Can my deep acne scars be improved with microneedling? (photos)

Microneedling is a terrific alternative to laser treatments in reducing the appearance of scars. The fine needles break down the scar tissue and force the skin cells to regenerate. We suggest having your skin evaluated by dermatologist or licensed medical aesthetician.

Acne scars are usually characterized within the subtypes of atrophic, hypertrophic, pigmented, or inflammatory. These subtypes of acne scars can be visually discerning in ambient light and can cause significant cosmetic concerns. Indented and atrophic scars require a combination approach to stimulate collagen and elastin, thereby smoothing contour and uneven skin. These are usually combined with lasers and depigmentation protocols to reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Melarase AM and Melarase PM). Our Hidef protocols for acne scars include fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane to improve deep acne scars; Vascular lasers to reduce inflammation and post-inflammatory redness and erythema; Fractional lasers to smooth contour and collagen; and Fractional RF to stimulate production of collagen within atrophic scars. Textural improvement and superficial scarring can be improved with Cosmelan peels, TCA Cross for ice-pick scars, deep chemical peels, and fractional CO2. We offer a personalized approach to your combination of scars and a formal evaluation with consultation is recommended to help you achieve your final results. Our plastic surgery office offers subcision and combination TCA Cross to help reduce deeply pitted scars. In terms of pigmentation and skin resonance, we recommend daily use of Melarase AM and Melarase PM coupled with Retinoid creams to achieve brilliant skin.

Best,
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

A combination approach will give the most improvement. These types of scars need a combination of microneedling with prp, lasers, Cosmelan, TCA cross, punch excision and fillers. It will take a series of treatments and will need some treatments to maintain. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Hello Joannariza, Thats a very good question. Microneedling with PRP is always a great way to start. I would also recommend the Pixel (RF) Radio Frequency Fractional Resurfacing, its a combination of "non-ablative" and "ablative resurfacing" on ALL skin types. Stimulates collagen, and eliminates wrinkles, fine lines, tone and texture, skin tightening, scars, stretch marks, acne scars leaving your skin youthful and radiant. Best of Luck!

Thank you for your question! Microneedling is an effective way to treat acne scars, uneven complexion, fine lines and wrinkles, larger pores and more, and it appears from your photo that you may benefit from this treatment. I recommend coupling microneedling with PRP for best results, but you should also consult with your board-certified dermatologist to be sure that this treatment is right for you. 

Hi there and thank you for sharing your story and photos. Your acne scars are moderate and should be improved with microneedling. Having said that...there are many forms of microneedling and not all respond the same. Needles stimulate your own collagen production with microscopic trauma just the way lasers can do this with light and/or heat. Your collagen stimulation can fill in the scarring over time. Most of my younger patients need 2-3 treatments to see this happen. It does require some patience as your collagen stimulation takes 3-6 months for maximum result. I microneedle with human skin cell derived growth factors to stimulate the repair process that includes redness, hyperpigmentation and inflammation associated with acne scarring. My office is the only medical practice in our area that utilizes these particular growth factors with microneedling. It has made our procedure far superior to those who microneedle with peptides, hyaluronic acids, or without any serums at all. We like to call our microneedling...aerating the lawn (your skin) then adding fertilizer to it (the growth factors). After hundreds of procedures in the last 7 years, we can honestly say that everyone gets results.
Best wishes.
Dr. Valerie Schneider  

you will probably receive only modest improvement with only microneedling. You have mostly ice pick and crateriform scars. These are not the best type to do microneedling. Including 80% TCA on toothpick and punch grafting might improve you results and CO2 resurfacing would be a better choice because of the depth of your scars. Sublesional Bellafill injections would also improve your more shallow lesions. A combined modality is your best choice.

Acne scars are treated differently depending on their appearance and structure. Sometimes there is no actual scar at all, but just a dark spot from inflammation. These spots usually improve on their own if you protect them and keep them out of the sun. In the meantime, to control the inflammation and acne breakouts, topical retin-a cream with intermittent salicylic acid peels can dramatically improve your skin tone and frequency of breakouts. Once the acne is controlled and yobu continue to do have remaining scars due to permanent dermal injury from acne, a variety of treatments can be performed to remodel the scar from energy-based lasers and radiofrequency devices to mechanical disruption of the scar with microneedling. Deep wide scars can be released and filled in with subcision and a filler such as Bellafill which is specifically designed for divets and depressions left by acne. The very thin or deep ice-pick scars are best treated by excising them completely.  I especially like a combination of a chemical peel for the hyperpigmentation and acne control, microneedling with PRP for texture and collagen building, and PIXEL fractionated laser or RF to resurface and build even more collagen.  I would use the subcision with Bellafill for the individual deeper scars. Not everyone is a candidate for all the treatment options however as certain skin types can get worse from certain treatments. For the best treatment options, it is important to visit an expert for an in-person examination. Hope this helps!
Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

Hi, thanks for your question.
Microneedling is effective way to reduce shallow acne scars and improve general appearance of the skin.Using PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) makes it even better.PRP is derived from your own blood and uses activated platelets to repair your skin.For the deeper scars I would seriously consider using treatment with Bellafill.Bellafill is a filler and collagen stimulator which we inject under the scar to lift it and blend it with the rest of the skin surface.It is FDA approved for this purpose.
Look for experienced, board certified physician in your area.

Microneedling using your own PRP works very well at minimizing acne scars, reduce pores, increase collagen production. I recommend you have your treatment Done by a physician with expertise in the procedure since acne scars need a deeper therapy.