Why I Started This Journey
I had been dealing with acne scars for over a decade. Not the kind that fade on their own — the deep, rolling scars that catch the light at every angle and remind you of every breakout you ever had. By the time I was 28, I had tried every over-the-counter product on the market. Nothing worked.
So I decided to go professional. What followed was a two-year journey through five different Sydney clinics, over $8,000 spent, and more than a few tears. This is the honest account of what happened — including the treatments that made things worse before they got better.
Clinic 1: The Chain Clinic in Sydney CBD
My first stop was a well-known chain clinic in the CBD. The consultation was rushed — about 15 minutes — and the practitioner recommended a package of six RF microneedling sessions at $2,400. I signed up without asking enough questions.
The results after three sessions were minimal. When I raised this at my fourth appointment, the practitioner suggested adding PicoLaser to the package for an additional $1,800. I declined and asked for a refund on the remaining sessions. They refused.
Key Takeaway: Always ask for a written treatment plan before committing to a package. Reputable clinics will provide this without hesitation.
Clinic 2: The Dermatologist in Surry Hills
My second experience was completely different. A dermatologist in Surry Hills spent 45 minutes with me, assessed my scar types (I had a mix of rolling and boxcar scars), and explained that RF microneedling alone was unlikely to produce significant results for my scar depth.
She recommended a combination approach: subcision first (to release the tethered scars), followed by RF microneedling, then PicoLaser for surface texture. This was the first time anyone had explained the science to me.
- Subcision: $450 per session (3 sessions)
- RF Microneedling: $380 per session (4 sessions)
- PicoLaser: $320 per session (3 sessions)
The Combination That Finally Worked
After completing the full protocol at Clinic 2, I saw approximately 40% improvement in my rolling scars and 30% improvement in my boxcar scars. Not perfect — but genuinely visible. For the first time in years, I could go out without heavy foundation.
The key insight from this experience: scar treatment requires a staged, multi-modality approach. There is no single treatment that addresses all scar types. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either uninformed or selling you something.
“The best scar treatment is the one that matches your specific scar type. A thorough assessment is non-negotiable.”
What I Wish I Had Known
- 1.Ask for a written diagnosis of your scar types before any treatment
- 2.Understand that results take 3–6 months to fully develop
- 3.Avoid any clinic that cannot explain why they are recommending a specific treatment
- 4.Budget for a series of treatments, not a single session
- 5.Sun protection is non-negotiable throughout the treatment period
My journey is not over. I am currently on a maintenance protocol of one PicoLaser session every six months. But the improvement I have seen has genuinely changed how I feel about my skin — and that is worth more than the $8,000 I spent learning these lessons.
Editorial Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All treatments mentioned should be discussed with a qualified, AHPRA-registered practitioner. SKIN. Sydney does not accept advertising or affiliate payments. All editorial content is independently produced.
Written by
Anonymous Patient
Verified Reviewer
All medical content on SKIN. Sydney is reviewed by AHPRA-registered practitioners. Our editorial team maintains strict independence from commercial relationships.