# Does Microneedling Help Acne Scars?
Microneedling is an effective treatment for acne scars that works by stimulating your body’s natural healing process. The procedure uses a specialized device with ultra-fine needles to create thousands of tiny punctures in the skin, triggering collagen production that fills in scarred areas and smooths skin texture.
## How Microneedling Works on Acne Scars
Acne scars form when collagen becomes disorganized or damaged during the healing process. Microneedling addresses this problem directly by creating controlled micro-injuries that prompt your skin to produce fresh, healthy collagen and elastin. As new collagen forms, indented scars gradually rise, texture smooths out, and the overall appearance of scars softens.
The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on the treatment area. During this time, the microneedling device is gently passed over your skin to create these micro-channels. Your skin responds by activating its repair mechanisms, which leads to improved skin regeneration and cell turnover.
## Types of Scars That Respond Well
Microneedling is particularly effective for atrophic scars, which appear as depressions or pits in the skin. This includes ice pick scars, rolling scars, and boxcar scars. All of these types can benefit from the collagen-stimulating effects of microneedling.
## What Results Look Like
Most patients begin seeing improvement within 4 to 6 weeks of their first treatment. However, results are gradual and continue to improve over time as collagen remodels. To achieve the best results, most people need a series of 3 to 6 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart. Improvements continue to appear over 2 to 3 months as the skin regenerates.
Some patients report dramatic results, with acne scars becoming significantly less noticeable after a series of sessions. The surrounding skin regenerates and creates a more even surface overall.
## Important Considerations
Microneedling should not be performed over areas with active acne breakouts. Doing so can worsen inflammation, spread bacteria, and delay healing. Once breakouts are reduced and inflammation is under control, microneedling becomes an excellent treatment option.
The procedure is minimally invasive with very little downtime, making it accessible to people with various skin types and tones. After treatment, you may experience mild sunburn-like symptoms. Your provider will recommend post-care products to soothe your skin and support healing, and you should avoid sun exposure during recovery.
## Radiofrequency Microneedling
A more advanced version called radiofrequency microneedling combines traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy. This creates both a mechanical injury from the needles and a heat injury from the radiofrequency, which further encourages collagen and elastin production. Some dermatologists combine this approach with laser treatments to enhance results even further.
## Cost and Accessibility
Compared to surgical procedures or multiple rounds of laser treatments, microneedling is often more cost-effective while still offering impressive results. This makes it an accessible option for many people seeking scar improvement.
## Sources
https://www.sanctuaryskinvb.com/post/the-truth-about-acne-scars-treatments-that-work-and-why
https://naturalimageskincenter.com/can-you-get-microneedling-with-active-breakouts-or-acne/
https://lilymedspa.com/erase-acne-scars-with-skinpen-microneedling/
https://azul-medspa.com/top-7-benefits-of-microneedling-for-skin-rejuvenation/
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a69700927/microneedling-for-acne-scars-before-and-after/
https://www.michelegreenmd.com/laser-vs-microneedling-for-acne-scars
https://www.pristyncare.com/consult/microneedling-vs-laser-which-works-better-for-acne-acne-scars/