Are you wondering how many microneedling sessions for acne scars would actually make those marks less visible? But before going to the calculations, it is better to understand how this treatment works in the first place.
Tinier needles are used to induce healthy microinjuries on the skin to rejuvenate it. Triggered punctures that lead to increased production of collagen and elastin inside the body to heal and close an injury on the skin eventually break down old scar tissue and grow new, healthier skin over a few years. As the depth and appearance of your acne scars fade over time, you will ultimately have smoother and more even skin throughout the process of healing.
This treatment can be especially effective on atrophic, rolling, and ice pick scars, with improvement in some cases being nearly erased. Even very deep scars may respond to treatment after several sessions and proper aftercare. Indeed, one of the most common queries directed at dermatologists is how many microneedling sessions for deep acne scars may suffice, and there is no concrete answer to that, as it varies with each skin type and the extent of the scarring.
It is just as simple as how microneedling helps the acne scarring:
|
Benefit |
How It Helps Acne Scars |
|
Stimulates collagen growth |
Naturally fills in indented scars |
|
Improves skin texture |
Smooths rough, scarred areas |
|
Encourages new skin cells |
Fades dark marks left by old acne |
|
Improves product absorption |
Improves the efficacy of scar-reducing serums |
Consistency is the key, and with the right number of sessions and attending to the appropriate aftercare, microneedling often leads to noticeable improvement with consistency and proper care.
Types of Acne Scarring That Microneedling Can Improve
Microneedling is a great treatment option to improve several types of acne scarring. Here is how it works for different scar types:
Atrophic (Indented) Scars
- What are they? These scars create small indentations in the skin.
- How microneedling helps: The treatment stimulates collagen production, helping fill in those dips over time.
- How many sessions? Usually, a few sessions can help see noticeable improvement.
Ice Pick, Boxcar, and Rolling Scars
- What are they? Icepick scars are deep and skinny, boxcar scars have defined edges, and rolling scars are uneven or wavy.
- How microneedling helps with this: Microneedling acts on these typesof scars by stimulating collagen production to help smooth out the top layers of skin.
- How many sessions? These scars may take more sessions to show a visible difference.
Deep Acne Scars and Treatment Challenges
- What are they? These are some of the most stubborn scars to heal.
- How microneedling helps: It breaks down scar tissue and makes new skin, slowly improving its appearance
- How many sessions?Deep scars may need more frequent sessions for noticeable results.
How Many Microneedling Treatments Do You Need for Acne Scarring?
If you are inquiring about how many microneedling sessions would be sufficient for acne scarring, it truly depends on how much they are bothering you. Here is the breakdown:
Recommended Sessions Based on Scar Severity
- Mild Scars: If your scars are lighter, you may need only about 3 to 4 sessions at the most.
- Moderate Scars: However, if you want to see a more noticeable result, maybe 4 to 6 sessions will do the trick.
- Severe Scarring: When treating a deep or obstinate form of scar, the number of sessions could go up to 6 to 8.
- Continuity is vital, and it should be strictly adhered to.
How Many Microneedling Sessions for Deep Acne Scars?
- Deep Scars: Deep acne scars can be more difficult, depending on skin response. It could be as few as 6 and as many as 8 or more.
- Aftercare: Appropriate aftercare is also important in providing the results that will be produced. Follow your dermatologist’s advice for best results.
How Many Sessions of Microneedling for Acne Scars on Average?
Most improvements happen between 4 and 6 sessions on average. However, this could change due to skin type and scar severity.
Timeline: When to Expect Visible Results
- Initial Results: Some changes will be noticed from the very first sessions.
- Full Results: Full change will be visible in about 3-6 months with regard to microneedling because collagen needs to regenerate.
- Changes in results from person to person, however, with adherence to regular sessions, gradual skin improvements will occur.
Microneedling Procedure: What to Expect – From Beginning to End
Consultation & Skin Assessment:
The process begins with a consultation on an individual basis. The skin care specialist begins with an evaluation of your skin type, tone, and the acne scars you have.
Most of the time, it is also a discussion regarding your goals and medical history to ensure the process and treatments are appropriate for your skin type. This is an important step to help establish a plan of what is safe and best for your skin.
During the consultation:
- Your scar types and skin sensitivity are checked.
- Any allergies or past treatments are noted.
- A customized session plan is often proposed.
Needle Depth & Tools Used for Acne Scars
Microneedling tools are not one-size-fits-all. Different scars require different tools and different depths of needle, and the selection of either or both is based solely on the surface area of the scars or textures in the scars.
