Will microneedling improve my skin texture and minimize the appearance of acne scars? Should I consider other options? (photo)

Acne scar treatments require precision and attention to detail. There are several types of acne scars, including atrophic, hypertrophic, PIH hyperpigmented, and hypopigmented scars. Depending on the types of scars you have, our office can recommend a Hidef treatment protocol that can recontour existing scars and reduce complexion irregularities. The results are simply life-changing.

As a general rule, we recommend fillers, subcision, acne surgery, RF ablation, and laser ablation to help with atrophic scars. Hypertrophic and keloid acne scars require pulsed dye laser and IIT SC. PIH scars require chemical peels, Melarase creams (AM and PM) and laser.
If you have ice-pick scars, we recommend RF ablation and TCA Cross.
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

"​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, BBL, or IPL for redness or thick acne scars.
- Lasers such as Fraxel, Erbium, CO2, Halo or fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva, Skinfinity, Morpheus, PiXel8, Fractora, 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. ​"

Hi there! I am going to be completely honest, acne scars are very difficult to treat. There are many different treatments, because none are great. Microneedling will help soften them some but it will certainly improve your overall skin texture. I find that Morpheus8, which is RF microneedling works a little bit better for acne scars then plain microneedling.

Hi @doodlebug1013. 3-6 sessions of microneedling would be ideal to help with acne scars and texture. My patients usually see the most results after the third or fourth session. In addition, if you are not already doing so I recommend adding Vitamin C, Retinol, Niacinamide, and an exfoliant in your skincare routine.

Hi! Thank you for your question regarding acne scars/texture and microneedling. I believe you are a great candidate for microneedling, but I would suggest 3 consecutive treatments, about 4-6 weeks apart. This consistency in treating the areas will give you a better result.

I hope this helps!

Thank you for the question and for including a picture. As someone who had horrible cystic acne and the residual scarring I truly empathize with patients that are looking for solutions. The good news is that there are so many different and effective ways to treat acne scars. The bad news is it can't be done in 1 or 2 treatments. Likewise, microneedling without energy will not be as effective as microneedling with radiofequency energy (ex: VivaMD or Morpheus8). The best results are often come from combining different treatment modalities. For example, RF microneedling, CO2 laser (you are fair enough), PRP/PRF, chemical peels, subcision/excision, filler...whatever combination will work best for you can be determined by a clinician well versed in such treatments. It will take time and multiple treatments so please be patient. The results are worth it! Dr. Dima

I have been professionally performing microneedling both manual and automated for over twenty-three years. When it comes to treating scars, microneedling is best reserved for a final "polishing" step to treat any surface, superficial residual color and/or texture irregularities that persist following appropriate prior scar treatments. It is not a particularly effective technique for treating deeper rolling and boxcar scars and even for ice pick scars (for which it is often recommended). Subcision, which I have personally been performing with gratifying results since 1995, for elevating and smoothing boxcar/rolling scars is relatively inexpensive and would be more appropriate. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist with extensive acne scar experience. Best of luck.

One way to maximize the results of microneedling is to combine it with PRP therapy. This treatment has shown incredible results for our patients—and lots of others who were looking to improve skin texture. Just like microneedling, PRP works by stimulating the body’s healing process, but it packs a lot more regenerative power. PRP, which is sourced from your own blood, contains an incredibly high concentration of healing platelets and growth factors, which help the body to regenerate skin cells and grow collagen. Between the regenerative potential of PRP and the healing effect of microneedling, this method can be highly effective for treating acne scars of all kinds.