At South Yarra Dermatology, we understand that acne affects more than just the skin, it can impact how you feel and how you move through daily life. Our approach combines evidence-based treatment with genuine care, supporting you through every stage of your journey toward clearer, healthier skin.
Before we talk about treatments, we begin with your story. When did your acne start? What patterns or triggers have you noticed? Which treatments have helped and which haven’t? Most importantly, how is it affecting your daily life? Understanding these details allows us to design a treatment plan that’s truly tailored to you.
We also believe knowledge empowers better results. By helping you understand your skin and the reasoning behind each recommendation, we ensure you’re an informed and active partner in your care.
Before we talk about treatments, we begin with your story. When did your acne start? What patterns or triggers have you noticed? Which treatments have helped and which haven’t? Most importantly, how is it affecting your daily life? Understanding these details allows us to design a treatment plan that’s truly tailored to you.
We also believe knowledge empowers better results. By helping you understand your skin and the reasoning behind each recommendation, we ensure you’re an informed and active partner in your care.
Every skin story is different, and so is every approach to acne care. Before recommending treatments, we take time to understand when your acne began, what triggers it, and how it affects your daily life. This helps us create a plan that’s tailored to your skin and your goals.
Best for: Most acne types, from mild comedonal acne to moderate inflammatory acne
Downtime: None to minimal; initial adjustment period of 2-4 weeks with possible dryness or irritation
Topical therapies are the foundation of many acne treatment plans. We may use a single agent or a combination of treatments, including vitamin A derivatives, antimicrobial agents, and anti-inflammatory formulations tailored to your specific needs.
Best for: Moderate to severe acne, hormonal acne, persistent acne or acne covering large areas
Downtime: None, though some medications take time to work, have potential side effects and require regular monitoring
These are systemic treatments that work from within to control inflammation, bacteria, or hormonal triggers. Options include antibiotics for inflammatory acne, hormonal modulators for hormone-related breakouts, as well as other oral medications.
Best for: Mild to moderate acne, blackheads, post-acne marks, and skin texture improvement
Downtime: Light peeling for 3-7 days; deeper treatments may require 7-14 days
Peels are controlled exfoliation treatments that unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and improve skin texture. We offer a range of formulations and depths, from gentle maintenance peels to intensive treatments for active acne and scarring.
Best for: Mild inflammatory acne, maintenance treatment
Downtime: None
LED therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to target acne bacteria and reduce inflammation. This gentle treatment option involves no downtime and can complement other therapeutic approaches.
Best for: Post-acne redness, scarring concerns
Downtime: Varies depending which laser is used
Advanced laser technology addresses residual redness and textural concerns. Treatment protocols are customised based on skin type and response.
Best for: Blackheads, whiteheads
Downtime: Minimal to none; possible mild redness for 24 hours
This process involves the removal of comedones using sterile techniques and professional assessment. Extractions may be combined with other treatments for optimal safety and effectiveness.
Best for: All types of acne scarring, including redness, pigmentation and textural irregularities
Downtime: Varies depending on the treatment; laser resurfacing: 5-10 days.
These are specialised procedures to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of acne scars. Options include microneedling, fractional laser resurfacing, and targeted treatments tailored to the type and depth of the scar.
During your initial consultation, we take time to understand your skin’s history, what you’ve tried previously, and how acne is affecting your life. This comprehensive assessment forms the foundation for a treatment plan designed around your individual needs and circumstances.
We’ll discuss each recommendation in detail: what it involves, realistic timelines, and what you can expect. Our focus is on providing effective, evidence-based treatment delivered with genuine care and attention.
Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. However, the complete picture involves multiple factors working together. Hormonal fluctuations, genetics, environmental influences, and inflammation all play a role in when and how acne appears. Professional treatment addresses these underlying mechanisms rather than surface symptoms alone.
Acne presents in various forms, each requiring tailored approaches:
Understanding your specific presentation allows us to recommend the most effective treatment approach.
Professional treatment begins with thorough assessment. We examine your individual presentation, consider your medical history, identify contributing factors, and develop a personalised treatment strategy. This comprehensive approach aims to address underlying causes rather than surface symptoms alone. We also have access to prescription-strength treatments and advanced procedures not available over the counter. Individual responses to treatment vary.
Acne treatment requires patience. Many patients begin noticing positive changes within the first few months, with continued improvement developing over time. However, timelines vary based on your specific presentation, the treatments selected, and how your skin responds. During your consultation, we’ll discuss realistic expectations for your particular situation.
Beginning treatment requires patience and adjustment. Many effective treatments cause temporary changes as your skin adapts, including mild dryness, irritation, or even initial apparent worsening as the treatment accelerates the clearing process. These early responses are typically normal and often indicate that treatment is working. We prepare you for what to expect and provide guidance on managing any adjustment period during your consultation.
Adult-onset acne has become increasingly common. It can result from hormonal changes, stress, certain medications, skincare products, or underlying health conditions. Treatment approaches for adult acne vary based on individual presentation and contributing factors.
Contact us if you experience any concerning reactions. Most minor side effects can be managed through simple adjustments or supportive care. Never stop prescribed treatments without consulting us first, as this may affect your results. We’re here to help make your treatment experience as comfortable as possible.
Every effective treatment has potential side effects, which we discuss thoroughly before beginning. Common responses include temporary dryness or irritation with certain topical treatments, which can typically be managed through proper moisturisation and gradual introduction. Oral medications each have their own considerations, which we review in detail. Regular monitoring ensures safe and effective treatment.
Pregnancy does limit certain treatment options, but effective and safe alternatives exist. These include selected topical medications, certain chemical peels, and LED light therapy. We work closely with your obstetrician to ensure all treatments are appropriate for you. Many expecting mothers achieve excellent results with pregnancy-compatible treatment protocols.
Sensitive skin benefits from a modified approach. We use gentler formulations, introduce active ingredients gradually, and provide enhanced support for your skin’s protective barrier throughout treatment. We select treatments carefully to balance effectiveness with comfort, adjusting based on how your skin responds.
Hormonally-influenced acne may respond to specific therapeutic approaches. We can also adjust your treatment to provide additional support during times when breakouts tend to occur. Tracking these patterns helps us develop an appropriate strategy for your situation. Individual responses vary.
Absolutely. We help you select makeup formulations that complement rather than interfere with your treatment. We recommend non-comedogenic, oil-free products and push for proper makeup removal. Many patients find they require less coverage as their skin improves, but there’s no medical necessity to avoid makeup during treatment.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation appears as flat, darker areas where acne has healed. These typically fade gradually with appropriate care and sun protection. True scarring involves textural changes to the skin and may require specialised treatments to improve. Early, effective treatment helps prevent both concerns.
Consider professional evaluation if you’ve tried over-the-counter approaches without satisfactory improvement, if you’re developing marks or textural changes, or if acne is affecting your quality of life. Professional treatment is most effective when started early, before complications develop.
Treatment duration varies considerably among individuals. Some people require ongoing maintenance to sustain clear skin, while others can eventually reduce or discontinue treatment after achieving stable improvement. We develop long-term strategies based on your specific response and preferences, adjusting as your needs change over time.
Treatment costs vary based on your specific presentation, the therapies recommended, and individual response over time. We provide transparent pricing information during your consultation and can discuss approaches at different investment levels. Medicare rebates may apply to certain consultations and treatments.
