Would microneedling help to treat post acne marks and hyperpigmentation? How many treatments would I need?

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

Hi @Calm460592! Microneedling is great option for acne scars. However, I do recommend having a in person consultation to see if you are a good candidate. I typically recommend 3-6 sessions of microneedling to my patients for optimal results.

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

As long as you do not have active acne, microneedling is effective in treating areas of acne scarring and large pores. It is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment that works by causing micro-injuries to the face to increase the production of collagen, elastin, and other healing factors to help tighten, lift, and smooth the skin. You may also want to look into Picosure, a laser treatment which targets hyperpigmentation. PicoSure differs from all other lasers currently available as it causes minimal thermal damage to the targeted area. It would benefit you to consult with a qualified medical provider to talk about your aesthetic goals in more depth. @asianrhinoplasty @drdonyoo

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a wonderful treatment option for treating acne scars. The SkinPen is FDA cleared for the improvement of acne scars by stimulating collagen and elastin. For best results, a series of treatments spaced one month apart is recommended. Microneedling causes tiny micro-injuries in the skin that creates wound healing and the release of growth factors without the use of heat. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can also be incorporated into the treatment for added collagen stimulation.

I would recommend microneedling with exosomes. Another option would be Sciton BBL Forever Clear Laser treatments. One microneedling with exosomes is about the equivalent of 3 microneedlings with PRP with far less recovery time. There is little downtime with the laser treatments, but you would need to be out of the sun 2 weeks before and two weeks after.

Microneedling is a great treatment option for smoothing and diminishing acne scars. Consider adding PRP (platelet rich plasma) to enhance the benefits of your treatment. A series is usually recommended starting with 4-6 treatments, every 4-6 weeks. Be sure to seek out an experienced provider and best of luck with your procedure!

The most recent evidence shows improvement of acne scars. Multiple treatments work better than a single one. Skin type and type of acne as well as added PRP seems to determine outcomes.