Scar Revision with CO₂ Laser in Perth

Acne, Surgical & Trauma Scar Treatment by Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Nathan Stewart

Scars tell a story—but they don’t need to define your skin. Whether the result of surgery, injury, or past acne, visible scarring can affect your confidence, comfort, and self-image. At our Perth clinic, Dr Nathan Stewart offers evidence-based CO₂ fractional laser scar revision using the Lumenis AcuPulse™ system, helping to improve both cosmetic appearance and functional outcomes.

As a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Stewart also provides combination therapy for more complex scars, integrating surgical techniques and laser resurfacing when needed to deliver tailored, realistic outcomes.

What Types of Scars Can Be Treated?

CO₂ laser therapy is suitable for improving the appearance of a wide range of scars, including:

Post-surgical scars (e.g., from excisions, caesarean, breast or abdominal surgery)
Acne scars (atrophic, boxcar, or rolling scars)
Traumatic or injury scars
Burn scars or hypertrophic scars
Stretch marks (in selected cases)

Laser scar revision works by resurfacing the scarred area and stimulating collagen remodelling in the deeper layers of skin. Over time, this helps to flatten raised scars, soften texture irregularities, and even out redness or pigmentation.

How CO₂ Fractional Laser Works for Scar Treatment

The AcuPulse™ CO₂ laser creates microscopic columns of thermal energy in the skin, targeting damaged tissue while leaving surrounding skin intact. This fractional approach encourages natural healing and collagen production while reducing recovery time compared to traditional fully ablative lasers.

Benefits include:

Flatter, smoother skin texture
Reduction in pigmentation and redness
Stimulation of new collagen and elastin
Improved blending with surrounding skin

The treatment is particularly effective for scars that are firm, pink, or texturally distinct from the surrounding tissue.

Combination Surgery and Laser Treatment for Complex Scars

For certain scars—especially tethered, hypertrophic, wide or adherent scars—laser alone may not provide optimal results. In these cases, Dr Stewart may recommend a staged approach, involving:

Scar revision surgery (e.g., excision, Z-plasty or undermining techniques)
Followed by fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing to refine texture and pigment

This integrative method not only addresses the appearance of the scar but also considers functional restoration, such as improving mobility or comfort in scarred areas. All procedures are performed or overseen by Dr Stewart in a clinical setting, with individualised care plans for every patient.

What to Expect from Your Treatment

1. Consultation

A detailed consultation is conducted with Dr Nathan Stewart to assess the scar’s age, location, colour, and type. Photos may be taken for planning and documentation. You’ll receive advice on realistic expectations and whether laser alone or a combination of surgery and laser is most appropriate.

2. Treatment Day

A topical anaesthetic is applied to the scar area.
The AcuPulse™ CO₂ laser is precisely applied to the scar and surrounding tissue.
Sessions typically last 15–45 minutes, depending on scar size and complexity.

3. Recovery and Healing

Expect redness, dryness and mild swelling for several days.
Scabs may form and naturally flake off over 5–7 days.
Final results develop over 3–6 months as the skin remodels itself.

A post-care plan and instructions are provided to support optimal healing, including skincare recommendations and sun protection guidance.

Add-On Option: Exosome Therapy

To enhance healing and maximise collagen regeneration, exosome therapy is available as an optional post-laser treatment. These cell-derived particles are rich in growth factors and anti-inflammatory signals, helping to:

Accelerate tissue repair
Reduce redness and inflammation
Promote stronger collagen remodelling
Improve overall scar blending

Exosomes are especially helpful for treating acne scars or delicate skin areas, improving comfort and cosmetic results.

Who is a Suitable Candidate for Laser Scar Revision?

Laser scar revision may be suitable if you:

Have visible scarring from surgery, trauma or acne
Are looking to improve the scar’s appearance, tone or texture
Are not currently experiencing an active skin condition in the area
Understand the importance of sun protection and realistic outcomes

Certain individuals (e.g. those with a history of keloid scars, active acne, or darker skin tones) may require alternative treatments or adjustments to their care plan. These considerations will be addressed during your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many CO₂ laser sessions are needed to improve scars?

The number of treatments varies depending on the scar’s severity, location, and depth. Some patients see noticeable improvement after one session, while others may require 2–4 treatments spaced 6–8 weeks apart.

Will laser completely remove my scar?

No treatment can entirely erase a scar, but CO₂ laser therapy can significantly soften its appearance, improve skin texture, and reduce colour contrast.

Is there downtime after laser scar treatment?

Yes. Expect redness, mild swelling, and peeling for 5–7 days. You should avoid direct sun exposure and follow aftercare instructions for optimal healing.

Can acne scars be treated with fractional CO₂ laser?

Yes. Acne scar laser treatment is one of the most common uses of fractional CO₂ technology. It can be highly effective for rolling, boxcar or atrophic scars.

Is laser scar revision safe for all skin types?

Laser treatments carry a higher risk of pigmentation changes in darker skin types. Dr Stewart will assess your skin during consultation and may recommend alternative treatments if laser is not appropriate.

Can this treatment be combined with other procedures?

Yes. In some cases, laser is used after surgical scar revision or in combination with injectables or skincare to optimise results. Your personalised treatment plan will outline any combined approaches.