Microneedling is a dermal filler treatment that has been used as an acne scar treatment for years. This skin procedure utilizes blood and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate collagen and elastin production, reduce the appearance of scars, fine lines and wrinkles, smooth out roughness caused by sun damage, address melasma, treat acne scars and improve hyperpigmentation.
In this guide, we find out: Does Microneedling Work For Acne Scars, how many microneedling sessions for acne scars, how to treat breakouts after microneedling, and How long does microneedling take to work on acne scars?.
Does Microneedling Work For Acne Scars
Acne scars can be a real problem for people. Even after you’ve cleared up your existing acne, the scars are still there and they can make you feel self-conscious or depressed. And while there are lots of creams and treatments that promise to get rid of acne scars, most of them don’t work or have side effects. Microneedling is one treatment that promises results without any major risks or side effects—but does it really work?
What causes acne scars
Acne scars are caused by inflammation and lack of collagen. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection, injury and irritation. When you have acne, your immune system attacks the sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands) that are located just below your skin’s surface. This results in an overproduction of oil which clogs up pores, leading to blackheads or whiteheads.
If left untreated, the area becomes red and tender before developing a hard lump called a nodule that can be painful if touched too much. If this goes on long enough without treatment it can lead to scarring; hence why it’s so important to treat early stages of cystic acne before they become permanent!
Can microneedling help acne scars
The answer to this question is yes. Microneedling can be used to treat both superficial and deep acne scars, but it’s important to note that it may not be the best option for everyone.
If you’re thinking about getting microneedling done on your face or body, talk with a dermatologist first. They can help you determine if this treatment is right for your skin type and whether or not there are other options available that might work better for your needs (like lasers).
In addition to reducing the appearance of acne scars, microneedling has been shown in clinical studies to improve overall skin texture by increasing collagen production in the dermis layer of skin [2].
Are there any risks to microneedling
There are some risks to microneedling. The most common one is a slight risk of infection, which can occur if you don’t sterilize your needles properly or if you have an open wound on your face during the treatment. If this happens, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
There are also some complications with deeper scars: if you have deep acne scars or other types of scarring that may not respond well to microneedling (such as keloids), then it might not be the best option for you yet until more research has been done into how well this works for those types of issues.
How to prepare for a microneedling appointment
Microneedling is a safe, effective procedure for treating acne scars, but it’s important to follow your skin care professional’s instructions. This can include:
- Notifying them of all medications you are taking
- Being honest about any allergies or medical conditions you have (such as diabetes)
Microneedling can work on getting rid of acne scars but it’s important to be prepared and speak with a professional.
Microneedling is a treatment that can help with acne scars, but it’s important to be prepared and speak with a professional. Microneedling works by creating tiny holes in the skin, which allows for collagen production and new cell growth. This process can take several months, so it’s important to have realistic expectations about what your skin will look like when you start microneedling treatments. It’s also important that you follow all aftercare instructions given by your dermatologist or esthetician so that your results last longer.
how many microneedling sessions for acne scars
How many microneedling sessions you need ranges anywhere from 4-8 treatments depending on the patient and other varying factors. Through each microneedling treatment, you’ll see that the appearance of your skin is improving and your confidence will increase as a result. This increasingly popular cosmetic skin procedure uses tiny sterilized needles that can treat a variety of skin flaws including acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. It’s suitable for nearly any skin type and has helped countless patients feel more comfortable in their skin. Let’s get into more details surrounding this treatment so you can determine if you’re a candidate. Of course, our team is happy to answer your questions along the way.
How Often Should You Do Microneedling Treatments?
As a general guideline, it is safe to receive microneedling treatments once every 4-6 weeks. The majority of patients opt for this frequency to see the best results, however, some patients may go more or less frequently depending on their skin.
In terms of how many microneedling sessions to see results, patients usually need 4-8 treatments. If you’re looking to improve scar reduction, you’ll likely need 3-6 treatments and collagen induction usually requires 3 treatments as a starting point. Keep in mind that the number of treatments that you need depends on how your skin responds to microneedling. Part of our skincare process at the Metropolitan Skin Clinic is taking the time to sit down with you to understand your skin concerns. From there, we will be able to put together a treatment plan that yields the best results for you.