Most professionals use a microneedling pen with adjustable needle depths of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm for acne scars. The needles are specifically designed to be able to control the number of micro-punctures to stimulate skin regeneration.
Things that may vary:
- Deeper scars might need longer needles.
- Some clinics combine microneedling with radiofrequency for stronger results.
- Speed and depth settings are adjusted based on skin tolerance.
Aftercare Instructions for Best Results
Once the session ends, the skin is usually red and slightly swollen. This is normal and temporary. What supports healing and results is how you care for your skin in the following days.
A calming serum or gentle moisturizer is usually applied right after the session. Sun protection becomes a must, and heavy makeup or exfoliation should be avoided for a few days.
Basic aftercare steps include:
- Applying a hydrating, fragrance-free serum.
- Avoiding sun exposure and using SPF 30+ daily.
- Skipping harsh skincare for at least 3–5 days.
- Letting the skin heal naturally—no peeling or scrubbing.
At-Home Microneedling vs. Professional Treatment: What’s Best for Acne Scars?
|
Aspect |
At-Home Microneedling | Professional Microneedling |
|
Needle Depth |
0.25mm–0.5mm (shallow) |
0.5 mm–2.5 mm (customized for scar depth) |
|
Effectiveness |
Mild surface-level improvement |
Deeper scar revision and visible results |
|
Safety & Risk |
Higher risk of infection if not done properly |
Safer under sterile, trained conditions |
|
Tools Used |
Basic dermarollers or pens |
Medical-grade microneedling devices |
|
Pain Management |
No numbing, may be uncomfortable |
Numbing creams are used for comfort |
|
Recovery Time |
Minimal downtime |
May require 2–5 days of healing |
|
Cost |
Low upfront cost (but slow progress) |
Higher cost per session, but fewer needed |
|
Customization |
One-size-fits-all tools |
Tailored treatment plans per scar type |
- At-home microneedling is okay for light skin concerns, but results are slow. For deeper scars and faster results, professional treatment makes a bigger difference, though it costs more. Choose what fits your skin needs and budget best.
How Long Do Results Last, and Do Acne Scars Return After Microneedling?
Microneedling results are not instant, but when results do happen, they last.
For many, the smoother skin and faded scars will remain for several months. This will depend on a few factors: your skin type, the aftercare, and your lifestyle choices, like sun exposure, skincare routines, etc.
Microneedling can break down old scar tissue, but if you do not get your underlying acne healthiness under control, your acne scars may slowly begin to come back. That is often why there is a recommendation for maintenance sessions following the active treatment plan.
It is not necessarily an issue of needing to redo areas frequently, but having an occasional maintenance session can help you keep the skin […] you have worked so hard to obtain.
Suggestions for Keeping Results After Microneedling:
- To reduce the chances of new breakouts, use soft/flaky/peeling non-comedogenic skin-care products if possible.
- SPF is important to apply daily because UV rays can hinder the healing process.
- Always stay hydrated with water and use a moisturizer at all times to support the healing process.
- Sleep is important! Your skin heals when you sleep and get restful periods.
- You may want to consider some occasional touch-up sessions, especially if your scarring starts to slowly return.
Microneedling risks, side effects & people who should avoid microneedling
Microneedling is typically considered a low-risk procedure; however, as with all cosmetic procedures, there are still some things you should know.
Common Side Effects (Generally Temporary):
- Redness and mild swelling right after the procedure
- Warm or tingling sensation for a few hours
- Slight flaking or dryness as the skin heals
- Minor pinpoint bleeding during treatment (normal in some cases)
- Most of these effects settle within a few days if you follow the right aftercare.
When to Be Careful or Avoid Microneedling:
Microneedling may not be the right choice for everyone. It is better to speak with a skin expert first if you:
- Have active acne, rosacea, or eczema
- Are you dealing with skin infections or open wounds
- Have a history of poor wound healing or keloid scars
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are using blood-thinning medications
- Even though these factors don’t always rule it out completely, they do require extra care and professional guidance.
The Price of Microneedling for Acne Scars: Is It Worth It?
Microneedling acne scar treatments can normally range from around $100 to $700 per session, depending on where you go, how qualified the provider is, and the size of the area being treated.
Here is a quick idea of what affects cost:
- Location—Bigger cities often have higher prices
- Experience of the professional— Certified dermatologists or aestheticians may charge more
- Number of sessions needed—Most people need 3 to 6 sessions for noticeable results
- Extras—Add-ons like serums or post-care kits might add to the cost
Is It Worth It?
