Microneedling may soften the appearance of acne scars and uneven texture by encouraging the skin's repair response. A series is often recommended, but the number of sessions should be based on your skin and the concern being treated.
At Desired Medical Aesthetics, Marley Giddings, Nurse Practitioner, assesses suitability before recommending a plan. You don't need to arrive knowing which type of scarring you have or how many appointments to book.
Understand what you are seeing in your skin
“Acne scars” can mean different things in everyday conversation. You might be describing shallow depressions, deeper indentations or marks that remain after a breakout. Texture and colour are different concerns, even when you notice them in the same area.
That distinction matters because acne scars are not all treated in the same way. The type of scar helps determine which approach may be useful, and more than one treatment approach can sometimes be needed.
You can start by explaining what bothers you most. For example, is it the way your cheeks look in light from the side, or a change in surface texture you can feel? Describing the concern is enough to begin the conversation.
The microneedling treatment page explains the concerns that may be considered. An assessment can help clarify whether the treatment fits what you are noticing, rather than assuming that every mark left by acne needs the same plan.
What happens beneath the surface
Microneedling uses fine, sterile needles to create small, controlled injuries in the skin. These stimulate a repair response that supports collagen production. Collagen is a structural protein that helps give skin support.
The aim is to improve the appearance of suitable scars or uneven texture through that repair process. Microneedling cannot promise to remove every scar or leave completely even skin.
Results develop gradually as new collagen and elastin form. Elastin contributes to the skin's ability to stretch and return to shape. The change being assessed is therefore something that develops after treatment, rather than a finished result visible as soon as the appointment ends.
Redness immediately afterwards does not show how much improvement you will eventually see. It is part of the short-term skin response, which needs to be considered separately from the longer process the treatment is intended to support.
This is also different from the immediate volume change associated with dermal filler. Our guide to neurotoxin and dermal filler explains those treatments if you are comparing options for another concern.
Why a series may be recommended
Each appointment is part of a plan that allows time for the skin to respond. Because results develop gradually, deciding on the next step involves more than checking how your face looks immediately after a session.
A series is often recommended, but there is no single session count that can be given to everyone with acne scars. Marley can discuss a proposed number and spacing after assessing the area. Those details should be clear before you commit to a course of treatment.
Ask what kind of improvement would be reasonable to look for and when progress should be reviewed. It is useful to know how the plan could change if your skin responds differently from what was expected.
Results vary from person to person. Having several sessions does not guarantee that every scar will respond in the same way, or that the original concern will disappear.
You can ask to understand the purpose of each stage. A recommendation for a series should come with an explanation of what is being treated and how your response will help guide further care.
Plan for recovery and discuss active breakouts
Some redness, sensitivity or mild swelling is normal after microneedling. Leave room for that recovery when deciding on a treatment date, especially if you have an occasion where visible redness would bother you.
Follow the aftercare instructions given for your skin. Ask when to resume your usual products and makeup, and what sun protection is recommended. Avoid assuming that your normal routine is suitable immediately after treatment.
Tell Marley about current breakouts before the appointment. Painful or pus-filled acne and skin infections can be reasons to postpone microneedling until the skin has settled.
Share the acne treatments you use and mention previous reactions to skin procedures. That information helps the assessment, including whether now is a suitable time to proceed.
Before leaving, make sure you know what recovery is expected and which symptoms should prompt contact. Desired Medical Aesthetics is inside Renew You at 260 Grafton Street in Charlottetown, where Marley offers free consultations and plans specific to each person.
FAQs
Does microneedling get rid of acne scars?
It may soften the appearance of suitable acne scars. Complete removal cannot be promised.
How many microneedling sessions will I need?
A series is often recommended, with the number based on the concern being treated and your response. Marley can discuss the proposed sessions and spacing after assessing your skin.
When will I see microneedling results?
Results develop gradually as new collagen and elastin form. Ask when progress should be assessed for your treatment plan.
Can I have microneedling with active acne?
Current breakouts need assessment before treatment. Painful or pus-filled acne can mean postponing the procedure until the affected skin has settled.