Are the results from microneedling for acne scars permanent?

Question

Only looking to get microneedling for ACNE SCARS and hyperpigmentation, nothing else. Will the results from the full treatment ( 3-6 sessions ) for the acne scars be permanent or will they eventually resurface/come back?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

microneelding will not cure this, this needs TCA cross and lasers. microneedling will help your skin glow and give some light improvement but not clear the scars, I do microneedling monthly just for anti-aging purposes. I suggest dermarolling weekly at home (see link to emeragecosmetics.com where we do free skincare consults daily). 
Acne scar treatment needs a combination approach for improvement.  For the best results, one should target the acne scar type.  As everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, the best solution is a tailored one.  Typically you need fillers like bellafill and sculptra for atrophic indented type scars with or without subcision.  Subcision for depressed tethered scars.  Vascular lasers like yellow laser, aerolase, excel V or IPL for redness or thick scars. And lasers such as fraxel, erbium, co2 or fractional radiofrequency like venus viva, skinfinity, intensif or fractora microneedling RF for textural issues and superficial scarring.  Deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars are best treated with TCA CROSS and punch excision.  All lasers are combined with microneedling and PRP to get even better results and improve healing times.   The majority of patients will have a collection of different scar types, and hence a tailored treatment plan is needed by an expert physician.  It is never about the laser or product that gives the results, its about the expert behind the equipment that gets you the outcome.  Scars cannot be cured and will need life-long treatments to maintain and build on the results.  For those at high risk for hyperpigmentation (darker skin types or asian or hispanic or mixed ethnicities) we already pre-treat the skin with cosmelan or enlighten lightening peels to prevent complications from energy-based or chemical-based treatments.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Acne scars are usually characterized within the subtypes of atrophic, hypertrophic, pigmented, or inflammatory. These subtypes of acne scars can be visually discerning in ambient light and can cause significant cosmetic concerns. Indented and atrophic scars require a combination approach to stimulate collagen and elastin, thereby smoothing contour and uneven skin. These are usually combined with lasers and depigmentation protocols to reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Melarase AM and Melarase PM). Our Hidef protocols for acne scars include fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane to improve deep acne scars; Vascular lasers to reduce inflammation and post-inflammatory redness and erythema; Fractional lasers to smooth contour and collagen; and Fractional RF to stimulate production of collagen within atrophic scars. Textural improvement and superficial scarring can be improved with Cosmelan peels, TCA Cross for ice-pick scars, deep chemical peels, and fractional CO2. We offer a personalized approach to your combination of scars and a formal evaluation with consultation is recommended to help you achieve your final results. Our plastic surgery office offers subcision and combination TCA Cross to help reduce deeply pitted scars. In terms of pigmentation and skin resonance, we recommend daily use of Melarase AM and Melarase PM coupled with Retinoid creams to achieve brilliant skin. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Microneedling can improve acne scars but over time, as collagen continues to break down, maintenance treatments may be necessary.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  I would encourage you to do a full series of microneedling, and you will have improvement, but there is usually a role for maintenance treatment over the years.  You might also talk to your dermatologist about chemical peels and/or laser treatments, and be sure to use a good skincare regimen.  The retinoids can be helpful for keeping scars minimized and help skin turnover.  If you are still getting active acne breakouts, be sure to get that under control or you might continue to scar in the future.  Please see an expert, and best of luck!

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

Hello, scarring can be difficult to treat and will need multiple sessions of microneedling, laser, chemical peels.  If you achieve success in minimizing the scarring this should be permanent.  Keep in mind that if you still have breakouts of acne you may end up with new scarring.  I would recommend getting on a good skincare regimen as well.

Rita Rakus, MBBS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. My advice would be to also mix your microneedling with other modalities such as laser. Acne scarring can be a challenge to eradicate completely and to be honest needs maintenance for the best results.  Best wishes

Are the results from microneedling for acne scars permanent?

Answers (6)

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