Microneedling for Acne Scars
Almost 95% of people with acne ultimately have acne scars, and for many Americans, these scars remain long after the acne clears up.
If you look in the mirror every morning and see pitted, discolored, or uneven skin, you understand how much acne scars can negatively impact the appearance of your skin. You may have used creams, serums, and home remedies that claimed to work but didn’t provide any good results.
Microneedling is becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of acne scars. It is effective for the reduction of acne scars.
How Microneedling Works for Acne Scar
Microneedling involves the use of a device with ultra-fine needles, which punctures the skin in a controlled manner. The fine needles create micro-injuries in the skin which stimulate the body’s innate healing mechanism. Your skin begins to generate collagen and elastin – the two proteins that are directly responsible for smooth, firm, and even toned skins.
With acne scars, the problem is a breakdown of collagen under the surface of the skin. The scar tissue that develops following the healing of a pimple is fibrous and disorganized.
Microneedling works by encouraging new collagen to grow in place of the damaged tissue, which helps to fill in the scar from the inside out.
Is Microneedling Effective for Different Types of Acne Scars?
Not all acne scars respond equally well to microneedling.
The different types of acne scars that microneedling can address include:
Atrophic scars
The depressed pitted scars, such as boxcar, rolling, and icepick scars, respond best to microneedling.
These are the very types of scars in which collagen has been most evidently lost, and it is precisely the lost collagen that microneedle therapy seeks to restore.
Improvement rates in atrophic acne scars have been documented at 31-62% after a complete series of treatments.
Rolling scars
These scars are some of the best responders to microneedling. Their shallow wave-like depressions fill in easily with new collagen underneath.
Boxcar scars
These scars also respond quite well to microneedling, although deep boxcar scars may require more treatments or combination therapies before they improve significantly.
Icepick scars
These scars tend to be the most resistant; although microneedling can still help, these deep, narrow imperfections often need complementary procedures.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) also improves with microneedling since this method encourages skin cell turnover and even pigmentation.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
How many sessions you’ll need depends on how severe your scars are. Most patients will require 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart in order to see a significant result.
Mild scarring may clear up in 3 sessions while moderate to severe scarring will usually require 6 or more sessions. Your skin needs time between sessions so that it can produce collagen and heal properly.
Visible improvement is frequently noted by many patients after just 2 sessions, with additional progress seen over subsequent months as newly formed collagen matures under the skin.
Microneedling vs. Laser for Acne Scars
Microneedling and laser treatments are both used for acne scars, but that is where their similarities end. Knowing the difference enables you to make an informed decision.
Laser therapy uses heat energy to resurface the skin. It can be very effective, but has a longer downtime, is more expensive, and has more side effects, particularly in darker skin.
The use of heat-based lasers may result in the formation of dark spots on the skin of a person with a deeper skin tone.
Microneedling is safe for all skin tones and types. The risk of pigmentation problems is far less, and downtime is minimal, with most patients experiencing redness for 24 to 72 hours.
If you have dark skin, you may become darkened by laser procedures, but microneedling is usually the safer option. However, if you have deep scars, your provider may recommend using both methods for optimal results.
The Power of PRP with Microneedling
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) works powerfully in combination with microneedling. PRP is extracted from your blood, and it contains abundant growth factors.
During your microneedling session, the PRP is applied to your skin so that it can easily penetrate through the micro-channels into the deeper layers of your skin. The growth factors speed up healing, increase collagen production significantly, and enhance skin texture and tone.
Research indicates that using PRP along with microneedling gives much better results for acne scars than microneedling alone.
Some studies show up to 62.2% improvement in scar appearance with PRP and microneedling as opposed to only 45.8% for microneedling alone.
Are Microneedling Results Permanent?
The truth is that the collagen your body creates from microneedling lasts a long time. The changes you notice are real improvements in your skin's structure, not just temporary fillers or surface treatments.
Your skin keeps aging, and new pimples can lead to more acne scars. It is suggested to have maintenance sessions once or twice a year to ensure your results remain at their best.
