Would microneedling be enough to improve these shallow acne scars? (photo)

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. 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 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 scars and indented 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 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

Microneedling is a great option when it comes to treating past acne scarring. A series of sessions is recommended for best treatment, with a minimum of 3 sessions. I would recommend a series of microneedling treatments to reduce the appearance of the scar tissue, followed by a light skin resurfacing laser such as an Erbium Laser. If a laser treatment is not of interest to you, I would recommend setting up a consultation regarding filler as an option to fill in the deeper scar tissue. It is always best to see a provider in person to best evaluate your skin and which treatments would be the most effective. 

As the skin heals, it makes collagen. There's evidence to suggest that microneedling helps reduce the depth of acne scars. Still, this treatment can take up to 9 months to see changes, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. so i think we would be able to help you please come in for a consultation.

Based on your photos, microneedling would yield a good cosmetic result as it can improve the quality, vibrancy, and texture of your skin. It effectively works for acne scarring and minimizing large pores. Results can be seen as soon as 1-2 weeks but may continue to improve over the next 6 months. It is important to research a medical provider or surgeon who would work closely with your aesthetic goals and to determine which treatment would work best for you. @drdonyoo

A close up in-person examination would provide the best assessment. However, from what can be seen, professionally performed microneedling, either manually performed or electrically with a pen and, of course, with properly chosen needle lengths can work well for improving superficial, surface textural irregularities, such as appear to be the case here. If indeed there are any very dilated pores or true ice pick scars, these can individually be treated first with TCA CROSS after which the microneedling may be used to be used, not only for the overall textural issues, as mentioned above, but for better blending the treated areas with the surrounding skin. I have been using both TCA CROSS and performing professional microneedling for over twenty years and each of these relatively inexpensive techniques has a proven track record for safety and efficacy in all skin types. There is no need for the added expense of RF microneedling as the science to support the add-on lags behind the marketing to promote these more expensive bells and whistles. Hope this helps. Best of luck.

Hello,
Multiple treatments of microneedling should help improve the over all appearance. I do suggest you contact an experienced facility to obtain a full consultation. Microneedling should help aid in breaking up scar tissue while promoting collagen growth. You can also pair microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), pairing those two treatments may positively increase the over all effectiveness of the treatment. I hope this helps you in your journey!