Acne scars with microneedling. How many treatments are usually needed?

Acne scars respond well to radio frequency micro-needling.  We usually recommend a minimum of 3 treatments a month apart. Since you did not get the results you were looking for, my question would be if you had Radiofrequency microneedling  performed and at what energy did they use? We get great results using higher energy. For patient comfort, we offer a very effective compounded topical numbing cream and nitrogen oxide (like the dentist use or called laughing gas) for increased effectiveness. Patients love it. 

It really depends on the severity of your scarring to recommend exactly how many treatments are needed. For severe scarring, I usually recommend a minimum of 6 treatments with the microneedling pen in conjunction with PRP. I highly recommend the Morpheus8 for my patients with severe scarring. It's a radiofrequency based microneedling treatment that I have seen great results with in as little as 3 treatments, which are spaced 4-6 weeks apart. If you still suffer from active acne, I would advise using a personalized topical skin care regimen in between for maximum result.

Our office has many different treatments for acne scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Acne scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic acne scars and indented acne scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture. Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your acne scarring.

Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Thank you for your question! Microneedling is a safe and effective procedure that uses a device to stimulate the production of elastin and collagen in your skin. The treatment works by breaking down old scar tissue to promote the rapid growth of new cells. Collagen production and cell turnover leads to an improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which ultimately creates a more refreshed and youthful appearance. Microneedling also stimulates elastin and collagen formation which will enhance the overall texture of your skin to achieve a more uniform complexion.  I typically recommend at least 3 sessions of microneedling, spaced 6 weeks apart to achieve optimal results. As always, a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon experienced in facial rejuvenation can help determine the appropriate treatment plan for you.

Acne scars need a combination approach for long-term improvement. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, and most people have various types of scars, so we create a tailored treatment plan for each patient. We often use:- Injectable fillers like Bellafill and Sculptra (with or without subcision) for atrophic, indented scars.- Subcision for depressed, tethered scars.- Vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, excel V, or IPL for redness or thick acne scars.- Lasers such as Fraxel, Erbium, CO2 or fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva, Skinfinity, Intensif microneedling RF) for textural issues and superficial scarring.- TCA CROSS and punch excision for deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars.
All lasers are combined with microneedling/PRP to improve the results and accelerate your healing time. Keep in mind that a personalized combination treatment by an expert physician will give you the improvement you're looking for. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Microneedling is a fantastic procedure to improve post acne scars. The number of sessions will depend on severity of the scarring and type of microneedling device used in treatment. A consultation is recommended prior to treatment but in our practice, we usually do 3-6 regular monthly treatments.

Hello, we recommend vivace (microneedling with radio frequency) for acne scarring and we've seen great results.  I always have the patient start with a minimum of three treatments spaced one month apart but depending on your scarring you may need a few more.  It's important to remember that this is a process and you won't see the changes from microneedling overnight.  Your body needs to rebuild the collagen and it may take a few months to see the full benefit.  Make sure your physician is taking before and after photos so you can track your progress.

Hello, and thank you for your question! I agree that a combination treatment is best for acne scarring, including microneedling with PRP. Your treatment course will depend on your level of scarring, but typically for most of our acne scarring patients, we recommend at least 4 microneedling with PRP treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart from each other. I hope this helps!
- Dr. Shelley
Oklahoma City, OK

Hello there,
    We typically start with 6 treatments for acne scarring. Most patients see improvements after 6, but will continue to see improvements over time if more treatments are done. The more you do, the more changes you will see. I also have seen fantastic improvements on acne scarring when Halo laser is done. Hope this helps.
Sarah RN BSN