Finished 6 microneedle treatments for acne scarring -- should I wait some time before I do more? (Photos)

Question

I'm being treated by a dermatologist for moderate acne scarring (treatments April to November). I'm thinking about doing 3 more after the initial 6. My dermatologist said I can either do 3 more now or wait 3-6 months to see the results before deciding. Is there any disadvantage to doing 3 more now vs waiting 3-6 months? Part of my decision is influenced by the sun intensity being weaker in the Winter months and it being easier to avoid the sun during Winter. Using sunscreen SPF 100 on face.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You can wait before continuing with your microneedling treatments, but keep in mind, a combination approach will give the most improvement. These types of scars need a combination of microneedling/prp with lasers, Cosmelan, subcision and fillers. We often combine these treatments on the same day. It will take a series of treatments and may need some treatments to maintain. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Neda Vanden Bosch, MD · Answer

In most cases I would recommend waiting 3 months before proceeding further.However I do not think there is a disadvantage to continuing on with your treatments and doing 3 more over the winter months. I agree that sun exposure is harder to avoid over the summer months, but it is imperative that you do. We recommend 6-8 treatments for acne scarring, in conjunction we have our patients use PRP or Tensage growth factors post treatment. Keep in mind that nothing will completely resolve the scars but you are definitely on the right tract to fine tune them!

Lisa Jenks, MD · Answer

Microneedling, especially when combined with PRP (protein rich plasma) can be an excellent way to soften and minimize scars.  I do tell all of my patients, though, that scarred skin is never going to be perfect.  There is no treatment (or combination of treatments) that will completely eradicate all of your scars.Microneedling stimulates collagen production, which softens the appearance of the scars.  It takes about 4 - 6 months to see the full results.  It is somewhat up to you as to whether you wait to see the full results or resume treatments now.  There is no harm in doing as many treatments as you want, so you don't need to wait unless you feel better seeing the final results before resuming treatments.When acne scars are significant (as it looks like yours are), a combination of treatments is usually needed.  You may want to consider adding some laser treatments, subcision and/or fillers.Best of luck to you.

Jeffrey Ptak, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Acne scars are not all the same and the scarring can extend all the way into the subnormal fat layer depending on the intensity of the infection.  Superficial treatments like fractional lasers and micro needling cannot rebuild tissue deeper than 1-2 mm.  There are only one or two treatments in my experience of 25 years that can truly regenerate dermal collagen and subdermal volume in one treatment and that is fat grafting under the area of the scars.  Intradermal injection of "nanofat"  which is the centrifuged and filtered concentrated portion of the fat graft has been shown to be very effective in the actual regeneration of dermal collagen which is far superior to any filler and is an important adjunctive treatment to lasers and micro needling.

Finished 6 microneedle treatments for acne scarring -- should I wait some time before I do more? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Microneedling plus fat grafting

Answer: Microneedling plus fat grafting

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Finished 6 microneedle treatments for acne scarring -- should I wait some time before I do more? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Microneedling plus fat grafting

Answer: Microneedling plus fat grafting

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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.