First Round of Treatments
If this is your first time getting microneedling, you will need to receive multiple “rounds” of treatments to see your desired results. Due to the nature of the treatment, you need to allow your skin ample time to heal and recover between treatments. The average person needs about one month to recover. In terms of microneedling and when to see results, you will likely see some results after the initial session with optimal results taking multiple rounds to achieve.
Treatments to Maintain Results
Once you’ve gotten your first treatment and your skin has been able to fully recover, it’s time to schedule your next microneedling treatment. You’ll notice that your microneedling results will gradually build with each session. This means that you’ll be able to take more time between your regular maintenance appointments than you did with the initial round. Many patients opt to receive treatments 3 months apart after their first round is completed.
Why Does the Time Between Treatments Matter?
The time between your microneedling sessions matters due to the nature of the treatment. Because the average turnover time for dead skin cells and healing is 3-4 weeks for the majority of people, your body needs time to process the treatment.
How quickly your body turns over dead skin cells is dependent on your age and genetics; younger patients may heal faster while older patients might need more time between sessions. If you have questions about the time between sessions, we’re happy to help you!
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Many patients begin to see results after their initial session is over and they have fully healed. Within 1-3 days following your treatment, you will likely notice an improvement in the texture and tone of your skin. Different results take different times to emerge.
For Anti-Aging
How many microneedling sessions are needed for aging concerns such as dark spots and skin laxity? These results typically become apparent after the third or fourth microneedling treatment. Patients have reported results 3-4 weeks after their appointment. The tightness of your skin will continue to improve as long as you keep up with regular treatments.
For Scar Reduction
Microneedling for acne scars or facial scars, in general, is another popular use case. This process will take longer than smoothing other areas of the skin because it takes the body more effort to do so. Most patients report needing 4-8 sessions to see a full reduction of scarring. You’ll likely notice a gradual improvement of the scar’s texture after every treatment, with scarring fading significantly over time.
For Deep Wrinkles
What about how many microneedling sessions for wrinkles? After all, wrinkles are a top aging concern for many men and women. Most patients need at least 5-6 treatments to see a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We recommend a consultation to determine the best course of action.
In addition, due to the fact that many seeking wrinkle treatments are on the older side, it may be helpful to space out treatments more to allow your skin plenty of time to heal between treatments. We’re happy to guide you in the right direction in terms of treatment volume and timing and various microneedling packages.
For General Skin Health
Microneedling results for general skin health are the fastest to appear. Once your first appointment is over, you’ll begin to see improvements in your skin. Over the next 7-14 days once your appointment is over, you’ll notice an improvement in the tone and texture of your skin.
how to treat breakouts after microneedling
Microneedling has long been a beloved treatment because it’s all-natural, using only the healing factors of your own body to give you skin that looks younger, healthier, and more vibrant. At RefinedMD, we recommend microneedling as a complement to virtually any other treatment—but it’s also a powerful procedure in its own right. You might not know exactly what’s happening below the surface after your microneedling treatment, and if you’re new to microneedling you might leave your first treatment thinking, “Is this it?” Absolutely not! Let’s look closer.
For starters, yes, your skin will be pink or red right after your treatment. This is completely normal and will go away on its own in the next few days. Just how red your skin gets will depend on skin sensitivity and exactly which microneedling device is used. However, most clients still feel comfortable going about their daily lives looking like they got a bit too much sun. Remember that microneedling creates hundreds or even thousands of tiny pin pricks in the skin. These are invisible to the naked eye, but your skin is going to respond! It would be worrisome if it didn’t, because no response means your body isn’t going to start producing collagen at the treatment site.
Post-Microneedling Happenings
You might also notice that your skin feels dry and tight after the treatment. It’s important to follow up microneedling with some nourishing moisturizer, which can be added on to your treatment. Alternatively, you can care for your skin even more by scheduling an indulgence like DiamondGlow right afterward that will drench your skin in medical-grade serums.