Many people find that getting a complete series of treatments along with yearly maintenance helps their skin look much better.
What Does Microneedling for Acne Scars Cost?
Microneedling costs in the U.S. range from $200 to about $700 for a single session, depending on the provider, location, and whether add-ons such as PRP are included. Pricing in Frisco, TX, is competitive with national averages.
Most practices sell treatment packages for multiple sessions that lower the per-session cost significantly.
Since cosmetic microneedling is generally not covered by insurance, inquire about package deals and financing options with your provider.
When you consider that laser treatments can cost between $1,000 and $5,000 per session, microneedling delivers impressive results at a fraction of the price.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You’re probably a good fit for microneedling if you:
Have atrophic acne scars (rolling, boxcar, or icepick)
Have dark spots or uneven skin tone from past breakouts
Want a treatment with minimal downtime
Have any skin tone or type
Are not currently experiencing active, inflamed acne breakouts.
You may need to explore other options if you have active acne, certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis in the treatment area, or if you are pregnant.
What to Expect: Before and After Treatment
Before your session, you’ll have a consultation during which your provider will assess your scars and suggest a treatment plan. You will be advised to avoid blood thinners, retinoids, and sun exposure for a few days before the procedure.
A numbing cream is applied during the procedure to ensure your comfort. The microneedling device is then glided over the treatment area. Most patients describe this feeling as a light pressure or a mild scratching sensation. The duration of the session is usually between 30 and 60 minutes.
Immediately after your treatment, your skin will appear red in color, just like a mild sunburn. This is perfectly normal and an indication that the treatment was effective. Most of that redness subsides within 24 to 72 hours.
In the following days, you will want to keep your skin moisturized, avoid makeup for the first 24 hours, and avoid direct sunlight. Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions.
In the weeks and months ahead, as collagen continues to develop, you will see your scars become more shallow, your skin tone more even, and your skin texture improve dramatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I start seeing results from microneedling for acne scars?
Most patients start to see improvement after about 2 or 3 sessions. The full results will take about 3 to 6 months after finishing all the treatments, as new collagen continues to grow under the skin.
Does microneedling hurt?
A numbing cream is used before the treatment, so it is very manageable for most people. Some parts of the face are more sensitive than others, but most patients can handle it comfortably.
Can microneedling make acne scars worse?
No, microneedling does not make scars worse when done by a trained professional. It is actually the controlled nature of this treatment that makes it safe and effective. Ensure you get your treatment from a qualified and experienced provider to avoid complications.
What is the difference between microneedling and at-home dermarollers?
Professional microneedling devices penetrate to the exact depths customized for your skin’s needs and are sterile/medical-grade.
At-home rollers do not penetrate as deeply, are less consistent, and pose more risk for infection or damage to the skin. Always have your microneedling treatment from a professional.
Is microneedling safe for Black and brown skin tones?
Microneedling is among the safest scar therapies for darker skin tones since it does not employ heat energy that can activate hyperpigmentation.
It is often recommended that patients with melanin-rich skin should undergo microneedling rather than laser treatments.
How many sessions of microneedling do I need for deep acne scars?
The number of sessions for deep or severe acne scars may be 6 or more. Your provider will evaluate your specific scar depth and advise you on the number of sessions required during your consultation.
Can I Use Microneedling in Combination with Other Treatments for Acne Scars?
Microneedling is compatible with chemical peels, PRP, and occasionally with laser procedures. A combined approach that is customized to your unique needs will often provide faster and more dramatic results.
Book Your Consultation with Elisum Medspa in Frisco, TX
At Elisum Medspa, our skincare experts offer microneedling tailored to your skin type and the type of scars you have.
Whether you have rolling scars, boxcar scars, dark spots, or uneven texture, we will develop a treatment plan to deliver real, visible, and lasting results.
We are proud to say that we’re the best medspa in Frisco, Texas, and the transformations our clients see after their treatments speak for themselves. Book your appointment today with Elisum Medspa to get started with your treatment.
