over time. Cost is usually based on the treatment recommended after assessment.
If a procedure is recommended, the total cost may include more than one component. Depending on the setting, this can include practitioner fees and, where relevant, facility-related costs. It is also important to understand that procedures performed for aesthetic reasons are generally not covered by Medicare.
Why Choose The DOC for Scar Removal in Melbourne?
Finding a suitable scar treatment often starts with understanding the scar itself. Different scars can behave differently, even when they appear similar at first glance. This is why assessment is an important part of planning scar treatment.
At The DOC, the approach to scar removal in Melbourne is based on identifying the scar type and assessing its individual characteristics. This includes factors such as the scar’s location, maturity, appearance, treatment history, and your goals. Rather than applying the same treatment to every scar, the focus is on recommending an option that is suitable for the scar being treated.
This can be helpful when it is not clear whether the scar is keloid, hypertrophic, acne-related, or the result of surgery. It also helps keep treatment planning realistic from the beginning. For patients in Melbourne, The DOC offers consultations in East Melbourne and West Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of scars can be removed in Melbourne?
Scar treatment in Melbourne may be considered for several scar types, including keloid scars, hypertrophic scars, acne scars, and surgical scars. Suitability depends on the type of scar, how long it has been present, and the treatment being considered.
How much does scar removal cost in Melbourne?
Scar removal costs in Melbourne can vary depending on the type of scar, the treatment recommended, and whether more than one session is needed. An exact quote usually requires a consultation, as treatment is planned on an individual basis.
What is the difference between scar revision and scar removal?
Scar revision usually refers to treatment that aims to reduce a scar’s visibility or address features such as thickness, contour, or texture. Scar removal is a broader term, but complete removal is not always possible or realistic.
Can old scars be treated?
Yes, older scars can still be assessed for treatment, even if they have been present for years. The most suitable option depends on the scar type and whether the concern relates to thickness, texture, colour, or visibility.
Which type of scar is hardest to treat?
There is no single answer, as some scars are more complex because of their size, location, depth, or tendency to recur. A consultation is usually needed to assess the scar properly and discuss which treatment options may be suitable.
Book a Consultation
If you would like to discuss scar treatment options, you can book a consultation with Dr Ed Omarjee, FRACGP, at The DOC East in Ashburton or The DOC West in Hoppers Crossing. The clinic locations are 47A Karnak Road, Ashburton VIC 3147, and 302 Heaths Road, Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029.