Microneedling is not meant to be severely invasive, but bear in mind that it is technically a minimally invasive treatment. Pinpoint bleeding can happen for some patients, but this is typically so slight and brief that you might not see it. Microneedling is also usually described as feeling pretty comfortable, similar to microdermabrasion, but for those with very sensitive skin a topical numbing cream can be used.
Chemical Peel or Microneedling?
Surprisingly, some clients may notice light shedding or peeling in the days following their treatment. That’s just a sign of exfoliation, and it’s actually a good sign. It means that cell turnover is happening (which means collagen production is occurring) and that new skin is being created. In most cases, this exfoliation happens the day after microneedling and can make the texture look a bit dull. Skin that is pink and a bit sandy-looking is common for some clients in days 2 – 4 after the treatment.
Just like any time you’re kick-starting cell turnover with a treatment or skin exfoliation, your skin will be sensitive to UV rays. After all, microneedling damages the stratum corneum (top layer of the skin), which means you have to be even more careful with UV exposure. This is a great time to boost your sun protection regimen and talk with us about a recommended SPF 30 or higher medical-grade sunscreen for you.
Microneedling Basics
Sometimes skin can look slightly swollen after microneedling. This is due to the natural and mechanical injury of the treatment. Degree of swelling (if any) will depend on skin sensitivity and the aggressiveness of the treatment. When swelling does occur, it is subtle and subsides in about three days. A cold compress can help reduce swelling, brings down inflammation, and can feel amazing.
You might notice skin feels rough after microneedling, too. This could be due to the shedding, swelling, or both. For some patients, some visible marks might be apparent, though these are typically light. No need to worry, because anything “off” you notice on your face after microneedling is temporary and will clear up in a few days. Those prone to acne breakouts might also experience a flare-up, especially if you currently have active acne lesions at the treatment site. Microneedling can help with acne scars, but it can also spread the bacteria that causes acne. If you do have acne, bear in mind that acne is a medical condition. Talk with your dermatologist about acne treatments, because there is definitely a solution for you.
How long does microneedling take to work on acne scars
If you’ve ever suffered from moderate to severe acne during your life, you are likely to have the acne scars or pockmarks to prove it. Many adolescents and adults will try just about anything to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, from topical treatments to at-home face masks and serums. However, when it comes to skincare treatments that reduce the appearance of acne scars, an expert board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, should be your first destination.
Experts throughout the dermatology industry agree that microneedling is one of the best non-invasive methods to reduce the appearance of depressed post-acne scars, commonly referred to as ice pick scars, rolling scars, and boxcar scars. Microneedling treatment, also referred to as collagen induction therapy, is administered via small handheld devices with tiny needles that are applied to the surface of the skin to stimulate new collagen and elastin production in the skin. Collagen and elastin are natural components of the skin that are responsible for youthful, smooth looking skin. Encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin can work to essentially “fill in” areas of depressed acne scars, as well as help with getting rid of the appearance of skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Microneedling is safe for all skin types and skin tones and, over time, successfully smooths the surface of the skin and reduces the appearance of scars and fine lines with minimal downtime post-treatment. For her patients, Dr. Green often combines microneedling with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) to achieve the best cosmetic rejuvenation.
If you’re frustrated by the appearance of acne scars, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in New York is here to help you. Dr. Green is an expert in treating active acne, reducing acne scars, and performing laser treatments, microneedling, and other non-invasive anti-aging procedures like Botox injections and dermal fillers. With over 25 years of experience in treating patients with acne and acne scars, in her discreet, private office, Dr. Green is consistently voted as one of the best dermatologists in NYC by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine. Whether your concern is the redness from acne scarring, textural irregularities in skin, or hyperpigmentation or discoloration from acne breakouts, Dr. Green can help rejuvenate and improve your skin tone and texture, in patients with all skin tones.
