Micro needling for acne scars?

Question

I've been looking for a cheaper treatment for my acne scars and my dermatologist said micro needling is a good inexpensive treatment for acne scars I have indented scars and rough skin texture he uses the eclipse micropen is that a good product and how many treatments would I need to see good results?

Bruce Rodgers, MD · Answer

Micro-needling is a good option for certain types of acne scars. You generally need 4-6 treatments spaced a month apart.  Some acne scars are deeper and may require laser or Bellafill. I always recommend that a patient start with micro-needling and get the texture as smooth as possible before the laser or filler. 
Good Luck!

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @yaboy209! Microneedling is a great treatment for acne scars. I also recommend adding on PRP. Typically, 3-6 sessions are recommended for optimal results. Best of luck to you, Dr. Nima!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Is a great alternative to lasers and fillers/surgery but takes many treatments and if your scars are very atrophic, boxcar or pitted, it may only help slightly. I typically do microneedling in combination with laser treatments and fillers.  I suggest seeking the advice of someone who specializes in scars and does the treatments often.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion acne scar treatment needs to be based upon the type of scars.Superficial scars will usually respond to microneedling.If you have depressed scars they need to be lifted. Usually subscision or a filler is utilized.Some people get better results by adding PRP to microneedling.Good luck!

Kim Nichols, MD · Answer

This is a very important question! I recommend Microneedling with PRP as an effective way to treat acne scars, uneven complexion, fine lines and wrinkles, larger pores and more. I recommend that treatments are spaced 3-4 weeks apart and that you have at least a series of 3-6 treatments. You should start to see visible changes over the course of several weeks. Be sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist before moving forward with the treatment.  And, at your next appointment, ask your dermatologist for a custom at-home skincare regimen to keep your skin appearing bright and even year-round.

Ariel Ostad, MD · Answer

In my practice, we offer microneedling along with platelet rich plasma for treatment of acne scarring. Combining platelet rich plasma (PRP) along with microneedling can provide you with an excellent scarring treatment, smooth the skin surface, and can be used as an anti-aging treatment. We first draw patient's blood and then separate the plasma from the red blood cells. Your plasma is rich in growth factors that can repair the skin and regenerate tissue. The second step is to apply the plasma to the area using endymed microneedling to create channels that allow plasma to penetrate. We then reapply the plasma again to the desired area, then take the remaining plasma and inject it into areas where collagen stimulation is desired. We recommend 3 treatments for optimal results! For more information, please consult with a board certified dermatologist. Thank you for your question!

Steven L. Greene, MD · Answer

Microneedling is a conservative yet helpful treatment option for patients with acne scars.  Our patients with ethnic skin are more sensitive to laser treatments causing post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  This is less often seen with microneedling while modifying those longstanding acne skin depressed scars.
I hope this is helpful to you.
Steve Greene MD

Robert W. Sheffield, MD · Answer

Microneedling is indeed an inexpensive yet effectiveprocedure in improving acne scars. Eclipse micropen is a good option in dealingwith  acne scars. As per the number oftreatment sessions needed, that would be dependent on the acne scar severity.This will be determined after a thorough evaluation of your board certifiedplastic surgeon. Without seeing your acne scars directly or at least in aphoto, it would be difficult to determine exactly how many treatment sessionsyou will need. Nevertheless, microneedling sessions could range from about 4 to6 times spaced out a month apart from each other. 
Microneedling works by creating tiny punctures in theskin to allow for natural healing and collagen production of the body. It alsocreates micro-channels in the skin to allow for topical agents like serums.This allows for better and quicker absorption thereby receiving the effects ofthe serum faster. Microneedling can refine, rejuvenate, and smoothen the skineffectively. It does so with very little to no after effects and down time,too.

John Frattellone, DMD · Answer

Micro-needling is a skin resurfacing procedure whichutilizes tiny needles to create microscopic injuries in the skin, allowing fornew collagen formation as well as creating channels for topical solutions topenetrate deeper into the skin and work more effectively. Micro-needlingsmoothes and refines your complexion without needing to spend a lot of timerecovering. It has been proven safe and effective and generally takes just ahalf hour or less, depending on the areas treated.  This procedure can be used on other areas ofthe body besides the face as well.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Your dermatologist
is correct – the use of microneedling pens can, in fact, improve acne scars.
Depending on the severity of the scars, several treatments are going to be
needed in order to see an improvement. Without seeing a picture, it is not
possible to say how many treatments will be needed, but it is not unusual to
need 4-6 treatments in order to see an appreciable difference. Fractional
lasers can work faster in most cases, but the cost is usually more than the
series of pens put together. And there is a new treatment – the use of
radiofrequency (RF) tipped microneedles. We use the EndyMed Intensif and have
had very impressive results with minimal downtime in improving some of the more
severe acne scars – in usually 1-3 treatments. But your dermatologist is on the
right track.

Micro needling for acne scars?

Answers (12)