If acne scars affect your confidence and you’re ready for gradual, skin-friendly improvement, many people feel it is a good investment. But it is always wise to:
- Set a budget beforehand
- Ask about packages or discounts for multiple sessions
- Compare a few clinics before deciding
- Results take time and vary from person to person, so patience is part of the process.
Acne Scar Alternatives to Microneedling
Many a time, microneedling is not the best choice, and there may be other alternatives to consider with it. The following is a list of the three most sought-after options.
Microneedling vs. Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing procedures employ focused light energy to remove the outer layers of damaged skin and stimulate deep production of collagen. And in comparison to microneedling:
- Depth of Treatment: Lasers can target both surface and deeper layers more precisely.
- Downtime: Expect more redness and peeling for up to a week.
- Results Timeline: You may see quicker smoothing, but initial recovery takes longer.
- Best For: Those comfortable with stronger procedures and willing to wait out the healing phase.
Dermal Fillers or Subcision
For really deep or tethered scars, mechanical lifting techniques can help:
Dermal Fillers:
- Soft gels injected under sunken scars.
- Immediate lifting effect, but temporary (6–12 months).
Subcision:
- A small needle breaks scar bands beneath the skin.
- Creates space for new collagen but may need to be combined with other treatments.
- Both methods can be paired with microneedling to boost overall improvement.
Microdermabrasion
This is a gentler, surface-level exfoliation using tiny crystals or diamond-tipped wands:
- Effect: Removes dead skin cells and mildly smooths shallow scars.
- Downtime: Almost none—skin may be a bit pink for a few hours.
- Sessions: Often done more frequently (every 2–4 weeks) to maintain results.
- Microdermabrasion is good for quite light texture problems but not as effective for deep divots.
Select either singularly or in a combination that resonates most with your skin goals, comfort, and timeliness. A quick chat with a dermatologist can help you decide which path to take.
Best Serums and Skincare After Microneedling for Acne Scars
After microneedling, your skin is optimally primed for products. This means you can choose the right products to help aid in healing and to enhance visible improvements over time.
Helpful products to consider:
- Hyaluronic Acid Serum – provides hydration and helps soothe your skin
- Gentle Moisturizer – helps support the skin barrier, without irritating it
- Peptide Serums – may support skin repair, and collagen support
- Niacinamide – may help reduce redness, and improve skin texture
- Fragrance-Free Sunscreen (SPF for protecting your healing skin from the sun)
- Avoiding active ingredients such as retinol, AHAs/BHAs, and vitamin C a few days after treatment (until your skin feels calm and settled again) is ideal.
Overall, keeping your routine simple while being aware of how your skin responds will go a long way in overall recovery.
Final Thoughts: Is Microneedling the Best Treatment for Your Acne Scars?
Finding the right treatment for acne scars is not always easy. But many find microneedling stands out because of its gradual progression with the natural healing capabilities of your skin.
When it comes to professional, patient-centered microneedling sessions, consider Marsha Medspa at Mast Drive, Garner, NC. Each session is customized to your skin type and treatment goals. Although outcomes vary among clients, some find that positive results can occur with commitment and care.
If you are still undecided, take your time. A consultation may assist you in weighing your next options and determining if microneedling is the next right step in your skincare journey.
FAQs
Q1: Does microneedling get rid of acne scars permanently?
Microneedling can improve the appearance of acne scars over time, but it doesn’t completely erase them. Scars can fade significantly with consistent treatment and care.
Q2: How many microneedling sessions for acne scars, Reddit?
Most people on Reddit say they saw changes after 3–6 sessions. But results depend on how deep your scars are and how your skin responds.
Q3: How many microneedling sessions for acne scars before?
Before seeing visible results, many people need at least 2–3 sessions. Deeper scars may need more.
Q4: Microneedling acne scars before and after
Before treatment, scars may look indented or uneven. After a few sessions, skin texture often becomes smoother and more balanced.
Q5: How many microneedling sessions for scars?
It varies, but generally 4–6 sessions spaced a few weeks apart work well for mild to moderate scars.
Q6: Microneedling for acne scars cost
Costs vary by clinic and location. On average, a single session can range from $150 to $400.
Q7: How many microneedling sessions for hyperpigmentation?
For dark spots and discoloration, 2–4 sessions are usually enough to see improvement.
Q8: How many microneedling sessions for wrinkles?
Fine lines may soften after 3–5 sessions, depending on skin age and depth of wrinkles.