What is Microneedling treatment for acne scars?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a proven treatment method used to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, fine lines, and stretch marks. This treatment modality ultimately relies on controlled trauma through the use of fine needles that are pressed into the skin. These needles penetrate through the epidermis of the skin and in turn stimulate the natural healing process of the skin. In this way, the body is able to produce new collagen and elastin in the body, reducing the appearance of textural irregularities like scars and lines on the skin, as well as improving skin tone and radiance, without the need for recovery time, unlike invasive plastic surgery procedures. It’s an innovative method for improving skin conditions on a variety of skin types, and has been proven to actively increase the production collagen in Fitzpatrick skin types I, III, and VII according to a pivotal study published in the US National Institute of Health (NIH; J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015 Jul; 8(7): 36–42).
How does Microneedling help acne scars?
Microneedling devices work through the use of tiny needles that make pin-pricks in the skin. When these fine needles break the skin slightly, the subsequent damage helps to promote new collagen production within the dermis. As the skin heals, new collagen is generated by the body’s own natural processes. When this happens, the pre-treatment damage from acne is reduced and new skin is generated, promoting skin texture rejuvenation. During treatment, numbing cream is typically applied prior to the microneedle treatment, to ensure that any potential discomfort is reduced to a minimum. Microneedling treatment can also be combined with rejuvenating or restorative serum application that is absorbed through micro-channels in the skin, such as Vitamin-C Serum, or other de-pigmentation solutions, for facial hyperpigmentation, as well as with platelet-rich plasma treatment (PRP) for skin rejuvenation.
Microneedling before and after – 6 months
Does Microneedling help acne scars? Is microneedling worth it for acne scars?
When patients ask “is microneedling good for acne scars,” the answer is yes! Microneedling is often used as an anti-aging skin care treatment but can also be used to help treat certain acne scarring issues. There are several different types of acne scars, including boxcar, rolling, and icepick scars. With acne scarring, as with other dermatologic skin conditions, the specific type of scar will determine the best treatment.
Atrophic acne scars are scars that take the form of depressions or dents in the skin. This type of acne scar results from a loss of collagen within the skin itself. Therefore, to treat this kind of acne scar, we turn to methods to replace this lost collagen. Microneedling is one of the best methods that Dr. Green recommends for this type of acne scarring. Additionally, skin needling is often combined with dermal fillers in order to increase volume within the skin and further reduce the appearance of atrophic acne scars or fine lines. Patient satisfaction for acne scar reduction through microneedling is quite high, as there is no discomfort, negligible downtime, and great improvement in the skin’s overall complexion with glowing and radiant results. Patients with acne scars, and particularly with atrophic acne scars, find that microneedling treatment provides them with smoother and healthier skin, making the process of having microneedling absolutely worth it!
What is the process of Microneedling treatment?
If you would like to eliminate your acne scars, fine lines, or stretch marks, microneedling treatment could be the best option for you. You will start with a consultation with Dr. Green where the two of you will discuss the best course of treatment as well as your aesthetic goals. During the consultation, it is important to disclose if you have active acne outbreaks, experience rosacea or eczema, or are any other medical conditions. Dr. Green will review all past medical and cosmetic history and determine if microndeedling is the best course of treatment for you.
When you arrive for your appointment, the microneedling itself will only take about 15 minutes. You will be prescribed a topical numbing cream to apply at home to the treatment area, one hour before your scheduled appointment, to minimize any potential discomfort. The microneedling is done using a small, hand-held device with small needles that sweep over the selected areas of your skin. It is these small pinpricks which encourage the production of collagen, and improves the appearance of your acne scarring. Following the microneedling, Dr. Green may apply a solution such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or Vitamin-C serum to further stimulate the recovery process. Microneedling can also be combined with other treatments such as dermal fillers, which helps to create more volume in the face and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Alternatively, Dr. Green may alternative treatment with radiofrequency lasers, such as Vivace or eMatrix lasers, to treat your acne scarring. This unique combination approach, developed by Dr. Green, will help improve the elasticity and firmness of your skin.
What is the aftercare for Microneedling?
Microneedling is a very safe, non-invasive procedure and as a result there is no downtime necessary following the treatment. The lack of down time is just one reason why so many patients are drawn to microneedling over other more invasive procedures. Because there is no recovery time needed after the procedure, patients can immediately return to their regularly scheduled activities. The day of the treatment, you may experience some redness and irritation on the skin that should go away within a day or two. The risk of any side effects other than slight irritation to the skin is minimal. The pricks created by microneedling are small and will close soon after the procedure, so the risk of infection is extremely low.
