Pico · VBeam · CO₂ Laser · Bondi Junction
Acne, Marks
& Scar Treatment
From active breakouts and post-acne marks through to pitted scarring — Tom uses the laser that suits the concern. Every treatment is performed personally following an in-person consultation.
Understanding Your Concern
Acne Scars & What Causes Them
When breakouts damage the deeper layers of the skin, they can leave behind a range of lasting marks. These fall into different categories, and each category is typically approached with a different laser.
Red marks (post-acne erythema) are vascular and are generally targeted with the Candela VBeam. Dark marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) are pigment-based and are generally targeted with Pico laser. Pitted, atrophic scars and textural changes typically require fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing, which works by stimulating a wound-healing response in the deeper layers of skin.
If acne is active or moderate-to-severe, medical management (with a GP or dermatologist) is often the right first step. Tom will discuss this at consultation if appropriate.
Active Acne & Dark Marks — Pico Laser
Active Acne & Post-Acne Mark Treatment
For active breakouts and dark post-acne marks (brown pigmentation), Pico laser delivers ultra-short pulses of energy that can target pigment and inflammation while limiting heat to surrounding skin.
- May reduce active acne inflammation
- Targets dark post-acne pigmentation
- May refine pore appearance
- Limited downtime for most clients
Red Acne Marks — Candela VBeam
Red Acne Mark Treatment
Red marks left after acne (post-acne erythema) are a vascular concern — caused by dilated or damaged small blood vessels beneath the skin. The Candela VBeam pulsed dye laser targets these vessels.
- Targets red post-acne marks
- Designed for use on sensitive skin
- Targets small broken capillaries
- Limited downtime for most clients
Pitted Scarring — CO₂ Laser
Acne Scar Resurfacing
For pitted, indented or textural acne scars, fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to trigger a wound-healing response. This response stimulates new collagen in the treated area over the following weeks and months.
- Used for pitted and textural scars
- Stimulates collagen remodelling
- Targets uneven skin texture
- May reduce enlarged pore appearance
- Continued change typically over 3–6 months
During Treatment
- Numbing cream applied at home beforehand
- CO₂ laser applied in a precise controlled pattern
- Typical session: 30–60 minutes
- Aftercare bag included
After Treatment
- Redness, swelling and peeling are expected
- Typical social downtime: 5–7 days
- Skin gradually heals over the following weeks
- Continued collagen change over 3–6 months
Downtime Note
CO₂ resurfacing involves real downtime — typically 5–7 days of redness and peeling, with residual pinkness possible for a further 1–2 weeks. Full aftercare instructions are provided in writing. The duration and intensity of recovery varies between individuals.
What to Know Before Booking
Possible Risks & Side Effects
All laser treatments carry risks. CO₂ in particular is a more intensive treatment with a longer recovery and a higher risk profile than Pico or VBeam. Full risks are discussed at your consultation, and you are encouraged to ask questions and take time to decide before proceeding.
Common & Expected
- Redness, swelling and warmth for several days (CO₂)
- Pinpoint bleeding immediately post-treatment (CO₂)
- Peeling and flaking 3–7 days post-treatment (CO₂)
- Mild redness and warmth (Pico, VBeam)
- Temporary pigment darkening (Pico)
- Itching as skin heals
Less Common & Serious
- Prolonged redness lasting weeks or longer (CO₂)
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
- Blistering, crusting or infection
- Activation of cold sores in those predisposed
- Scarring (rare but possible, particularly with CO₂)
- Outcome that does not meet expectations
CO₂, Pico and VBeam laser are not suitable for every person. Factors including very recent sun exposure, certain medications (notably oral isotretinoin / Roaccutane within the last 6 months), pregnancy, active acne flares, active infection at the site, history of keloid scarring, and some skin and medical conditions may mean laser is not appropriate or needs to be deferred. Full screening is done at consultation.
Treatment Plan
How Many Sessions Might Be Needed?
The ranges below are general guidance — not a guarantee of outcome. Individual plans are set at consultation based on assessment.
| Concern | Approach | Typical Session Range |
|---|---|---|
| Active acne / dark marks | Pico Laser | 2–4 sessions |
| Red acne marks | Candela VBeam | 1–3 sessions |
| Mild acne scarring | CO₂ Laser | 1–2 sessions |
| Moderate acne scarring | CO₂ Laser | 2–3 sessions |
| Deep pitted scarring | CO₂ Laser | 2–3+ sessions |
Pricing
Treatment Pricing
All consultations are free with no obligation to proceed. Pricing below is indicative. Your final quote is confirmed at consultation based on treatment area and clinical findings.
Acne, Marks & Scars
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I see results after one session?
It varies. Some people see noticeable change after a single CO₂ session, with continued collagen remodelling over 3–6 months. Many people benefit from a series of sessions. Deeper ice-pick or boxcar scars often require multiple sessions spaced 3–4 months apart. Outcomes vary between individuals.
How much downtime should I plan for after CO₂?
Plan for 5–7 days of social downtime. Typically: day 1–2 redness and pinpoint bleeding, day 3–5 peeling and grid-pattern texture, day 6–7 pink new skin. Residual pinkness can last a further 1–2 weeks. Most people apply makeup again from around day 5–6. Recovery varies individually.
How does CO₂ laser compare to microneedling for scars?
They work differently. Fractional CO₂ reaches into the deeper layers of skin where pitted scar tissue sits, and stimulates a more substantial collagen response — at the cost of more downtime. Microneedling is generally less intensive and used for milder texture and maintenance. Which (if either) is appropriate depends on your skin and goals — discussed at consultation.
Can I treat red and pitted scars at the same time?
Red post-acne marks are typically approached with VBeam, while pitted scars require CO₂. Some people benefit from sequencing both — generally VBeam first to settle redness, then CO₂ once the skin has calmed. This is planned at consultation.
Are aftercare products included?
CO₂ scar treatments include an aftercare bag with the products needed for the recovery period. Written aftercare instructions are also provided.
Is Laser by Tom a medical clinic?
No. Laser by Tom is a private laser studio. Tom is a trained laser operator, not a registered medical or nursing health practitioner. Where active acne or scarring requires medical management — for example with prescription topicals or isotretinoin — clients are referred to a GP or dermatologist.
Why Laser by Tom for Acne & Scar Concerns
- Three different lasers — Tom assesses and matches the approach to the concern
- Every treatment performed personally by Tom — no junior technicians
- Aftercare bag included with CO₂ scar treatments
- Private, appointment-only studio in Bondi Junction
- Free, no-obligation consultation before any treatment
Related Treatments
Rosacea & Redness · Pigmentation & Sun Damage · Acne & Scars · Wrinkles & Rejuvenation · Full Pricing