Indent after infected mosquito bite. Will microneedling be enough to treat this? (Photo)

Question

I had a bite that became infected, it took about 4 weeks to heal. I noticed that as it healed it left a little dip in my skin that bothers me. 4 weeks after the bite had fully healed I had microneedling (I had scheduled this anyway before I was bitten). I’m wondering if there is anything else I can do to encourage the mark to fill in and heal or whether my microneedling (I have 2 more sessions scheduled) will be enough? Is there a chance over time this will heal on its own? Thanks

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Microneedling is a great option for helping to improve the appearance of the dip left by the bite, as it stimulates collagen production and can promote skin regeneration. Since you have two more sessions scheduled, continuing with this treatment can definitely aid in healing and may help to fill in the area over time. Additionally, you might consider CO2 laser treatments as an alternative or complement to microneedling. CO2 lasers are effective for resurfacing the skin and can provide more targeted results for uneven texture and depressions. They promote deeper collagen remodeling, which could help in filling in the dip more significantly. Over time, there is a chance that the area will improve on its own, but the combination of microneedling and potentially CO2 laser treatments could enhance the healing process and improve the texture and appearance of your skin more effectively. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your concern. An indentation in the skin following an infected mosquito bite is not uncommon, especially if there was prolonged inflammation or minor tissue damage. This type of scarring is known as atrophic scarring and can resemble a shallow acne scar or small depression in the skin.

Will Microneedling Help?
Yes, microneedling is a good starting treatment for shallow atrophic scars like the one you described. It stimulates collagen production and encourages the skin to gradually remodel itself. Since you've already completed one session and have two more scheduled, continuing the full series is appropriate. Results typically become more noticeable after multiple sessions spaced a few weeks apart.

Additional Options to Consider:
If microneedling alone does not provide full improvement, there are several adjunctive treatments that can help, such as:

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) combined with microneedling – can enhance healing and collagen stimulation.

Topical retinoids – promote skin turnover and collagen remodeling.

Filler injections – for deeper indentations, hyaluronic acid filler can offer immediate volume restoration (though typically not needed for mild depressions).

Laser resurfacing – fractional lasers can be effective in promoting collagen for textural improvement.

Silicone gel or sheeting – can sometimes soften scars and improve their appearance, especially early in the healing process.

Will It Heal on Its Own?
There’s definitely a possibility that your skin will continue to improve over time, especially if the scar is recent (within a few months). The body naturally remodels collagen for several months after skin injury, so even without treatment, subtle improvement can occur. However, combining time with targeted treatment like microneedling will likely optimize results.

Key Advice: Be gentle with the area, avoid picking or trauma, use sun protection daily to prevent discoloration, and stay consistent with your treatment plan.

Your current approach with microneedling is sound, and adding supportive topicals or adjunct treatments can further enhance the outcome if needed.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the submitted photo you should have improvement from microneedling.  However it may take more than the three treatement sessions you have scheduled to get the results you are wanting.  We encourage you to use medical grade skin care products like Transform MD and wear sunscreen every day.  You can learn more by visiting my website.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I have been performing TCA CROSS for nearly a quarter of a century for treating ice pick scars, dilated pores, piercing holes and skin divets with gratifying results in all skin types. At least from the photo provided, this would seem to be the treatment of choice. Microneedling, which I have been performing for almost the same length of time is best reserved for treating superficial surface skin color and textural irregularities and is unlikely to be particularly useful for deeper divets, etc. You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist and best of luck.

Indent after infected mosquito bite. Will microneedling be enough to treat this? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: TCA CROSS Works Well For Narrow Skin Divets, Ice Pick Scars, Dilated Pores & Piercing Holes

Answer: TCA CROSS Works Well For Narrow Skin Divets, Ice Pick Scars, Dilated Pores & Piercing Holes

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Everything you need to know about Microneedling

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Indent after infected mosquito bite. Will microneedling be enough to treat this? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: TCA CROSS Works Well For Narrow Skin Divets, Ice Pick Scars, Dilated Pores & Piercing Holes

Answer: TCA CROSS Works Well For Narrow Skin Divets, Ice Pick Scars, Dilated Pores & Piercing Holes

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Microneedling

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.