It is very important to note, however, that your skin will be very sensitive to the sun following the microneedling treatment. Dr. Green strongly recommends that you are careful to limit sun exposure and be sure to where sunscreen when you do go outside. In addition, it is important to discontinue any retinoids, retinols, alpha hydroxy acid creams, or any exfoliating products for one week after microneedling. Regular use of a gentle cleanser, Vitamin C serum, moisturizer, and sunblock, will allow the skin to heal and promote your facial rejuvenation.
How soon will I see results? Do acne scars come back after microneedling?
After the microneedling treatment, you may start to see some improvements right away though for the most part, the collagen production and healing process occurs gradually. You will see more improvements in the weeks after the microneedling and even more so after each follow up session. Dr. Green generally recommends at least three microneedling sessions spaced one month apart, with maintenance sessions scheduled every six months to have the best cosmetic results. For deeper acne scars, more treatment sessions may be indicated and may be done in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels, dermal fillers, or laser rejuvenation. After having microneedling treatments, your acne scars will not come back. As part of the natural aging process, you may lose some volume overtime, making residual scars somewhat more noticeable. However, your microneedling treatments will make your skin smoother in the long-term.
How many sessions of Microneedling do I need for acne scars?
The answer to how many microneedling sessions for acne scars are needed varies depending on the severity and size of the acne scars being treated. In general, the microneedling approach is designed to reduce the skin’s natural “memory” of scarring, and in turn rejuvenate the skin without creating any scar formation or tissue damage. The ability to rewire this “memory” process also helps microneedling to treat age spots, melasma, and mild hyperpigmentation. In order to fully refresh the skin’s surface, this process does typically require several microneedling sessions. Typically, Dr. Green will recommend six microneedling sessions to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, but of course this varies depending on the skin condition of each individual patient. When you first meet with Dr. Green for a consultation, the two of you will work together to determine the treatment schedule that is right for you.
Which skin types are best for Microneedling acne scars? Is microneedling effective for acne scars?
Microneedling is an effective acne scar treatment for all skin types and tones. It relies on the body’s ability to create new collagen in order to heal pre-existing scars, so skin type does not change the success of the treatment. However, the type of acne scar and amount of inflammation is an important factor when determining if microneedling is right for you. If you have active breakouts, experience rosacea or eczema, or are currently pregnant, microneedling is unlikely to work for you. In these cases, there are other non-invasive treatment options available that are much more effective. During your consultation with Dr. Green in her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your primary skin concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan that is catered to you and your skin. Dr. Green’s goal is always to provide the most effective, efficient cosmetic treatments for patients that will produce optimal results without involving any downtime.
How many Microneedling sessions are needed for acne scars?
On average, Dr. Michele Green recommends 4 to 6 treatments to treat acne scars. Depending on the depth of these scars, additional treatments may be necessary. If there is significant collagen and volume loss, Dr. Green will often combine microneedling with subcision and dermal fillers. Patients safely undergo microneedling for acne scarring once every 4-6 weeks. You will need to wait at least four weeks to ensure that the skin has healed and the process of new collagen stimulation has started. Dr. Green will work with you to determine the optimal treatment for you, depending on your particular cosmetic needs and your type of acne scars.
Before & After photo of patient with PRP, V-beam and Microneedling treatment
Does microneedling really work for acne scars? Does microneedling get rid of acne scars?
If you’re doubtful in regards to how microneedling treatments work for acne scars, be assured: microneedling is an effective and clinically proven treatment when it comes to optimally reducing the appearance of unsightly acne scarring. In a study from the NIH, patients who received five microneedling treatments to treat moderate acne scars experienced improved skin health, measurable scar reduction and, in some cases, a near-complete disappearance of acne scarring. Patients often combine traditional microneedling with vitamin C micro-channel infusion or PRP to maximize the effectiveness of this restorative treatment.
