DOT Therapy for Acne Scars: Can CO₂ Laser Improve Acne Scarring?
Acne may eventually disappear, but the scars it leaves behind can remain for years.
If you've tried skincare products without seeing the change you want, you may have started researching laser treatment for acne scars, fractional CO₂ laser for acne scars or DOT Therapy.
At Mode Aesthetics, we use the Tetra PRO CO₂ laser to provide customised resurfacing treatments that can be considered for acne scarring and uneven skin texture.
But an important point comes first: not every acne scar is the same.
What causes acne scars?
Acne scars develop when inflammation from acne damages the skin and affects the normal production of collagen during healing.
The result can be an uneven skin surface, including depressions or changes in texture.
Common types of atrophic acne scars include:
Ice pick scars
These are narrow, deeper depressions that extend into the skin.
Boxcar scars
These tend to have wider, more defined edges and can vary in depth.
Rolling scars
These are broader depressions that can create an undulating or uneven appearance across the skin.
Different scar types can respond differently to treatment.
That's why acne scar treatment shouldn't be approached as a one-treatment-fits-all solution.
How can CO₂ laser help acne scars?
Fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing creates controlled microscopic treatment zones within the skin.
This initiates a wound-healing response and stimulates collagen remodelling.
Over time, this can help improve the appearance of uneven texture and atrophic acne scarring.
The degree of improvement varies between patients and scar types.
What is DOT Therapy?
DOT Therapy is a fractional CO₂ laser treatment that can be customised according to the depth and characteristics of the skin concern being treated.
Using the Tetra PRO platform, treatment parameters can be adjusted to create controlled areas of laser treatment while leaving surrounding skin intact.
This fractional approach is important because the untreated areas help support the skin's recovery process.
Can DOT Therapy completely remove acne scars?
No treatment can guarantee that acne scars will disappear completely.
The realistic goal is generally improvement in the appearance of acne scarring, rather than promising perfect or completely scar-free skin.
How much improvement is possible depends on factors including:
Scar type
Scar depth
Skin type
Age of the scars
Previous acne treatments
Current skin condition
Treatment settings
Individual healing response
How many treatments will I need?
There isn't a universal number.
Some patients may see meaningful improvement following an individual treatment, while others require a series of treatments.
The treatment plan depends on the severity and type of acne scarring and how your skin responds.
It's also important to understand that collagen remodelling takes time. Results shouldn't be judged immediately after treatment.
What does acne scar laser treatment feel like?
The sensation depends on the treatment intensity.
Because DOT Therapy can be customised for more intensive resurfacing, it may feel more noticeable than a lighter laser treatment such as CoolPeel.
Your practitioner will explain what to expect and discuss appropriate comfort measures before treatment.
How much downtime does DOT Therapy for acne scars involve?
Because acne scar treatment may require more intensive resurfacing, recovery can be more noticeable than with a lighter skin-refreshing treatment.
Temporary redness, swelling, sensitivity, peeling and changes in skin texture may occur.
Your exact recovery depends on the treatment settings and your individual skin response.
Is CO₂ laser suitable for every skin type?
No laser treatment should be considered automatically suitable for every person.
Skin type and pigmentation history are particularly important when considering CO₂ laser resurfacing.
A proper consultation is therefore an important part of the treatment process.
Is DOT Therapy the only treatment for acne scars?
No.
Depending on your scar type, your practitioner may discuss different treatment options, which can include laser resurfacing, microneedling or other approaches.
There is no single treatment that is ideal for every acne scar.
At Mode Aesthetics, the aim is to identify the characteristics of your scarring and create a treatment plan around your skin rather than simply recommending the same procedure to every patient.
Treating acne scars in Sydney
If you're searching for acne scar treatment in Sydney, CO₂ laser for acne scars or DOT Therapy for acne scarring, a consultation is the best place to start.
At Mode Aesthetics, we can assess your skin and discuss whether Tetra PRO CO₂ laser resurfacing is appropriate for your acne scars.
Individual results vary. CO₂ laser is not suitable for everyone and carries potential risks. A consultation is required before treatment.