Further, when Dr. Green combines microneedling with other cosmetic treatments such as Vivace radiofrequency or eMatrix laser, the benefits of microneedling can be even further enhanced. Radiofrequency energy can be used to improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin, and penetrate the dermal layers of skin that may not be treated with microneedling alone. In addition, these complementary laser treatments will stimulate new collagen production and improve both the tone and texture of the skin. These laser treatments are safe and effective in patients of all skin types, including Fitzpatrick types 4 and 5 skin. With a skilled, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York, microneedling treatments can be absolutely transformative and get rid of acne scars once and for all.
How long does microneedling last for acne scars?
Microneedling is designed to apply controlled trauma to the skin in order to induce the natural healing process of skin. This means that, during microneedling, new collagen fibres are formed, which results in firmer, smoother and stronger skin. This means that the scars that were improved through microneedling should not return.
It’s important to note that microneedling is not the best acne scar treatment for everyone. For example, if you have active acne and are still susceptible to acne breakouts and pimples, this should be addressed prior to a microneedling session. If you are still suffering from acne there are a range of dermatology treatments that can help with this, too. Be sure to disclose this information during your consultation with Dr. Green and she will help make a determination about the treatment that will best serve your needs.
Can Microneedling make acne scars worse?
Many patients worry that the trauma caused to the skin during microneedling procedures can make acne scars worse. Thankfully, properly administered microneedling will not worsen the appearance of acne scars. The effect of microneedling treatment on the skin activates the skin’s natural healing processes, and therefore is an excellent way to heal and restore skin that has atrophic acne scarring.
For those who have inflamed skin or other types of acne scars, other cosmetic skincare treatments may be more effective, but worsening the appearance of acne scars is not a concern when working with an expert in microneedling treatment, such as Dr. Green. However, taking care of skin post-treatment is a crucial part of microneedling for acne scars. Patients must be very cautious when it comes to sun exposure during a microneedling treatment plan, as the skin will be highly sensitive in between sessions. Dr. Green recommends hyaluronic acid serum daily, along with an SPF 50 sunscreen, in order to avoid any irritation or sun damage both in between and post treatment.
Is microneedling permanent for acne scars?
When patients ask, does microneedling permanently remove acne scars, the answer is yes! Due to its ability to kickstart collagen production in the skin, microneedling treatment is extremely effective at permanently reducing or eliminating the appearance of atrophic acne scars. Microneedling allows the body’s natural healing processes to lead, which both breaks up the damaged skin due to acne scarring and restores elasticity and volume to the skin. The majority of patients experience drastic changes to the appearance of their acne scars that permanently improve the look and feel of their skin.
How much is Microneedling in NYC?
The cost of microneedling is dependent upon the skin condition and aesthetic goals of each individual patient, and varies depending upon the size of the treatment area, the expertise of your dermatologist, and the number of sessions needed to clear away acne scarring. The average cost of microneedling is approximately $600 per session with an experienced dermatologist. If Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) or a depigmentation solution is incorporated into microneedling, the procedure has an increased cost. The effect of microneedling treatment on acne scars is permanent, and is therefore an excellent alternative to more expensive and invasive acne scar removal procedures. Additionally, the risk of potential side effects is greatly reduced when you work with an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, for your microneedling treatment.
Which treatment is best for acne scarring?
Often, an active breakout of acne is easier to treat than the appearance of acne scars that have been left behind afterwards. That said, effectively reducing the look of acne scarring can take a significant amount of time. Although it may seem daunting to begin acne scar treatments, the good news is that there are a lot of procedures that are available that can be used to effectively treat acne scars, even to the point that they may no longer be noticeable. In addition to microneedling/ collagen induction therapy, there are a range of treatment options that are suitable for acne scarring. It is often beneficial for patients to take advantage of several treatment modalities, anyways, since acne can present itself in a range of different forms. Since there are multiple types of acne lesions, and every individual is unique, no two patients will develop scars in the same manner. Because every patient will experience acne scars in different ways, there is no singular “best” treatment method for acne scars. Instead, there are a range of different ways to tackle acne scarring including microneedling, PRP microneedling, laser treatment, subcision with dermal fillers, and chemical peels. You can find out more about the types of acne scar treatments that are available by visiting our main acne section. During your initial consultation with Dr. Green in New York City, you will discuss in depth your medical history, any cosmetic treatments you’ve previously undergone, your primary skin concerns, and your aesthetic goals. Dr. Green will then recommend the optimal treatment or combination of treatments that are best suited to you and your skin so you get the best long lasting cosmetic results.
What are the causes of acne scars?
Acne is a common medical skin condition that occurs as a result of clogged pores and inflamed sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are the glands in the skin at the base of a pilosebaceous unit that secrete sebum. Sebum is something that is essential, which keeps the skin healthy and moisturized. However, when the sebaceous glands become inflamed, the bacteria inside the glands multiply quickly and create excess inflammation in the skin. This results in a red, inflamed, irritated lesion which we call acne. Acne scars are caused when the inflamed acne breakout is filled with excess oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and sebum that causes the skin tissue to become damaged beyond repair.
Acne scars can range in size from surface area damage to deep damage to the skin tissue. For deeper scarring and delicate skin, it can be impossible for the skin to completely repair itself on its own since there is not enough collagen in the skin to fix the damage. This lack of collagen results in an atrophic scar, which is when the skin is depressed. The risk of developing acne scarring if you suffer from acne breakouts is relatively high. Within the approximately 50 million people who have suffered from acne at some point in their lives, about 40% reported developing acne scarring.
What are the different types of acne scars?
There are two main types of acne scars that a patient may develop. Atrophic scars and hypertrophic scars are the two varieties, atrophic being the more common. The two types of acne scars primarily differ in whether the damaged skin appears as raised or depressed. Hypertrophic scars create a raised appearance of the affected area as a result of too much collagen being produced in response to the skin tissue being damaged. Hypertrophic acne scars, also called keloids, actually tend to be much larger in surface area than the acne breakouts which initially caused them to appear. The second type of scarring that can occur is atrophic acne scars. Atrophic acne scars create a depressed appearance of the affected area of the skin as a result of a loss of collagen or the inability to create enough collagen as the breakout resolves and the skin heals itself. Atrophic acne scars typically result from acne pustules or cystic acne, both of which are types of acne that are inflamed and infected with bacteria. When the infected pus covers the skin, it can prevent the skin from being able to properly heal itself. Microneedling is a treatment best used for atrophic acne scars. Within the category of atrophic scars, there exists three subcategories to more accurately describe the type of scar. Icepick scars, boxcar scars, and rolling scars are the three types of atrophic acne scars. Dr. Green is an internationally renowned board certified cosmetic dermatologist, recognized and appreciated around the world for her holistic approach to treating acne and reducing the appearance of acne scars. Whether you present with atrophic acne scars, hypertrophic acne scars, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Dr. Michele Green in New York City can help.
What are some of the different treatments for acne scars?
Microneedling is just one of many acne scar treatment methods that Dr. Green offers as a part of her Upper East Side NYC dermatology practice. Microneedling may be used in conjunction with PRP and Vitamin C serums, and other treatment options, such as subcision with dermal fillers like Restylane and Juvederm injections. Other complementary cosmetic treatments for acne scars include chemical peels, HydraFacials, and laser treatments such as Fraxel Dual laser, eMatrix sublative rejuvenation laser, and Vivace RF microneedling. Chemical peels are used to exfoliate the outer layer of skin and help to produce new skin as the treated area heals. After a chemical peel treatment, acne scar blemishes will be reduced and the peel also diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, lightens dark spots, and generates smoother, brighter skin. Dr. Green will also recommend appropriate skincare to be used at home, as an adjunct to your acne or acne scarring treatment.
What is better for acne scars: lasers or Microneedling?
Both microneedling treatment and laser treatments can be used to treat acne scars to wonderful effect. Microneedling is best for those who do not have active acne breakouts or blemishes, and it is most effective for treating atrophic acne scars. Lasers, such as the Fraxel laser, eMatrix laser, and Vivace are an excellent solution for treating acne scars and often used as a complementary treatment by Dr. Green. Rejuvenating laser treatments, such as the eMatrix, Fraxel, and V-Beam lasers, are ideal options to treat acne scars.